Rep. Betty McCollum (D)

A. Resolve international and civil conflicts through diplomacy:

Engage diplomatically with other nations to resolve conflicts.

Rep. McCollum cosponsored (on 3/28/2023) and subsequently voted in favor of H.R.533: Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This bill establishes a statutory definition of Tibet that includes not only the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), but also areas outside of the TAR that have been designated by China's government as Tibetan Autonomous in Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. Furthermore, the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues shall work to ensure that U.S. government statements and documents counter disinformation about Tibet by China's government and the Chinese Communist Party. This bill also states that it is U.S. policy that the dispute between Tibet and China must be resolved in accordance with international law by peaceful means through dialogue without preconditions. The bill passed the House 392-28, with 11 members not voting, and has been referred to the Senate for consideration. – Feb. 15, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/533/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.3202, the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023. This bill prohibits federal officials or employees from taking any action to recognize a Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad. The bill also expands existing sanctions related to the Syrian conflict to cover additional activities and persons or entities. This bill passed the House 389-32. - February 14, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3202/

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act. This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on foreign financial institutions and international financial institutions that process, participate in, or facilitate a transaction involving certain Iranian funds (namely, the approximately $6 billion of Iranian funds that the Biden administration permitted to be transferred from restricted accounts in South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatar to facilitate the release of five U.S. citizens detained in Iran). It passed the House 307-119, with 1 present and 8 not voting and has been referred to the Senate. - November 30, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5961

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.3774, the SHIP Act, a bill that requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against foreign persons that knowingly transport, process, refine, or otherwise deal in petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. The bill passed the House 342-69 and has moved on to the Senate for consideration. - November 3, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3774

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.589, the Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Accountablity Act. The MAHSA legislation requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) affiliated with Iran. This bill passed the House 410-3. - September 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/589

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.132. This resolution, which passed the House 414-2, mourns the loss of life in Turkey (Turkiye) and Syria caused by the earthquakes in Turkey on February 6, 2023. The resolution also (1) applauds the work of humanitarian aid and rescue workers on the ground; and (2) condemns the efforts by the Assad regime of Syria to exploit the disaster to evade international pressure and accountability, including by preventing the United Nations from providing assistance through border crossings between Turkey and Syria. - Feb. 27, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/132/

Rep. McCollum voted yes to H.Res.104: Condemning the Chinese Communist Party's use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. This resolution passed the House 419-0. – Feb. 9, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/104/

Rep. McCollum became an original cosponsor of H.Res.100: Expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran, and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government. This resolution has been referred to House Foreign Affairs. - Feb. 7, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/100/

Rep. McCollum voted against H.Con.Res.9, which passed the House 328-86 and has moved on to the Senate. This concurrent resolution denounces socialism, cites historical and current examples of harm caused by socialism, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. – Feb. 2, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/9

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Amdt.34 to H.R.21, the Strategic Production Response Act. This amendment required that the plan contained in the bill will not result in the sale of petroleum products drawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Iran, China, North Korea, or Russia. The amendment passed 418-12 and H.R.21 passed the House 221 - 205. - Jan. 26, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/house-amendment/34

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Con.Res.7, which passed the House 420-1. This concurrent resolution, which has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expresses support for the women and men of Iran who are (1) participating in the current protests to defend their fundamental human rights, and (2) risking their safety to speak out against the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime. The resolution condemns (1) the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini; and (2) the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of women and men participating in the current demonstrations, including children, and calls for transparent accountability for all killings of protesters by Iranian security forces. Finally, the resolution encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests, including the recent sanctioning of the Iranian morality police. - January 25, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/7

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.22, Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. It passed the House 331-97 and has moved on to the Senate. - Jan. 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/22/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.11 - Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution authorizes the select committee to investigate and submit policy recommendations concerning the status of the economic, technological, and security progress of the Chinese Communist Party and its competition with the United States. The resolution passed the House 365-65. - Jan. 10, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/11/

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Con.Res.110 - Commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran demonstrating in more than 80 cities and risking their safety to speak out against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses. The resolution condemns (1) the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini; and (2) the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of women and men participating in the current demonstrations, including children, and calls for transparent accountability for all killings of protesters by Iranian security forces. Finally, the resolution encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests, including the recent sanctioning of the Iranian morality police. This resolution was reported out of committee on 12/07/2022. - October 21, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/110

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of S.3895, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act. The purpose of the commission is to investigate and evaluate threats to, and violations of, religious freedom around the world; its activities include putting certain countries on a “Special Watch List” or designating them as “countries of particular concern” with respect to religious freedom. This bill, which had previously passed the Senate, passed the House 402-4 and was subsequently signed into law by the President. – Sept. 19, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3895

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.720, which passed the House 409-18. This resolution condemns the terrorist attacks and violence carried out by ISIS-Mozambique in the Cabo Delgado Province and urges the government of Mozambique to take actions to counter violent extremism and protect its citizens. - July 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/720

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Con.Res.59, a concurrent resolution condemning the October 25, 2021 coup in Sudan and standing with the people of Sudan. This bill recognizes the Prime Minister and his Cabinet as the constitutional leaders of Sudan’s transitional government and calls for Sudan’s military junta to release individuals detained in connection with the coup, return the country to constitutional rule, and lift the state of emergency. It also calls on international partners to impose targeted sanctions on the junta and suspend Sudan’s participation in regional multilateral organizations until there is a return to constitutional rule. The bill passed the House 417-7 and has been placed on the Senate calendar. - July 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/59/

Rep. McCollum is an original cosponsor of H.Res.1195. This resolution reaffirms the goals of World Refugee Day and the commitment of the United States to promote the safety and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers. - June 21, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1195

Rep. McCollum voted yes on H.R.7066, the Russia and Belarus Financial Sanctions Act of 2022. This bill requires financial institutions to take actions to ensure that any entity controlled by that institution complies with the required sanctions on Russia and Belarus. The bill, which passed the House 418-2, has been referred to the Committee on Housing, Banking, and Urban Affairs. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7066

Rep. McCollum voted yes on H.R.6899, the Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act of 2022. This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from engaging in any transaction involving the exchange of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) held by Russia or Belarus and requires Treasury to take actions to oppose financial assistance to Russia or Belarus. The bill, which passed the House 417-2, went on to pass the Senate on 9/21/2022 and was signed by the President on 10/4/2022, becoming public law. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6899

Rep. McCollum voted yes for H.R.6891, the Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022. This bill requires various financial entities to exclude Russian government officials from certain international meetings. The bill which passed the House 416-2, has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6891

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of S.812, a bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization. This bill passed the House unanimously 425-0 after passing the Senate by unanimous consent. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/833

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7314, the AXIS Act, which passed the House 394-3 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bill requires the State Department of State to periodically report to Congress on whether and how China's government, the Chinese Communist Party, or any other Chinese entity has provided support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7314

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7311, Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act, which passed the House 415-9 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations. This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress a strategy and implementation plan outlining U.S. efforts to counter Russia's malign influence and activities in Africa, and to provide annual updates on this plan. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7311

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.6930, the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act. This bill passed the House 417-8 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The legislation establishes a working group to determine the legal mechanisms that may be used to seize assets belonging to certain foreign entities affiliated with Russia's political leadership and addresses related issues. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6930

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.3344, the Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act, legislation which directs federal agencies to help Central and Eastern European countries improve the security of their telecommunications networks. This bill, which passed the House 366-60 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations, requires the countries receiving support to not use Chinese equipment. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3344

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.923, the Georgia Support Act, which passed the House 406-20. This bill, which has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations, requires sanctions on persons responsible for human rights violations in the Georgian regions that are occupied by Russia. It also requires the Department of State to report to Congress on various topics related to Georgia. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/923

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.496, the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act, which passed the House 421-4 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/496

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7108 which passed the House 424 – 8. This bill suspends normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. It also permanently authorizes the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions based on violations of human rights, and it revises the President's authority to impose these sanctions. This bill subsequently became public law. - March 17, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7108

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.6968, which passed the House 414 - 17. This bill prohibits the importation of energy products from Russia. It also permanently authorizes the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions based on violations of human rights, and it revises the President's authority to impose these sanctions. This legislation became public law on 4/8/2022. - March 9, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6968

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.956, Supporting the People of Ukraine, which passed 426-3. This resolution demands an immediate cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and expresses unequivocal support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also backs the continued use of sanctions to fully isolate the Putin regime economically and urges the United States and its allies and partners to deliver additional and immediate defensive security assistance to Ukraine. - March 2, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/956

Russian President Vladimir Putin's quest to remake the modern world order could have dire and wide-reaching consequences if left unchecked, McCollum said. "This is a historic moment," she said. "This is not a benign situation — this is a serious situation. And we haven't faced anything, I don't think, like this since the Cuban missile crisis." - Feb. 26, 2022 https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/2/klobuchar-mccollum-reflect-on-international-security-conference-focused-on-ukraine

In response to the news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rep. McCollum said: “Russia’s invasion of a peaceful Ukraine is an act of unprovoked military aggression that must be condemned,” Rep. Betty McCollum, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said. “The Biden administration, with the bipartisan support of Congress and our NATO and European allies, will respond in a united and decisive manner. The strongest possible sanctions must be imposed on Russian financial institutions, oligarchs, and political leaders by the U.S. and the international community. The world must make Vladimir Putin understand in explicit, unequivocal terms that his actions will have severe consequences. Having met with world leaders, allies, and parliamentarians many times during my service in Congress, never before have I witnessed such a unified stance like the one our democratic allies showed at the Munich Security Conference in response to Putin’s aggression. He will not divide us. My prayers are with the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom.” - February 24, 2022 https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/amy-in-the-news?ID=3D40F056-3DE1-41EB-B43A-52462776FB0F

Rep. McCollum became a cosponsor of H.Res.895, which strongly condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses stemming from Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis. - Feb. 7, 2022 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/895/text?r=1&s=3&format=txt ]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.1155, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which passed the House 428 -1. This bill, which Rep. McCollum cosponsored as of 6/01/21, imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. - Dec. 8, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.317 - Condemning the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being committed against Uyghurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups by the People's Republic of China. The bill passed the House 427-1. - Dec. 8, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted no on H.Res.760, which passed the House 382-40. This resolution expresses solidarity with the Cuban people, condemns Cuba's repression of peaceful protesters and journalists, and calls on Cuba to not arrest or detain peaceful protestors and to release all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained individuals. Further, it urges specified U.S. actions: working to expand internet access for the Cuban people; supporting the Cuban people’s inherent right to demonstrate peacefully; standing behind the aspirations of the Cuban people for the rights that they have been denied by the regime since 1959; assessing whether the United States can develop methods to allow remittances, medical supplies, and other forms of support from the United States to directly benefit the Cuban people in ways that alleviate humanitarian suffering without providing United States dollars to the Cuban military; and rallying the international community to join in condemning human rights abuses and honoring the Cuban people’s demands for freedom. - Nov. 3, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted no on S.1064, the RENACER Act, which passed the House 387-35. It had previously passed Senate (apparently without a vote) and went on to the President, who signed it into law. RENACER stands for “Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021”. The goal of the legislation is “To advance the strategic alignment of United States diplomatic tools toward the realization of free, fair, and transparent elections in Nicaragua and to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to protect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of the people of Nicaragua, and for other purposes.” Among the points listed - “The United States should align the use of diplomatic engagement and all other foreign policy tools, including the use of targeted sanctions, in support of efforts by democratic political actors and civil society in Nicaragua to advance the necessary conditions for free, fair, and transparent elections in Nicaragua.” - Nov. 3, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum is a cosponsor of the following immigration related legislation: Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2021 (cs 3/29/21), H.R.2237 Grace Act, Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act (cs 3/26/2021), and H.R.2766 Families Belong Together Act (cs 4/22/2021). All of these bill have since been referred to the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. - October 2021

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.4686 - Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021, which passed the House 403-17. This bill directs the President to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for acts to undermine democracy in Cambodia, including acts that constituted serious human rights violations. - September 28, 2021 [congress.gov]

Here’s an excerpt from the press release that Rep. McCollum issued just before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack: “We must remain vigilant to the threats facing our nation, both foreign and domestic. Together let us look to the future with hope and resolve that we will embody the lessons that unified us in those fateful days, weeks, and months following 9/11 and stand together in the face of terror to defend our values: our commitment to freedom, our shared sense of purpose, and our pursuit of liberty and justice for all. That’s what makes us Americans. We will defend against those who would seek to extinguish our ideals. - Sept. 10, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-20th-anniversary-911]

Rep. McCollum released a statement today after the Pentagon confirmed at least 12 U.S. service members were killed and at least 15 wounded in an attack outside the Hamid-Karzai Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan:“The attack that tragically killed 12 U.S. service members and numerous Afghan civilians demonstrates that Afghanistan, beyond the perimeter of the Kabul airport, is a state controlled by terrorists. With limited options to sustain the evacuation of Americans and allies, the Taliban must be held responsible for the well-being and immediate safe passage of all American citizens seeking evacuation. The Biden administration must deliver an unequivocal message to the Taliban that harm to any American citizen seeking evacuation will result in devastating military action.” - August 26, 2021 [full statement at: https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-kabul-terrorist-attack-killed-least-12-us-service-members ]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.256: To repeal the 2002 AUMF Against Iraq Resolution. The bill passed the House 268 – 161 and moved on to the Senate. - June 17, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum cosponsored [as of 2/25/2021] the NO BAN Act, H.R.1333, which imposes limitations on the President's authority to suspend or restrict aliens from entering the United States. The bill also prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions unless there is a statutory basis for such discrimination. Rep. McCollum voted in favor of this bill, which passed the House 218-208. - April 21, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum became a cosponsor of H.Res.118 - Expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government. This bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism. - April 1, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted “yea” on H.Res.134: Condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve Parliament to resume their duties. The resolution passed 398 – 14. - March 19, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of a group of 75 Democratic Members of Congress who sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take swift executive action to reverse the Trump Administration’s draconian policies towards Cuba, return to the diplomatic path charted by the Obama–Biden Administration, and pursue an ultimate end to the nearly six-decade-long economic embargo. - March 4, 2021 [https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases]

Rep. McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.R.256: To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. This bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. - Feb. 26, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Mcollum was one of over 50 members of Congress to sign a letter to Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt urging Egypt to free prisoners of conscience. “ Upholding fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the U.S. and Egyptian constitutions and international law is essential to the U.S.-Egyptian partnership, as well as to state-society relations that form the bedrock of legitimate and stable governance. The wrongful imprisonment of prisoners of conscience and other gross violations of human rights fundamentally undermine that partnership and those relations.” – October 19, 2020 [votesmart.org]

On March 11, 2020, Rep. McCollum voted in favor of S.J. Res. 68, a joint resolution to direct removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. The resolution passed the House 227-186 after having previously passed the Senate. However, President Trump vetoed it on May 6, 2020. (congress.gov & govtrack.us)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 83: Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. The resolution passed 224-194. – Jan. 9, 2020 (govtrack.us)

Rep. McCollum released the following statement after President Trump ordered a strike that killed the Iranian commander Suleimani: “President Trump’s decision to assassinate Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani inside Iraq will have severely negative consequences on U.S. interests around the world and puts a target on every American – military and civilian – in the region. Further, it strengthens the Iranian regime’s domestic hold on power, and empowers Iranian-backed elements in Iraq to create more chaos. Americans now know that 17 years of war in Iraq was based on a manufactured lie touted as ‘credible intelligence,’ and I fear that President Trump is creating his own rationale for war with Iran.” – January 3, 2020 [mccollum.house.gov]

2019:

Representative McCollum voted “Yes” to NDAA amendments to repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMF. She also voted “Yes” to the Khanna-Gaetz “No War with Iran” amendment. – 07/19

-Rep. McCollum co-sponsored HR 1274, Calling for Repeal of the Authorization of the Use of Military Force. – 2019

-Rep. McCollum cosponsored HR.2829 to clarify that Congress has not provided authorization for the use of military force against Iran. – 2019

-Rep. McCollum cosponsored HR 2354, Preventing Unconstitutional War with Iran. – 2019

Rep. McCollum co-sponsored H.R. 669, Restricted First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2019. – Jan. 17, 2019 [congress.gov]

2014:

-In her statement for the record in opposition to the McKeon Amendment to H. J. Res. 124, Rep. McCollum stated her support for US military assistance and action in defeating ISIL short of committing ground troops. – Sept. 17, 2014 [mccollum.house.gov]

-I want President Obama to conduct airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and in Syria if need be. I want Iraqi forces trained and equipped so they are confident and competent to take the fight on the ground to remove ISIL from Iraq. – 9/17/2014

-We should all expect that there will be some U.S. boots on the ground in Iraq and quite possibly Syria. Special operations forces, military trainers, and spotters to direct air strikes may all be required to enter the battle field at great risk…But a full commitment of U.S. troops on the ground to directly engage ISIL is unacceptable. – 9/17/2014

-Rep. McCollum has consistently voted with the minority for legislation that would prohibit the US military from new or continuing engagement in Middle East conflicts.

-Voted no on H Amdt 1141. Authorizing Aid to Syrian Opposition (adopted) It authorizes The Secretary of Defense to provide training, equipment, supplies, and other assistance to appropriately vetted Syrian opposition groups and individuals to e.g. protect the Syrian people from attacks by groups like ISIL. (9/17/2014)

-Voted yes on an amendment (rejected) to HR 4870 that prohibits funds appropriated through the bill’s provisions from being used for the purposes of conducting combat operations in Iraq. – 6/19/2014

-Voted yes on H Amdt 917 (rejected) that Prohibits the United States from Providing Weapons in Syria. – 6/19/2014

-Voted yes on an amendment to HR 4435 (rejected) that repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force granting the President the authority to use all “necessary and appropriate force” against those deemed responsible for the September 11th attacks. – 5/21/2014

Promote stability by replacing US military aid with development aid.

Rep. McCollum, together with several congressional colleagues from Minnesota, sent a letter urging United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power to support Somalia as it rebuilds from widespread and disastrous flooding. “We write to express concern for the victims of the ongoing flood disaster in Somalia and urge USAID to focus its efforts on assisting the affected population,” wrote the lawmakers. “As of November 29, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that at least 2 million people have been affected, including 746,000 who have been displaced. Minnesota is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Somali immigrants and refugees, and many in the community have family in Somalia who have been affected by the flooding,” the lawmakers continued. “Our Somali community is working hard to send aid back to Somalia and bring national and international attention to the country’s plight, but federal assistance is needed.” – December 21, 2023 https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/klobuchar-smith-mccollum-omar-craig-and-phillips-urge-usaid-administrator-power-to-send-humanitarian-aid-for-flooding-in-somalia

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.8922, the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act. The main purpose of the bill is to halt removal of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. -- Sept. 20, 2022 htps://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8922

Rep. McCollum was mentioned in a news item in a Books for Africa newsletter. The note said that “BFA is proud to be named a Preferred Partner of the U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance Program.” Referencing Rep. McCollum, the note said that she “has been a long-time champion of Books for Africa and was key to establishing this partnership.” - “Celebrating a New Partnership” in The Power of a Book newsletter from BFA, mailed out fall 2022

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.7709, the Displaced Afghan Women and Girls Education Act of 2022. The purpose of this bill, which has been referred to the Education and Labor Committee, is to authorize programs to provide college scholarships and educational support to women and girls who have escaped Afghanistan and come to the United States. - May 10, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7709/

Rep. McCollum was one of the legislators who authored a letter calling on the Biden administration to urgently reverse U.S. policies contributing to imminent mass starvation and the current economic collapse of Afghanistan. The letter warned that the current policy of sanctions and freezing of assets could cause more civilian deaths in the coming year than the previous 20 years of war. - Dec. 20, 2021 [ https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-congress-call-biden-reverse-us-policies-contributing-afghanistan-s ]

Rep. McCollum was part of a group of lawmakers who signed a letter to President Biden, asking him to take immediate actions to suspend U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people. “We also support a more comprehensive shift to deepen engagement with Cuba and move towards normalization of U.S.-Cuba relations”, wrote the legislators. Specific recommendations were made such as: removing licenses required to send medical supplies, lifting restrictions on financial transactions related to humanitarian aid, removing restrictions on remittances, rolling back restrictions on travel to Cuba, and removing Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism after a new review. - Dec. 14, 2021 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1577134/letter-to-joseph-biden-president-of-the-united-states-of-america-support-human-rights-and-humanitarian-needs-in-cuba]

Rep. McCollum signed a letter urging the Biden administration to grant TPS or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure) status to Cameroon due to a humanitarian crisis and civil war. - Nov. 2, 2021 [ https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1583006/ ]

Rep. McCollum released a statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4373, the FY 2022 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill: “This bill invests in global health, which will be especially important as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to prevent future pandemics,” McCollum said. “Increased funding to improve child and maternal health, provide humanitarian assistance and reduce poverty, and protect wildlife and biodiversity amid the climate crisis are critical investments in our shared future. This bill will help create a more stable world for current and future generations.” In total, the bill provides $62.24 billion for diplomatic and development global humanitarian and national security priorities. Portions of the bill concerning food security, AIDS relief, global heallth, water quality, and climate change include wording authored by McCollum. - July 28, 2021 [press release @ https://mccollum.house.gov/]

Rep. McCollum introduced H.Res.1171 – Recognizing the instrumental role United States global food security programs, particularly the Feed the Future program, have played in reducing global poverty, building resilience and tackling hunger and malnutrition around the world, and calling for continued investment in global food security in the face of the economic impact of COVID-19. – 10/01/2020 [congress.gov]

2019:

Rep. McCollum signed a bipartisan letter from over 80 lawmakers to Mark Green, Admin. of the U.S. Agency for International Development, urging him to continue funding for demining programs in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh, a disputed territory that lies within Azerbaijan). The letter was sent in response to the USAID’s recent decision to end all support for humanitarian landmine clearance in the traditional boundaries of Artsakh at the end of 2019. As a side note, for FY 2018 and FY2019, US military aid to Azerbaijan increased significantly, but then decreased considerably for FY2020. – August 6, 2019 [votesmart.org, House press release, and securityassistance.org]

2015:

-Nuclear Deal with Iran Makes America and the World Safer

-(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement in response to the announcement of a diplomatic deal between the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and Iran to limit Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapon.

-Denying Iran the ability to continue to develop a nuclear weapon with this verifiable agreement is a diplomatic triumph which enhances U.S. and global security. This agreement is the only alternative to an escalating, dangerous nuclear arms race that threatens the security of the American people.

Unfortunately, critics in Congress, along with Republican presidential candidates, have started down the dangerous path of working to undermine this agreement to score partisan political points. If allowed to succeed, these hardliners threaten our national security by increasing the probability that Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon.

With regard to Israel, the U.S. has an unshakable strategic commitment to the security of the Israeli people. This agreement does nothing to diminish Israel’s security. In fact, this agreement guarantees that Israel remains the only power with nuclear weapons in the Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ceaseless effort to undermine President Obama and an important national security priority only harms the U.S.-Israeli partnership.

I applaud President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and Secretary Moniz for their tireless commitment to advancing America’s national security through diplomatic engagement. While there certainly remain issues beyond nuclear non-proliferation, such as the detention of innocent American citizens and on-going support for terrorist organizations, that requires action by Iran if improved diplomatic relations with the U.S. are to be achieved, this nuclear agreement has my support. If Congress decides to disapprove of the agreement I will vote to sustain President Obama’s veto. – Press Release 07.14.15

2012 – 2014:

Rep. McCollum has consistently supported a diplomatic resolution to the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program. She has signed the following letters to the President urging diplomacy with Iran while using the sanctions in place as leverage to conclude a deal.
– Pastor/DeLauro letter calling for continued robust diplomacy with Iran. – Feb. 12, 2014
– Dent/Price letter stating it would be prudent for the U.S. to utilize all diplomatic tools to reinvigorate ongoing nuclear talks. – July 19, 2013
-Ellison/Jones letter asking that he utilize all available tools of diplomacy to resolve the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program and prevent another costly war in the Middle East. – Feb. 2012

2011:

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the so-called Iran Threat Reduction Act which calls for severe indiscriminate sanctions as well as an anti-diplomacy provision that prohibits U.S. government employees in any official or unofficial capacity from contacting anyone who is affiliated with the Iranian government and who presents a threat to the United States or is affiliated with terrorist organizations. – 12/14/11

Support resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict through determined, balanced and multilateral diplomacy.

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023: To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities. This bill passed the House 320-91 and has been referred to the Senate. - May 1, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6090/

Rep. McCollum was one of 57 House Democrats who signed a letter to President Biden “to say: an offensive invasion into Rafah by Israel in the upcoming days is wholly unacceptable.” While the signers said that they welcomed the “Administrations’s efforts to dissuade the Israeli government from this military operation”, they went on to say: “We now urge you to enforce U.S. law and policy by withholding certain offensive weaponry or other military support that can be used for an assault on Rafah, including the offensive weaponry and aid already signed into law.” The conclusion of the letter states that: “Violations of international law frequently guarantee strategic failure. U.S. law and policy conditioning the use of security assistance on upholding human rights exists to protect both innocent lives and keep partner governments from disastrous missteps — it is vital to enforce their terms.” - May 1, 2024 https://jayapal.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Quill-Letter-L18047-Rafah-Letter-Version-3-05-01-2024-@-04-31-PM.pdf

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.883, which passed the House 377-44, with one vote of “present”. This resolution expresses the sense that the slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is antisemitic and must be strongly condemned. The resolution states that the slogan is divisive and does a disservice to Israelis, Palestinians, and all those in the region who seek peace. - April 16, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/883

Rep. McCollum cosponsored (on Jan. 16, 2024), and then voted in favor of, H.Res.966: Condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel. More broadly, this resolution condemns acts of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, including those acts committed by Hamas on and since October 7, 2023. The resolution also calls on all nations to criminalize rape and sexual assault and hold accountable all perpetrators of sexual violence, including state and non-state armed groups. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 418-0, with 1 vote of “present”. - February 14, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/966

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill failed in the House even though the vote vote was 250 Yes to 180 No, because a 2/3 majority was required.- Feb. 6, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7217

Rep. McCollum voted yes to H.R.6679: No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act. This bill imposes immigration-related penalties on certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are involved with terrorism or attacks against Israel. Under this bill, members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas or who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel may not be admitted into the United States. This bill passed the House 422-2, with 1 present and 6 not voting and has been referred to the Senate. - January 31, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6679/

Rep. McCollum voted “present” on H.Res.894: Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. One of the points of the resolution is that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism”. The resolution passed the House 311-14, with 92 members voting “present” and 17 “not voting”. - December 5, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/894/text

Rep. McCollum cosponsored (on 10/17/2023) and subsequently voted in favor of H.Res.793, which passed the House 414 - 0. This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families. - November 28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/793

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.888 - Reaffirming the State of Israel's right to exist. This resolution also (1) recognizes that denying Israel's right to exist is a form of antisemitism; (2) rejects calls for Israel's destruction; and (3) condemns the Hamas-led attack on Israel. The resolution passed the House 412-1 where one MOC voted “present” and 21 others “not voting”. – Nov. 28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/888/

Rep. McCollum was one of the signers of a letter to President Biden calling on his Administration to designate the Palestinian territories for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians present in the United States. “In light of ongoing armed conflict, Palestinians already in the United States should not be forced to return to the Palestinian territories, consistent with President Biden’s stated commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians,” the lawmakers wrote. - November 8, 2023 https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-jayapal-schakowsky-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-designate-palestinian-territories-for-temporary-protected-status-or-authorize-deferred-enforcement-departure-for-palestinians-in-us

Rep. McCollum voted against H.Res.845: Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. The resolution passed the House 234-188. - November 7, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/845/

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which would provide $14.3B in FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill passed the House 226-196, but it has stalled in the Senate. - November 2, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6126

After having cosponsored it on 10/11/2023, Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.771: Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. The resolution passed the House 412 - 10. - October 25, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/771/

In response to the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s evacuation order and calls for a complete siege of Gaza, Rep. McCollum was one of 55 members of the House who signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken asking them to, among other things, “communicate that Israel’s response in Gaza must be carried out according to international law and take all due measures to limit harm to innocent civilians.” - October 13, 2023 https://jayapal.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Letter-Expressing-Concern-on-the-Humanitarian-Situation-in-Gaza.pdf

Rep. McCollum voted “Present” on H.Con.Res.57 – Expressing the sense of Congress that (1) Israel is not a racist or apartheid state, that (2) Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and (3) the US will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel. The resolution passed the House 412-9 and has moved on to the Senate. Rep. McCollum also issued a press release statement explaining her vote, which included the following statements: * “As a long-time supporter of a two-state solution, I am deeply troubled by the record of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and actions of the Israeli government that run counter to this stated goal. For example, the Israeli government’s decision in 2018 to enact their Nation-State law, which restricts the rights of Palestinians. Or the lack of accountability for how Israel uses the $3.8 billion in annual security assistance provided by the United States.”—— * “As a Member of Congress, I have often criticized the policies of my own government. That does not make me anti-American. And criticizing the policies of the Israeli government does not make one antisemitic.” —— * “Attempting to silence conversations about Palestinian human rights and intimidate people who wish to have open and honest conversations about the mistreatment of the Palestinian people will only prolong this problem. I will not be silenced. I will keep speaking up against antisemitism, oppression, and hate in all forms.” —- * “ I vote ‘present’ on this resolution, because Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians deserve genuine steps forward on the goal of peace, not more division and political gamesmanship.” - July 18, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/57/ & https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-hconres57

Rep. McCollum has again introduced legislation to help ensure that US funds provided to Israel for security purposes are not used to violate human rights. The bill is H.R.3103: Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act. The legislation prohibits Israel’s government from using U.S. taxpayer dollars in the Occupied West Bank for the military detention, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention; the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and homes in violation of international humanitarian law; or any assistance or support for unilateral annexation of Palestinian lands in violation of international humanitarian law. The bill, which has 16 original cosponsors and 21 total cosponsors, has been referred to HFAC. – May 5, 2023 https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-reintroduces-defending-human-rights-palestinian-children-and-families

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.1525: Condemning antisemitism by public figures, a resolution which has been referred to several committees. - Dec. 15, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1525/

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.9291, which would require the FBI and the State Department to report on the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in the West Bank during an exchange of fire between Israeli security forces and Palestinians. The bill has been referred to HFAC. - November 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/9291

Rep. McCollum was one of the signers of a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The letter urged the Biden administration to engage with the Israeli government to prevent the eviction of roughly 1,000 Palestinians from their homes in the Masafer Yatta region of the occupied West Bank. - May 26, 2022 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1604627/

Rep. McCollum is a cosponsor of H.Res.1123 - Recognizing the Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights. This bill has been referred to HFAC. - May 16, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1123/

After the Israeli Defense Ministry issued a military order declaring six Palestinian civil society organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be “terrorist organizations", on October 22, Rep. McCollum stated: “I condemn this action to shut down legitimate civil society organizations advocating for Palestinian human rights. This is nothing more than an attempt to silence supporters of Palestinian rights. It is anti-democratic, and contrary to the values expected of a U.S. ally. I urge the Biden administration to immediately call upon the Israeli government to reverse their decision and restore these organizations’ ability to continue their important work. For years, I have worked with Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) to protect the rights of Palestinian children who are imprisoned in Israeli military detention facilities. I trust and value DCIP’s work advancing human rights. I stand with Amnesty International in challenging this decision.” Subsequently, Re. McCollum introduced H.Res.751: Condemning the repressive designation by the Government of Israel of six prominent Palestinian human rights and civil society groups as terrorist organizations. The bill has been referred to HFAC. - October 28, 2021 [congress.gov] & [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-designation-palestinian-civil-society-groups-terrorist]

Rep. McCollum became a co-sponsor of H.R.1456 - Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2021, on May 19, 2021. The bill has been marked up by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and ordered to be reported. - 9/30/2021 [congress.gov]

After the passage of the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act, Rep. McCollum stated: “Iron Dome is an Israeli missile defense system paid for by the American people. Today’s emergency bill appropriating up to $1 billion for Iron Dome was not requested by the Biden administration and it is in addition to the $500 million for Iron Dome and other Israeli missile defense programs already included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Appropriations bill… The funding in this emergency bill is limited to the replenishment of Iron Dome as a result of the May 2021 conflict with Hamas. While Iron Dome is critical to defending Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel, I have serious concerns as to whether these funds can even be expended with current Iron Dome production levels already at capacity. ...While Iron Dome saves innocent Israeli lives from Hamas rockets, innocent Palestinians who live under military occupation are regularly killed by Israeli security forces. These Palestinians have no ‘Iron Dome’ to defend themselves against Israeli human rights abuses, and Congress ignores Israel’s blatant violations of international humanitarian law, especially against Palestinian children. I voted to support today’s bill because it is intended to save lives. I remain absolutely committed to continuing my work to advance peace, human rights, and security for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel.” - Sept. 23, 2021 [ https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-hr-5323-iron-dome-supplemental-appropriations-act]

Rep. McCollum voted yes in favor of H.R.5323, the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. This bill provides $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The bill passed, 420 yeas to 9 nays. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of 73 House members who signed a letter to President Biden, outlining steps to undertake in regard to the Israel-Palestine situation to restore long-standing US policy, including among other things: reinstating the use of the term “occupied” to refer to the West Bank and Gaza Strip; ensuring that congressionally appropriated aid to the Palestinians is disbursed without undue delay; strongly opposing eviction of Palestinian families from their homes; insisting that Hamas stop rocket attacks against Israel. - June 23, 2021 [https://www.juancole.com/2021/06/congress-settlements-palestine.html]

“Everyone wants peace, but peace will not happen without clear limits placed on how Israel uses our aid. Now is the time to send a clear message to the Israeli government: Not one dollar more of U.S. military aid can be used to demolish Palestinian homes, annex Palestinian lands, and torture or kill Palestinian children,” McCollum told The Intercept, while emphasizing that she supports U.S. support for Israel’s Iron Dome, the U.S.-funded system that shoots down Palestinian-fired rockets. “Members need to decide if they want to talk peace and perpetuate conflict or if they want to really work toward reducing violence and conflict while actually taking a stand to advance human rights.” - May 14, 2021 [https://theintercept.com/2021/05/14/israel-democrats-aid/]

During a special hour in the U.S. House devoted to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Rep. McCollum delivered remarks. McCollum, who has influence over U.S. foreign military aid as chair of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, said she will continue to support funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system in this year’s spending bill. However, she criticized the billions of dollars in unconditioned military aid the U.S. sends Israel annually. “The unrestricted, unconditioned $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid … gives a green light to Israel’s occupation of Palestine because there is no accountability and there is no oversight by Congress,” McCollum said. “This must change. Not one dollar of U.S. aid to Israel should go towards a military detention of Palestinian children, the annexation of Palestinian lands or the destruction of Palestinian homes.” - May 13, 2021 [https://theintercept.com/2021/05/14/israel-palestine-congress-criticism-democrats/]

Rep. McCollum was one of 25 House members who signed a letter to Secretary of State Blinken urging him to take urgent action to prevent the displacement of Palestinians from their homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah. - May 12, 2021 [https://peacenow.org/]

Rep. McCollum introduced H.R.2590, the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act, building upon legislation she introduced in the 115th and 116th Congresses to promote the human rights and safety of Palestinian children. This legislation prohibits Israel from using U.S. taxpayer dollars in the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem for: the military detention, abuse, or ill-treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention; to support the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and homes in violation of international humanitarian law; or, to extend any assistance or support for Israel’s unilateral annexation of Palestinian territory in violation of international humanitarian law. “U.S. assistance intended for Israel’s security must never be used to violate the human rights of Palestinian children, demolish the homes of Palestinian families, or to permanently annex Palestinian lands,” McCollum said. “Peace can only be achieved by respecting human rights, especially the rights of children, and this includes the U.S. taking responsibility for how taxpayer-funded aid is used by recipient countries, Israel included. Congress must stop ignoring the unjust and blatantly cruel mistreatment of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation.” This legislation has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. - April 15, 2021 [press release at McCollum’s website and congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of 54 members of Congress who wrote to Secretary of State Pompeo in calling for resumption of Palestinian humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding programs, including funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), disbursing additional humanitarian assistance already appropriated by Congress, and restarting Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Management and Mitigation programming. “Resumption of humanitarian assistance and programming is imperative as we work to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza. Moreover, it is consistent with longstanding stated U.S. goals of promoting regional peace and stability.” - 12/4/2020 [votesmart.org]

Rep. McCollum responded to Mike Pompeo becoming the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit Israeli settlements: “Yesterday, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo issued official U.S. ‘country of origin’ labeling guidelines that grant legitimacy to Israel’s illegal settlements by requiring all products produced in Area ‘C’ of the occupied West Bank to be marked as ‘Product of Israel’ or ‘Made in Israel’ when exported to the United States. “Secretary Pompeo is once again flagrantly advancing the Israeli government’s effort to unlawfully annex Palestinian lands. This act effectively erases the longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy differentiating between Israel and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, territory occupied by Israel in 1967.” - November 20, 2020 [full statement can be found at Rep. McCollum's website under Media Center/Press Releases]

Rep. McCollum gave a speech to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People where she discussed her efforts to promote the rights of the Palestinian people: “In Congress, where Palestinian rights are ignored, I want the world to know that there are American political leaders who respect the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.” In her speech, Rep. McCollum stated that it was reading a 2013 UNICEF report, “Children In Israeli Military Detention” that opened her eyes. In 2017, Rep. McCollum introduced the first ever bill to promote or protect Palestinian rights. She also introduced such legislation in 2019 and 2020. She says, “While groundbreaking, my actions are actually quite limited. I am simply working to ensure that U.S. obligations under both U.S. and international law are respected and upheld.”- Nov. 12, 2020 [reported at mondoweiss.net where her full remarks can be found]

Rep.McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.Res.1173: Honoring the life, legacy, and example of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on the 25th anniversary of his death. -10/09/2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum introduced H.R.8050, the Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act, a bill to prohibit the United States from formally recognizing or providing U.S. aid to any area of the occupied West Bank annexed by the Government of Israel in violation of international law. “I want Palestinians and Israelis to have their human rights respected, their right to self-determination realized, and a future with peace, security, equality, and justice,” McCollum said. “Annexation is antithetical to these goals and will fuel instability, injustice, and an abhorrent system of apartheid. This is an intolerable outcome for Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans. I reject Israeli annexation. I condemn annexation. And I will work to ensure the U.S. does not support, defend, or legitimize any plan to illegally annex Palestinian lands.” – August 14, 2020 [mccollum.house.gov & congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum, along with 12 House colleagues, signed a letter which expressed deep concern over the planned annexation of occupied Palestinian territory by the Israeli government. Some of the concerns about implementing these plans are that it is a violation of international law and a war crime and that it will perpetuate and entrench human rights violations against the Palestinian people and lay the groundwork for an apartheid state. Quote: “Should the Israeli government continue down this path, we will work to ensure non-recognition of annexed territories as well as pursue legislation that conditions the $3.8 billion in U.S. military funding to Israel to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are not supporting annexation in any way. We will include human rights conditions and the withholding of funds for the offshore procurement of Israeli weapons equal to or exceeding the amount the Israeli government spends annually to fund settlements, as well as the policies and practices that sustain and enable them. . . .” – June 30, 2020 [letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo]

Rep. McCollum, along with 53 House colleagues, signed a letter to David Friedman, US Ambassador to Israel, asking him to condemn all acts of violence in the West Bank. The letter was prompted by concerns over an increase during the last two years in acts of violence perpetrated against Palestinians by residents of Israeli settlements. – June 11, 2020 [votesmart.org]

2019:

Even though she had been a cosponsor of the legislation, Rep. McCollum voted present on H. Res. 326, which expresses “the sense of the House of Representatives that only a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can ensure Israel’s survival as a secure Jewish and democratic state and fulfill the legitimate aspirations for a Palestinian state.” In her statement on how she would vote, she said, “The language added to H. Res. 326 stating an “ironclad commitment” to $38 billion in foreign military aid only highlights the contrast that there is no ironclad U.S. commitment to human rights or even providing the most basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people….This is the time to unequivocally support both the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, justice, equality, and human rights as well as Israel’s right to live in peace and security. U.S. aid must never be an “ironclad” blank check to any nation. I believe if U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to enable or support the military detention and torture of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the annexation of Palestinian lands there should be conditions on that aid – not cuts to aid, but conditions – as has been done to aid to the Palestinians.” The resolution passed. – 12.06.19
(congress.gov and mccollum.house.gov)

Rep. McCollum voted against H. Res. 246, Opposing efforts to de-legitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel. However, the resolution passed 398 – 17. – July 23, 2019 (congress.gov)

2017:

-Rep. McCollum sponsored H.R. 4391, which prohibits U.S. assistance to Israel from being used to support the military detention, interrogation, or ill-treatment of Palestinian children in violation of international humanitarian law or the use against Palestinian children of: (1) torture, inhumane, or degrading treatment; (2) physical violence or psychological abuse; (3) incommunicado or administrative detention; (4) solitary confinement; (5) denial of parental or legal access during interrogations; or (6) force or coercion to obtain a confession. -11/14/17

-Rep. McCollum joined 80 other House members in voting against H.Res 11 which criticized the Administration for abstaining from a UN Resolution condemning Israeli building of settlements in the West Bank. -January, 2017

2015:

-Rep. McCollum led a letter to State John Kerry urging the Department of State to prioritize Israel’s treatment of Palestinian children in the U.S. bilateral relationship with Israel.

Dear Secretary Kerry:

In 2013 the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a profoundly disturbing report entitled Children in Israeli Military Detention: Observations and Recommendations in response to the estimated seven thousand Palestinian children, ages 12 to 17, from the Occupied West Bank who during the previous decade were subjected to arrest, detention, interrogation, and/or imprisonment by Israeli army, police, and security agents. UNICEF initiated their report in response to concerns regarding the cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and punishment of Palestinian children while in the Israeli military detention system.

Israel’s military detention system targeting children is an anomaly in the world. In fact, UNICEF states, it is understood that in no other country are children systematically tried by juvenile military courts that, by definition, fall short of providing the necessary guarantees to ensure respect for their rights.

Based on international law and treaties, the UNICEF report makes 38 recommendations for action by Israeli officials while offering the following conclusion:
The ill treatment of children who come in contact with the military detention system appears to be widespread, systemic and institutionalized throughout the process, from the moment of arrest until a child’s prosecution and eventual conviction and sentencing.

The security interests of Israel are clearly a national security priority of the United States and the American people. There could be no more clear demonstration of American commitment to Israel than the more than $3 billion of U.S. taxpayer funds which are invested annually to ensure the security of the Israeli people. Nonetheless, respecting and defending the human rights of children, regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality, is a fundamental American value, as well as a priority for all Americans.

In 2014, Israel arrested a Palestinian American child who suffered physical violence and ill treatment while in an Israeli detention center. This incident only highlights our belief that the state sponsored abuse of children cannot be tolerated.

Earlier this year UNICEF issued a follow¬up report outlining areas where Israel has adapted, modified, or discussed changes to its system of military detention of Palestinian children. This is a positive step and a clear acknowledgement that legitimate human rights concerns exist. Progress to ensure Palestinian children’s rights are not abused is in the interest of the U.S., Israel, and the Palestinian people. We urge the Department of State to elevate the human rights of Palestinian children to a priority status in our bilateral relationship with Israel. Furthermore, we fully expect the State Department’s annual human rights report to address the status of Israel’s military detention system and treatment of Palestinian children. June, 2015

Representative McCollum has questioned the State Department about the possibility of Foreign Military Aid dollars going to the support or expansion of illegal settlements, and has called on the State Department to hold Israel accountable if she continues settlement expansion.

B. Build an infrastructure for peace and prosperity:

Develop and strengthen alternatives to military force such as civilian peacekeeping forces, diplomacy, mediation and conflict resolution, and significantly grow the US diplomatic corps.

Rep. McCollum cosponsored (on 11/13/2023), and then voted in favor of H.R.2766, the Uyghur Policy Act of 2023. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other persecuted minority groups from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Any such funds shall be used to facilitate the presence of human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of persecuted minority groups in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers, and that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular posts in China. This bill passed the House on 2/15/2024 by a vote of 414-6, and it has been referred to the Senate. - Feb. 15, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2766

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.1519, which passed the House 217-201. This bill sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8393) to enable the people of Puerto Rico to choose a permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status for Puerto Rico and to provide for a transition to and the implementation of that permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status. Rep. McCollum, who cosponsored the bill on 07/18/2022, voted in favor of H.R.8393, the Puerto Rico Status Act, which passed the House 233-191 and moved on to the Senate. This bill provides for a vote to be held on November 5, 2023, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Eligible voters would be given a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. - Dec. 15, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1519/ & https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8393

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.9497, the International Violence Against Women Act of 2022, which has been referred to House Foreign Affairs. - December 12, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/9497/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.4785: To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity. Among other things, the bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State and also requires the State Department to ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China. The bill passed the House 407-17 and moved on to the Senate. - December 1, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4785/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.833, which passed the House 409 – 17. This resolution urges the U.S. government, European Union, and other transatlantic partners to increase cooperation and support for Moldova's democratic development, economic and energy independence, and efforts to root out corruption, and reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/833

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.4133, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act. This legislation allocates funds for purposes such as (1) promoting citizen safety, security, and the rule of law in the Caribbean; (2) prioritizing efforts to combat corruption; and (3) promoting the rule of law in the Caribbean and countering influence from authoritarian regimes. This bill passed the House 340-86 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4133

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7276, the Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act. Its purpose is to direct the President to submit to Congress a report on United States Government efforts to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence and information related to war crimes and any other atrocities committed during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. This bill passed the House 418 – 7. - April 6, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7276

Rep. McCollum became an original cosponsor of H.Res.957 - Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women slated for Nov. 25, 2022. This bill has been referred to several committees. - March 1, 2022 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/957 ]

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.5665, Combating International Islamophobia Act. Its main purpose is: To establish in the Department of State the Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia that is presided over by a Special Envoy. The bill specifies that no funds pursuant to the bill may be used to promote BDS or to endorse a Muslim ban. Rep. McCollum also voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House on Dec. 14, 2021. - Dec. 13, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum became an original cosponsor of H.R.6204, Combating International Islamophobia Act, which has been referred to HFAC. This legislation would require the Department of State to establish an Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia - Dec. 9, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was signatory to a letter from members of the House calling for the Biden Administration to publicly increase pressure on Saudi Arabia to lift the blockade on Yemen. “We ask you to take additional steps to publicly pressure Saudi Arabia to lift this blockade immediately, unilaterally, and comprehensively,” the lawmakers wrote. “This must include guaranteeing that humanitarian and commercial imports can freely enter Yemen; entrusting security oversight to the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM); fully permitting flights in and out of Sana’a airport; and ensuring that and crossings for commercial and civilian traffic are permanently opened.” The lawmakers continued, “Every day that we wait for these issues to be resolved in negotiations is another day that pushes more children to the brink of death…We strongly support a comprehensive political settlement that addresses all aspects of the conflict, including a nationwide ceasefire, currency stabilization, and payment of government salaries. At the same time, a U.S demand to end the blockade must occur independently of negotiations, particularly given that recent Saudi bombings of Sana’a and the Houthis’ offensive on Marib have cast the fate of those talks into doubt.” - April 6, 2021 [https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2946]

Rep. McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.Res.196: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of taking a feminist approach to all aspects of foreign policy, including foreign assistance and humanitarian response, trade, diplomacy, defense, immigration, funding, and accountability mechanisms. This bill has been referred to committee. - March 8, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.1177, a bill to provide an earned path to citizenship, to address the root causes of migration and responsibly manage the southern border, and to reform the immigrant visa system, and for other purposes. This bill has been introduced and referred to committees. - Feb. 18, 2021 [congress.gov]

On 2/03/2020, Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.512: Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This resolution passed the House with near unanimity. - Dec. 7, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted yes on H. Res. 387: Condemning continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict. The resolution passed 378-7. – March 3, 2020 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R. 4331, The Tibetan Policy and Support Act. She had cosponsored the bill on 10/21/19. Its purpose is to modify and reauthorize the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002. This includes such provisions as: increasing diplomatic representation by establishing a US consulate in Lhasa; grants to NGOs to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historic preservation, health care, and environmental sustainability projects for Tibetan communities; pursuing collaborative efforts to monitor the Tibetan plateau, from which the PRC is diverting water; respecting the right of the Tibetan Buddhist community to choose its own spiritual leaders without the interference of the PR; and funds for programs to strengthen Tibetan governance. – 1/28/2020 (congress.gov/govtrack.us)

2019:

Rep. McCollum has cosponsored H.R. 5267, the International Violence Against Women Act, the purpose of which is to authorize the development and implementation of strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally. – 11/26/19 (congress.gov)

-Rep. McCollum co-sponsored HR 1004, Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela. – 2/06/2019

2015:

-Rep McCollum supports the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2015 (Co) that would create a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Peoples responsible for direct U.S. government efforts regarding the human rights of LGBT people. (1/28/2015)

2014:

-Rep. McCollum signed a letter to the President calling for his FY 16 budget request to include robust funding directed to further human rights of LGBT individuals around the world. Nov. 14, 2014.

2013:

-Rep. McCollum co sponsored a resolution calling on India to protect the rights and freedoms of religious minorities and asked the State Dept to continue denying an entry visit to Indian politician Narenda Modi. – Nov, 2013

2009:

– Representative McCollum co-authored a letter to speaker Nancy Pelosi urging an increase in aid to developing countries to defend against and mitigate the effects of climate change; supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act, calling it the “most important piece of energy legislation ever considered by Congress. – 6/17/09

-In a press release she stated support to reduce greenhouse emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and supported actions increasing funding for alternative energy sources, research and development.

Commit the US to strengthening the United Nations and approving agreements and treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that reduce the risk of war.

After cosponsoring the bill on May 2, 2023, Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.149: Condemning the illegal abduction and forcible transfer of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation. This resolution, which passed the House 390-9, also declares that illegal adoptions are contrary to the Genocide Convention (a 1948 treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly); (2) claims that Russia is attempting to wipe out a generation of Ukrainian children; and (3) asserts that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking, exploitation, child labor, gender-based violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death. – March 19, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/149/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Amdt.44 to H.R.21, the Strategic Production Response Act. The amendment would limit the plan where oil and gas leasing would be inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Accords. The amendment failed 199-229, while H.R.21 passed 221 - 205. - Jan. 27, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/house-amendment/44

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Con.Res.120. This bill, which has been referred to the House Oversight Committee, recognizes the anniversaries of several UN-sanctioned special days: the International Day of Peace (Sept. 21), Human Solidarity Day (Dec. 20), the International Day of Living Together in Peace (May 16), and other specified international days. The resolution also says that Congress encourages the continued commemoration of such days and supports appropriate activities on such days. - 12/07/2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/120

Rep. McCollum voted “NO” on H.Amdt.167 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 196-235, would have rescinded U.S. participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. - Feb. 3, 2022 [https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202227]

Rep. McCollum is an original cosponsor of H.Res.755: Expressing support for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow and reaffirming the United States commitment to international cooperation combating climate change. This bill has been referred to several committees. - October 28, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of 150 total signers who penned a letter to President-elect Biden urging diplomatic steps to return both Iran and the U.S. to JCPOA. “With respect to Iran, we agree that diplomacy is the best path to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, and facilitate our nation's reincorporation into the international community.” - 12/23/2020 [votesmart.org]

Rep. McCollum was one of over 100 House members who signed a letter to the Trump administration opposing its moves to scale back global health cooperation and urging it to reverse course. - October 14, 2020 [press release from Brad Sherman’s office]

Rep. McCollum was one of a group of over 100 lawmakers who signed a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper opposing the Trump administration’s February 2020 decision to restart using and producing anti-personnel landmines. According to justsecurity.org, “The United States has not used antipersonnel landmines since 1991, has not exported them since 1992, has not produced them since 1997, and has destroyed millions of mines from its stockpiles. ….. A total of 164 nations have signed or ratified the Mine Ban Treaty, including every member of NATO except the U.S., and key U.S. allies such as Australia and Japan. The treaty’s prohibition on assistance with use and other activities banned by the treaty has most likely contributed to the lack of U.S. use of antipersonnel mines over the past 30 years…. . Despite not joining the Mine Ban Treaty, the U.S. has never wavered from its first-place ranking as the world’s largest donor of global de-mining efforts. Such support has helped more than two dozen countries declare themselves free from these weapons, after completing clearance of known mined areas.” – May 6, 2020 [votesmart.org, Rep. McGovern press release, justsecurity.org, ]

2019:

Rep. McCollum is a cosponsor of H.R. 4722, the Support UNFPA Act, the purpose of which is to authorize contributions to the UN Population Fund, which supports reproductive and women’s health care, family planning and humanitarian assistance around the world. Annual US contributions to this fund have not been made for the last few years. -10/17/19 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Amdt. 527 to the H.R. 2500, the House version of the 2020 NDAA, which expressed “the sense of Congress that the United States should extend the New START Treaty with Russia and requires a series of reports on potential consequences if the treaty lapses.” – July 11, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Amdt. 530 to H.R. 2500, the House version of the 2020 NADA. This amendment prohibited “funding for missiles non-compliant with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty until the Secretary of Defense meets certain conditions.” 7/11/2019 (congress.gov)

2017-2018:

Rep. McCollum was one of the first four congresspersons to sign the ICAN Parliamentary/Legislative Pledge, committing herself to advancing the work of the UN’s Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which was adopted in July of 2017 and will go into effect in 2021 for those nations that have ratified it. – 2018 [http://www.nuclearban.us/who-has-signed-ican-pledge-in-us-congress/]

Rep. McCollum did not co-sponsor H.R.4415, which stated that it is U.S. policy to not use nuclear weapons first. This legislation did not advance to where it was voted on. – 2017-2018 [congress.gov]

2015:

Rep. McCollum voted against H.Amdt.226 to H.R.1735, an early version of the 2016 NDAA. Rep. Doug Lamborn’s (R-CO) amendment prevented Department of Defense funding from being used to implement the New START Treaty, an agreement between the U.S. and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals. Passed, 235-182. – May 15, 2015 (thescore.peaceactionwest.org)

2014:

Rep. McCollum voted no on an amendment to HR 4435(adopted) that prohibits funds appropriated to the Department of Defense from being used to implement the New START Treaty (2010). – 5/21/2014

2013:

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of Rep. Rick Larsen’s (D-WA) amendment, H.Amdt.161 to H.R.1960, an early version of the 2014 NDAA. This amendment would have reinstated funding cut by the committee for implementing the New START Treaty to reduce our nuclear arsenal. Failed, 195-229. – June 14, 2013 (thescore.peaceactionwest.org)

2007:

She has consistently supported START. Along with other house members, she signed a letter to the President to extend the START Treaty with Russia – (2007).

Representative McCollum voted to establish a Department of Peace and Nonviolence (2007) and has consistently supported development and diplomatic programs.

2003:

She received a rating of 100% by SANE (2003)

Commit to just and sustainable economic development strategies around the world.

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.54: Affirming the role of the United States in improving access to quality, inclusive public education and improving learning outcomes for children and adolescents, particularly for girls, around the world. This resolution has been referred to HFAC. - Jan. 24, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/54

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R.9340, the United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2022. This bill, which has been referred to several committees, would establish the United States Foundation for International Conservation to promote long-term management of protected and conserved areas. - Nov. 17, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/9340/cosponsors

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.1156, which was agreed to in the House by voice vote on 12/13/2022. This resolution expresses the commitment of the House of Representatives to complementing humanitarian assistance efforts and development programs through the continued implementation of the George McGovern-Robert Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program in order to address global food insecurity and create conditions for peace and stability. - 09/22/2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1156

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.1373: Honoring the life of Dr. Paul Farmer by recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to adopt a 21st-century global health solidarity strategy and take actions to address past and ongoing harms that undermine the health and well-being of people around the world. This bill has been referred to committee. - September 20, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1373

Rep. McCollum introduced (on 7/20/22), and voted in favor of H.R.8446, the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act. This bill passed the House 331-95 and has moved on to the Senate. - Sept. 29, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8446

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.1456, the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act. The bill passed the House 290-125. Rep. McCollum had been a cosponsor of the bill as of 5/19/2021. - September 19, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1456

Rep. McCollum is cosponsor of H.R.8057, the Reach Every Mother and Child Act, which has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill’s purpose is to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to implement policies to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child deaths globally. - June 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8057

Rep. McCollum voted yes on H.R.7081, the Ukraine Comprehensive Debt Payment Relief Act of 2022. This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to make efforts to secure debt relief for Ukraine. The bill, which passed the House 362-56, has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7081

Rep. McCollum cosponsored [as of 4/26/22], and voted in favor of, H.R.4693, the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act. This bill, which sets out programs and directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to carry out activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally, passed the House 384-44. It then passed the Senate by voice vote on 9/20/2022 and was signed by the president on 10/19/2022. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4693

Rep. McCollum voted “No” to amendments H.Amdt.163 and H.Amdt 168 to H.R.4521, the America Competes Act of 2022. These respective amendments, which both passed the House, require that (1) the Department of State provide an annual briefing to Congress on China's progress and efforts to meet emission goals and commitments; and that (2) the United States to seek to require the Chinese Communist Party to match emission cutting targets established by the United States. - Feb. 3 & 4, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4521/amendments

Rep. McCollum voted “YES” on H.Amdt.161 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 181-248, would have directed the State Department to report on the impact of US sanctions on innovation, emissions reduction, climate cooperation, and economic justice. - Feb. 3, 2022 [ https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202221 ]

Rep. McCollum voted “YES” on H.Amdt.165 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 175-255, would have required the Treasury Secretary to conduct an analysis of the humanitarian impact of the confiscation of the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank, as well as its impact on the political power of the PRC and other entities in the region, and any increase in illicit financial activities involving the PRC that may have occurred as a result. - Feb. 3, 2022 [ https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202225 ]

Rep. McCollum was one of 18 House members who sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging her to use the voice and vote of the United States at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to abolish the IMF’s surcharge policy, which requires countries with substantial or longstanding debts to the IMF to pay considerable fees on top of their debt servicing costs. - Jan. 10, 2022 [https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-garc-ocasio-cortez-and-jayapal-urge-secretary-yellen-oppose-imf]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.4111, the Sovereign Debt Contract Capacity Act, which passed the House 391-29. This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund to advocate for the fund to promote international standards and best practices with respect to sovereign debt contracts and to provide technical assistance to fund members. Such assistance should focus on lower middle-income countries in order to enhance their capacity to evaluate the legal and financial terms of sovereign debt contracts with private sector creditors. - October 25, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of the signers of a letter to Secretary of State Blinken and Treasury Secretary Yellen asking them to take steps, such as reviewing and modifying regulations, to encourage the free flow of information in Iran and to help circumvent the Iranian state’s online censorship and surveillance. - October 8, 2021 [https://www.niacouncil.org/news/bipartisan-letter-urges-biden-to-support-internet-freedom-in-iran/]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.1228, the Libya Stabilization Act, which passed the House 386-35. This bill provides statutory authority for a 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. The bill urges the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya. The Department of State must work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, and the Department of the Treasury must urge international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya. - Sept. 28, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum is a co-chair of the Global Health Caucus: “The United States plays a critical leadership role in addressing global health challenges, ending global hunger, and promoting sustainable economic development, especially as the international community starts to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rep. McCollum said. “Having been an original Co-Chair of this caucus 16 years ago, I’m proud to continue this work. It’s important for policymakers to be informed and prepared to take action against health threats like COVID-19 that impact communities at home and across the globe.” - June 15, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mccollum-and-rep-fortenberry-co-chair-bipartisan-global-health-caucus-117th]

Rep. McCollum became a co-sponsor of H.R.556, the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act - To prohibit the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This bill has been referred to the HFAC for consideration. - Jan. 28, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum co-sponsored H.R.7954, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Reauthorization Act. This bill extends through FY2025 authority for debt-for-nature swaps and debt buyback programs that reduce or convert debt obligations from eligible countries to the United States into funding for nature conservation and protection efforts in that country. This bill passed the House on 11/18/2020. – September 23, 2020 [congress.gov]

“As the world’s most powerful country, the United States has a responsibility to aggressively pursue initiatives that alleviate poverty, promote democracy and human rights, improve lives, and stabilize communities in the developing world. Accounting for only one percent of the overall federal budget, America’s modest commitment to foreign assistance and diplomacy supports proven strategies like long-term development, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance. In Congress, I have worked to advance a robust American leadership role in advancing international development, global health, and human rights. As the co-chair of the Global Health Caucus, I have championed legislation to improve maternal and child health, combat global hunger and make key investments in agricultural development, and to protect young girls in developing countries from early and forced marriages. I strongly support the funding needed to meet our global commitments, improve lives, and ensure stability around the world.” – 2020 [McCollum website, Foreign Affairs page]

Rep. McCollum sponsored (Sp) or co-sponsored (Co) the following legislation related to sustainable economic development:

Rep. McCollum introduced H. Res. 861, Supporting the role of the United States in helping save the lives of children and protecting the health of people in poor countries with vaccines and immunization through the GAVI Alliance. – Feb. 21, 2020 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum became a cosponsor of H.Res.220. This resolution recognizes the roles that development and diplomacy play in advancing the national security objectives of the United States and expresses support for a substantial U.S. international affairs budget. – June 15, 2019 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H. Res. 189, Recognizing the importance of sustained United States leadership to accelerating global progress against maternal and child malnutrition and supporting United States Agency for International Development’s commitment to global nutrition through its multi-sectoral nutrition strategy. This resolution later passed the House [on 12/7/2020]. – May 9, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Co author of Global Food Security Act of 2015; the act will assist small-scale farmers in increasing yields, putting more food on their family table, and selling more food in the market. – 5/25/2015

H.Res. 688: Supporting the role of the United States in ensuring children in poor countries have access to vaccines and immunization through the GAVI Alliance. – 2014

H.R. 2822 (113th): Global Food Security Act of 2013: Develop comprehensive strategy for assistance to developing countries to achieve food and nutrition security, increase sustainable and equitable agricultural development develop rural infrastructure and stimulate rural economies (Not Enacted)

Rep. McCollum has supported the USAID budget, calling for increased funding for the health of children and she perceives that foreign assistance is a critical instrument for achieving national security goals, with modernizing foreign assistance as a national priority.

She has affirmed the commitment and leadership of the United States to improve the lives of people living in extreme poverty and conditions of misery.

Representative McCollum voted against the establishment of a free trade zone between the United states, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

She voted Yes on promoting free trade with Peru and on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization.

She voted No in implementing the following Free Trade Agreements: CAFTA (Central America), US-Australia; US-Singapore, Chili. She receives low ratings by CSATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record.

Rep. McCollum spoke out against a preferential trade arrangement with Columbia because of their government’s poor human rights record. This agreement she said doe not advance fair trade, and urged colleagues to vote against it. – October, 2011

C. Dismantle the infrastructure that encourages militaristic responses to conflicts:

Significantly reduce the US defense budget, increase its transparency and ensure the military is accountable for its defense expenditures.

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the conference report for H.R.2670, the $886.3 billion FY2024 NDAA. The bill passed the House 310-118 and has already passed the Senate, so now moves on to the President. - Dec. 14, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670

Rep. McCollum voted NO to H.R.4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which appropriates specific amounts for the different areas of the military. The bill passed 218-210. Also, here are Rep. McCollum’s votes on a few selected amendments to H.R.4365: NO to H.Amdt.359, which would have decreased Section 8104, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by $300,000,000, and increased the Spending Reduction Account by $300,000,000 (failed 104-330); NO to H.Amdt.369, which would have prohibited security assistance to Ukraine (failed 93-339); YES to H.Amdt.370, which would have prohibited the use of funds to transfer cluster munitions (failed 160-269). - September 27-28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4365/

Rep. McCollum voted against H.R.2670, the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House 219-210 and on 7/27/2023, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.. Also, here are some of her earlier votes on selected amendments to the bill: NO, to H.Amdt.225, to strike $300 million from Ukraine funding, which failed 89-341; NO, to H.Amdt.226, to prohibit security assistance for Ukraine, which failed 70 – 358; NO, to H.Amdt.228, to require the President to submit a report to Congress that contains a strategy for US involvement in Ukraine, which failed 129-301; NO, to H.Amdt.229, to strike a section of the bill extending lend-lease authority to Ukraine, which failed 71 - 360; YES, to H.Amdt.230, to prohibit the use of funds for the sustainment of the B83-1 bomb, which failed 198-217; YES, to H.Amdt.231, to strike the prohibition on the reduction of the total number of nuclear armed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) deployed in the US, which failed 160-266; YES, to H.Amdt.243, to prohibit the sale or transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine, which failed 147-276; NO, to H.Amdt.245, to strike the authorization of funds to NATO for the joint fund established for the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic initiative (DIANA), which failed 79 – 353; NO, to H.Amdt.246, to express a sense of Congress that the US should not continue subsidizing NATO member countries who don’t invest in their own defense by meeting the 2014 Wales Summit Defense Spending Benchmark, which failed 212 – 218; NO, to H.Amdt.249, to prohibit any funding authorized by the Act or otherwise made available for DOD for FY24 to provide any support to the Taliban and prohibits any form of sanctions relief or mitigation unless explicitly authorized by Congress in subsequent legislation, which passed 247 – 185; NO, to H.Amdt.255, to prohibit the DOD from carrying out the President's Administration climate change executive orders, which passed 217 – 216. – July 13 – 14, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. This bill provides appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2023, including the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, as well as supplemental appropriations to support Ukraine. This bill passed the House 225-201 and was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. – December 23, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the $858 billion 2023 NDAA. Specifically, she voted yes for H.R.1512, a bill which concurred with an amended version of H.R.7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023. H.R.1512 passed the House 350-80, and on 12/15, the NDAA passed the Senate 83-11, and was signed into law by the President on 12/23/2022. - December 8, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1512/ & https://news.usni.org/2022/12/08/house-passes-fy-2023-ndaa-that-authorizes-858b-for-national-defense

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.6833: Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act 2023. This act provides continuing FY2023 appropriations to federal agencies through December 16, 2022 and provides $12.3B in supplemental appropriations for assistance to Ukraine. This legislation passed both House and Senate and became public law. - Sept. 30, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6833/

Concerning H.R.7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023: Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the following selected amendments: H.Amdt.246 (passed 218-207) that would require the Defense Department to publish on the Internet the proceedings of military commissions; H.Amdt.252 (passed 215-212) that would authorize up to $5 million of annual spending on programs to mitigate civilian harm from military actions; H.Amdt.254 (failed 151-277) that would reduce the bill's authorized amount by approximately $37 billion; H.Amdt.255 (failed 155-272) that would repeal the statutory requirement for the Defense Department to submit unfunded priorities lists to Congress; H.Amdt.257 (passed 216-209) that would end limits on funding for the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization; H.Amdt.259 (failed 156-270) that would strike the prohibition on the reduction of the total number of nuclear armed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles deployed in the United States; H.Amdt.272 (failed 155-273) that would prohibit U.S. military presence in Syria without Congressional approval within one year of enactment; H.Amdt.273 (failed 208-217) that would require the State Department to establish and staff Climate Change Officer positions to be posted at U.S. embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions to provide climate change mitigation expertise, engage with international entities on climate change, and facilitate bilateral and multilateral cooperation on climate change; H.Amdt.274 (failed 207-219) that would establish an Office of Climate Resilience; H.Amdt.276 (passed 244-179) that would prohibit the President from selling or exporting new F-16s or F-16 upgrade technology or modernization kits to Turkey unless the President provides a certification to Congress that such a transfer is in the national interest of the United States and includes a detailed description of concrete steps taken to ensure that such F-16s are not used by Turkey for repeated unauthorized territorial overflights of Greece. On the other hand, Rep. McCollum voted against the following NDAA amendments: H.Amdt.253 (failed 78-350) that would reduce the bill's authorized amount by $100 billion without modifying amounts authorized for harmless personnel, civilian pay and benefits, and the Defense Health Program; H.Amdt.256 (failed 208-221) that would allow the Navy to retire nine Littoral Combat Ships; H.Amdt.258 (failed 118-309) that would prevent testing and development of the new Sentinel (GBSD) nuclear missile and instead extend the existing Minuteman III ICBM through at least 2040. Ultimately, Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the overall bill (H.R. 7900 passed 329-101) to authorize $850 billion of fiscal 2023 spending at the Defense Department and military construction programs, and prescribe military personnel levels for the year. -- July 13-14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7900

Rep. McCollum introduced H.R.8236, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel, Operation and Maintenance, Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill also provides appropriations for other Department of Defense programs, as well as related agencies. The Committee recommendation for total fiscal year 2023 Department of Defense funding is $761,681,000,000, which is an increase of $33,207,001,000 above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $2,877,000 above the President's Budget request of $761,678,123,000. – June 24, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8236

Rep. McCollum became a cosponsor of H.R.8007, Stop Price Gouging the Military Act, a bill which has been referred to several committees. This bill, which has been referred to several committees, is designed to prevent price gouging at the Department of Defense. - June 13, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8007

Rep. McCollum voted yes on H.R.7691, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. This bill provides $40.1 billion in FY2022 emergency supplemental appropriations for activities to respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Among other things, the bill provides appropriations for defense equipment, migration and refugee assistance, regulatory and technical support regarding nuclear power issues, emergency food assistance, economic assistance, and seizures of property related to the invasion. The bill, which passed the House 368-57, subsequently passed the Senate, was signed by the President and became law. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7691

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of S.3522, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, which passed the House 417-10. This legislation, which previously passed the Senate by voice vote, temporarily waives certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government or the governments of other Eastern European countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The bill was signed by the president on May 9 and thus became law. - April 28, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3522

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.1065, which passed the House 220-205. This bill sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (S. 3522) to provide enhanced authority for the President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion. - April 28, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1065/

Rep. McCollum was among a group of senators and House members who sent a letter to President Biden expressing concern about the United States’ targeting criteria for drone strikes that has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians, with little accountability. In the letter, the lawmakers call on the President to overhaul U.S. counterterrorism policy to center human rights and the protection of civilians, only using lethal force when it is lawful and as a last resort. - Jan. 20, 2022 [https://khanna.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-rep-khanna-senators-warren-and-murphy-call-president-biden-overhaul-us ]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of S.1605, the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House 363-70. - December 7, 2021 [congress.gov]

In response to deadlock over FY2022 appropriations and the resulting need to pass a continuing resolution, H.R.6119, in order to continue funding the government, Rep. McCollum said: “As Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, it is clear that Republicans are undermining our national security. They are increasing waste and inefficiency. They are weakening our military readiness. And they are sending a signal to our troops and the millions of workers in the defense industry that their needs are not a priority. The American people should be sick and tired of hearing Republicans in Congress talk about how we need a stronger national defense, while doing everything in their power to weaken our national defense. This is a time of instability in the world. Russia is knocking on the doorstep of Ukraine. China is at the doorstep of Taiwan. There are serious national security threats in the world.” - Dec. 2, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-mccollum-s-floor-statement-fy-22-continuing-resolution]

Rep. McCollum voted yes in favor of H.R.4350, the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill, which passed 316 – 113, authorizes $777.9 billion of military spending and military construction programs and establishes military personnel levels for fiscal 2022. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of Amdt. #120 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 142-286, would have reduced defense funding to no more than what was requested by the president. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted against Amdt.#119 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 86-332, would have reduced the bill’s overall authorization by 10%, with some exclusions. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted against Amdt.#117 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 118-299, would have prohibited the use of funds for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent program (ICBMs). - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

In response to the US drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed 10 people, including 7 children, Rep. McCollum said: “As Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am calling on President Biden and Secretary of Defense Austin to hold accountable the military officials responsible for ordering this drone strike and the deaths of an innocent Afghan family. Our military has the ability to use precise and overwhelming deadly force against our adversaries in the defense of our national security, but this power demands more than circumstantial assumptions when the consequences are life and death.” - September 17, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-pentagons-acknowledgement-error-deadly-drone-strike ]

After the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2022 Defense bill on a 33-23 vote, Defense Subcommittee Chair said: “Across the country, millions of jobs are funded by this bill. These are jobs in all Congressional Districts – union jobs in industry, manufacturing, small businesses, as well as jobs in scientific research and academia. Whether in cyber, or advanced manufacturing, or clean energy or climate change – this bill will support a high-tech, high skilled workforce of the future. To be clear: this bill is about people, it is about quality of life, it is about American jobs, and it is about America’s leadership role in the world.” - July 13, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/appropriations-committee-approves-fiscal-year-2022-defense-funding-bill]

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense today approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2022 funding bill. The 2022 draft defense funding bill provides total funding of $705.939 billion, an increase of $9.978 billion above 2021. This modest increase is in line with President Biden’s budget request and has been endorsed by the Secretary of Defense. In total, the bill provides for $706.453 billion in discretionary and mandatory funding. Among the important objectives of the bill are: ‘Protects our national security, preserves our domestic advanced manufacturing base to support jobs and economic growth, and invests heavily in research and development with funding recommended by the Secretary of Defense; Closes the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, eliminates the Overseas Contingency Operations budget gimmick, and limits United States involvement in Yemen.” Rep. McCollum stated: “Democrats have landed on a responsible funding level for the Department of Defense that maintains a strong national security posture today, while making important investments in modernization that will make us even stronger in the years to come. I believe that America’s security is not defined solely by the programs funded in the Defense bill. The investments we make on healthcare, education, and infrastructure here at home, as well as the diplomatic and development initiatives put forward by the State Department will support the work we have done in the Defense bill to ensure America remains safe and secure for future generations.” - June 30, 2021 [ https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/appropriations-subcommittee-approves-fiscal-year-2022-defense-funding-bill ]

In response to President Biden’s proposed FY2022 budget, Rep. McCollum, Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, remarked: “I view the proposed 1.6% increase for the Department of Defense as an investment in sustaining readiness and modernization efforts across the Services, and also as a mechanism to continue to sustain millions of American jobs vital to our economy. In the past months, my subcommittee has held 19 defense and intelligence hearings, both open and classified. We are now ready to dig into this $715 billion Defense request and write a Defense Appropriations bill that addresses threats from adversaries, confronts ongoing cyber-attacks, and leads on tackling climate change. Tough choices will need to be made, which means divesting from ineffective platforms and eliminating wasteful spending are on the table.” - May 28, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-president-biden-s-fy-2022-budget-request]

In response to President Biden’s proposed FY2022 budget, Rep. McCollum stated: “The proposed 1.5% increase for the Department of Defense will sustain readiness and modernization while we also focus on divesting from ineffective legacy programs and eliminating wasteful spending.” - April 9, 2021 [https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-president-biden-s-fy-2022-skinny-budget-request]

Congresswoman Betty McCollum released the following statement today after her confirmation as Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee by the House Democratic Caucus: “The national security threats facing our nation are real and multifaceted, including near-peer adversaries, terrorist groups, cyber warfare, and climate change. My focus leading the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee is to ensure the more than 2 million men and women in uniform and civilians serving our nation have the training, tools, and support to keep America safe, secure, and successful. I intend to work with my colleagues – Democrats and Republicans alike – to pass a Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill that makes smart investments in our security priorities, eliminates waste, and reestablishes responsible U.S. leadership on the global stage.” - Jan. 26, 2021 [press release at Rep. McCollum’s House website]

Rep. McCollum voted to override the president's veto of H.R.6395, the 2021 NDAA. The vote was 322-87 and achieved the necessary 2/3 majority to override the veto. - Dec. 28, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R.6395, a bill which allocates $740 billion to defense for FY2021. The bill passed the House 335-78, with the no votes nearly equally divided between Republicans and Democrats. - Dec. 8, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7617, the $740 billion 2021 Defense Appropriations Act. The bill, which passed 217-197, did include provisions repealing the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, as well as prohibiting the use of funds for unauthorized military force against Iran. The bill passed 217-197. – July 31, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted “yes” on H.Amdt.863 to H.R.7617, the 2021 DoD Appropriations Act. The purpose of this amendment was to prohibit the use of funds for military recruitment via Twitch, a video-game streaming platform, and e-sports activities. The amendment failed 126-292. – July 30, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.6395, the House 2021 NDAA. This bill passed 295-125. – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted against the Pocan-Lee amendment, H.Amdt.839, to the 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment, which failed on a vote of 93-324, would have reduced the defense budget by 10%. – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in support of the McAdams amendment, H.Amdt.834 to the 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment,.which would prohibit any funding for new nuclear testing in FY21, passed 227-179. – July 20, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum is one of a group of 80+ legislators who signed a letter urging President Trump not to resume nuclear testing. Here’s a quote from the letter: “We are deeply concerned by recent reports that you are considering a resumption of explosive nuclear testing, something the U.S. has not done since 1992. We urge you in the strongest terms to reject this awful idea both because it is technically unnecessary and because it would represent a dangerous provocation.” – June 8, 2020 [press release from Sen. Wyden]

Rep. McCollum voted for an amendment to HR 550 that would “ deny funding of any U.S. military action against Iran or its proxy forces that lacks congressional authorization, except when there is an imminent threat to the United States, its armed forces or its territories. The measure asserts the sole constitutional power of Congress to declare war as spelled out in the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The president would have to notify Congress within 48 hours if he marshals the U.S. military against Iran, then withdraw the force within a specified period unless Congress votes to authorize the action.” H. R. 550 was previously called “Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019”, but is now titled the “No War Against Iran Act”. The amendment passed 228-175 and the bill goes to the Senate. – Jan. 30, 2020 (Mankato Free Press)

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.R. 5543, the No War Against Iran Act, a bill to prohibit the use of funds for unauthorized military force against Iran. – Jan. 13, 2020. (govtrack.us)

2019:

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act [conference report to accompany S. 1790]. Rep. McCollum had also voted in favor of the NDAA that originally passed the House [H.R. 2500] on July 12, 2019. This previous version of the bill contained a number of progressive measures, but many of these were removed in the final bill. According to Diane Randall of FCNL: “Not only does this bill fail to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF, it also entrusts this administration with a massive $738 billion for the Pentagon this fiscal year. It is stunning that in a week when the Afghanistan Papers revealed the comprehensive failures of the 18-year conflict, Congress negotiated away this effort to curtail the use of force, end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, and prevent war with Iran.” Additionally, the bill authorizes the creation of a new branch of the military, the Space Force, and allows deployment of a more usable, low-yield nuclear warhead, the W76-2. According to Ken Kimmel, the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists: “The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act moves the world closer to nuclear war and creates a new and unneeded military bureaucracy to address alleged threats in space. “ The bill passed the House 377-48. 12.11.19 (votesmart.org, congress.gov, email from FCNL, the UCS website)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Amdt. 563 [an amendment to H.R.2500]. This amendment required that the Comptroller General of the United States submit to Congress independent studies regarding potential cost savings with respect to the nuclear security enterprise and force structure. Passed 230-189. – July 12, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum voted against H.Amdt. 553. This amendment sought to strike the provision of H.Res. 2500, the 2020 NDAA, prohibiting the use of funds for the deployment of certain low-yield ballistic missile warheads and required the Secretary of Defense to certify on the availability of proportional response options. Amendment failed 201-221. – July 12, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Amdt. 538 to the 2020 NDAA, which would have decreased funding for Overseas Contingency Operations/aka the War on Terror, by $16.8 billion. (amendment failed) – 07/12/19 (congress.gov.)

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Amdt. 535 to NDAA 2020, which would “prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware, except for the display of small arms and munitions appropriate for customary ceremonial honors.”- July 11, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum voted in support of H.Amdt.529 to H.Res.2500, the 2020 NDAA. This amendment would require the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security to conduct a study on the unexpected cost increases for the W80-4 nuclear warhead life extension program and sought to limit funding for the program until the study was completed. Failed 197-229. – July 11, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Amdt.528. This amendment to H.Res. 2500, the House 2020 NDAA, sought to require an independent study on options to extend the life of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and delay the ground-based strategic deterrent program, and sought to prevent 10 percent of funds for the Secretary of Defense from being distributed until the study was completed. The amendment failed 164-264. – July 11, 2019 [govtrack.us]

-Rep. McCollum co-sponsored HR 1086, Hold the Lyne, which prohibits the research, development, production and deployment of the Trident D5 low-yield nuclear warhead. – 2019

-Rep McCollum voted no on the following legislation that would increase military expenditures:
– Increase in new budget authority for the global war on terror by $2 billion, from $94 billion to $96 billion FY 2016
– 2014 National Defense Authorization Act – 06.14.13 Rep. McCollum has supported measures requiring Defense, State, the Interior Department, and USAID to provide descriptions of contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan and has voted to restrict no-bid defense contracts.

2015:

Rep. McCollum voted no on H.Amdt. 86 (Price) (accepted) to H. Con.Res. 27: To increase new budget authority for the Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism 3/25/2015

Rep. McCollum has supported calls for an evaluation by the Pentagon of the need, relevance and cost of cold-war based weapons systems; Rep. McCollum has supported legislation that included a ban on permanent bases in Iraq.

2014:

Rep. McColllum has consistently voted in favor of legislation that would repeal the Authorization of the Use of Military Force (AUMF) and to restrict funding for military action under the AUMF. This includes Rep. Schiff’s amendment to the NDAA to repeal the AUMF. There were 233 votes against it. – 05.22.14

2013:

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of the Schiff Amendment which would have restricted the use of funds in the Military Appropriations Bill for any use of force under the legal rationale of the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) after December 31, 2014. Failed 185 – 236. – July 2013

2006-2008:

-Rep. McCollum appears to oppose a missile defense based on practicality and cost; Opposes starting missile race. She has consistently voted for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to cut the overall missile defense budget. (2006, 2007, 2008)

Reduce the number of military bases and military personnel in the U.S. and overseas.

Rep. McCollum voted against H.Con.Res.21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the US Armed Forces from Syria. The resolution failed 321 No – 103 Yes. - March 8, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/21

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.1130: Expressing support for the sovereign decision of Finland and Sweden to apply to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as calling on all members of NATO to ratify the protocols of accession swiftly. The resolution, which also opposes any attempt by the Russian government to act in an adverse way in response to Finland and Sweden's decision to apply to join NATO, passed the House 394-18. - July 18, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1130

Rep. McCollum became cosponsor of H.J.Res.87. This bill, which has been referred to HFAC, directs the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. Specific activities prohibited include intelligence sharing, logistical support such as equipment maintenance, and direct involvement of U.S. Forces. - June 23, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-joint-resolution/87

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Res.831 - Calling on the United States Government to uphold the founding democratic principles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and establish a Center for Democratic Resilience within the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This bill passed the House 362 - 63. - April 5, 2022. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/831/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of Amdt. #111 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 141-286, would have prohibited US military presence in Syria without congressional approval. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum released a statement today after the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, Afghanistan: “With the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, we are witnessing a human disaster for the Afghan people and the culmination of a two-decade bipartisan political and strategic failure of American leadership…. Politicians and pundits will now start the blame game, but this dreadful outcome is not the fault of any one politician, leader, or administration. This is a whole of government failure in both Washington and Kabul. The Afghan people who trusted us will now be living with the consequences. Rather than blame, the Biden administration, Congress, and future American leaders – Democrats and Republicans – need to learn some very hard lessons and make sure such a devastating foreign policy failure never happens again.” - August 15, 2021 [full statement at: https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-taliban-takeover-afghanistan ]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.Amdt.835, to the 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment, which failed 129-284, would have required the establishment of a policy framework for the accelerated withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in support of H.Amdt. 833 (Escobar) to H.R. 6395: To require certifications be made to Congress when the President deploys active duty military within the United States during civil unrest by amending the Insurrection Act in Title 10, Chapter 13 of U.S. Code. This amendment passed 214-190. – July 20, 2020 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum voted for an amendment to HR 550, the No War Against Iran Act, that would “repeal the 2002 Iraq war resolution, which has been cited as the legal basis of U.S. military actions in Iraq and numerous other global theaters over the past 18 years, including the recent U.S. assassination at the Baghdad airport of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Congress would have six months to update U.S. war authority, and until it does so, the president could immediately deploy forces to protect national security without seeking congressional approval.” The amendment passed 236-166 and the bill goes to the Senate. – Jan. 30, 2020 (Mankato Free Press)

2019:

Rep. McCollum released the following statement today after the Trump administration announced a “modest” deployment of U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia following attacks on Saudi oil sites: “I am deeply opposed to President Trump’s decision to send U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia. This president has failed to present the American people with a full strategy for how he plans to reduce tensions and work towards peace in the Middle East. Deploying the U.S. Armed Forces to protect the Saudi Royal Family is but another alarming escalation by the Trump administration. To be clear, there is no authorization from Congress for any U.S. military action against Iran. Yet instead of holding Saudi Arabia accountable for their disastrous war in Yemen or their murder of a Washington Post journalist, President Trump continues to outsource U.S. foreign policy to Saudi Arabia. This is a shameful dereliction of duty by the president. We must not let President Trump and the Saudi Royal Family pull us into a war over oil with Iran.” – September 23, 2019 [votesmart.org & McCollum press release]

Rep. McCollum voted “yes” to H.Amdt. 516 to H.R. 2500: To require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the financial costs and national security benefits of operating, improving, and maintaining overseas military infrastructure. – 07/2019

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H. Res. 676, the NATO Support Act. This bill, which passed the House, prohibits the appropriation or use of funds to withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. – 01.22.19 (votesmart.org)

2015:

In a widely reprinted statement “Why I Won’t Attend Netanyahu Speech” Rep. McCollum said she wouldn’t attend the speech because it was an effort to undermine the president while the United States and its five partners engage in tough negotiations with Iran to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons” a national security priority I strongly support. – 02.25.15

2014:

She voted against H. Amendment 669 to HR 4435 that extends the requirement that intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos maintain at least “warm” status, including full functionality in the control and command system of the missile field, beyond 5/21/2015. The amendment passed. – May 21, 2014 [govtrack.us]

2013:

Rep. McCollum cosponsored the Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act which prohibits use of DOD appropriations to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with a nuclear weapon, for the research, development, test, and evaluation or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft, to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, or for the B61 or W78 life extension program. – 04.11.13

Rep. McCollum strongly supports negotiations with Iran to preclude their production of nuclear weapons in exchange for an end to sanctions. She stated when negotiations began: I applaud President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, along with our international partners, for negotiating a significant step towards peacefully achieving a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran. (Feb. 25, 2013)

Discontinue the practice of providing military equipment or training assistance to human rights abusers.

Rep. McCollum was one of the 40 signers of a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken asking them to withhold pending offensive weapons transfers to Israel after seven humanitarian aid workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, and to place conditions on future weapons assistance. “… We strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed. If this strike is found to have violated U.S. or international law, we urge you to continue withholding these transfers until those responsible are held accountable. We also urge you to withhold these transfers if Israel fails to sufficiently mitigate harm to innocent civilians in Gaza, including aid workers, and if it fails to facilitate – or arbitrarily denies or restricts – the transport and delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza….” - April 5, 2024 https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-mcgovern-schakowsky-urge-biden-blinken-withhold-weapons-transfers

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.3152, the Fight CRIME Act, a bill which imposes sanctions pertaining to Iran’s missile program. The bill passed the House 403-8 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - Sept. 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3152

Rep. McCollum criticized President Biden’s decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, saying: “The decision by the Biden administration to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine is unnecessary and a terrible mistake. Congress has been clear in prohibiting the transfer of any cluster munition with a dud rate of greater than 1%. Allowing legacy U.S. cluster munitions onto the battlefield in Ukraine undermines our moral authority and places the U.S. in a position that directly contradicts 23 of our NATO allies who have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The legacy of cluster bombs is misery, death, and expensive cleanup generations after their use. The U.S. pays tens of millions of dollars annually to remove cluster munitions in Laos from the Vietnam era as these remnants of war continue to kill and maim civilians. As a strong supporter of the Biden administration’s policy in Ukraine, I must state in the strongest possible terms my absolute opposition to the U.S. transferring cluster munitions. These weapons should be eliminated from our stockpiles, not dumped in Ukraine.” - July 7, 2023 https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-transfer-cluster-munitions-ukraine

Rep. McCollum cosponsored H.Res.108: Condemning Azerbaijan's blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and ongoing human rights violations. This resolution has been referred to House Foreign Affairs. Among its provisions is one that calls on the President to immediately suspend any new, current, or pending military or security assistance from the United States to Azerbaijan. - February 8, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/108

Rep. McCollum introduced H.R.9064, the Jamal Khashoggi Protection for Dissidents and Journalists Act of 2022, the purpose of which is: To enshrine the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi by protecting dissidents and journalists, codifying the Khashoggi Ban, and introducing the Khashoggi Amendment to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, and for other purposes. From Rep. McCollum’s remarks in the Congressional Record for Sept. 30, 2022: “The murder of Mr. Khashoggi was not only a gross human rights violation, but a brutal crime. It is imperative that Congress send a message to the Executive Branch--and the world--that we will not condone those countries that target dissidents of any kind, including journalists seeking to report the truth.” This bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. - September 29, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/9064/

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.7025, Advancing Human Rights-Centered International Conservation Act of 2022. This bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to take actions to ensure that the international financial assistance it provides does not go to any foreign security force unit (e.g., a military or paramilitary unit) where there is a reasonable belief that the unit has committed a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights. The bill passed the House 378-43 and has moved on to the Senate. -- July 18, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7025

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of H.R.6089, Stop Iranian Drones Act, which passed the House 424-2 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations. This bill adds drones to the list of weapons for which individuals or entities that provide such weapons to Iran can be sanctioned. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6089

Rep. McCollum was an original cosponsor of, and voted YES on, H.R.3485, the Global Respect Act. This bill, which passed the House 227-206, would impose visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or complicit in violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. - Feb. 9, 2022 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3485/ ]

Rep. McCollum was one of a bipartisan group of legislators who sent a letter to Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Yellen, urging them to seek targeted sanctions against members of the Duterte regime with documented records of grave human rights violations in the Philippines. “We urge the imposition of sanctions on individuals who are behind these major human rights violations, particularly via the use of the Global Magnitsky Act," the lawmakers wrote. - Jan. 27, 2022 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1583001/rep-wild-leads-call-for-action-against-philippines-human-rights-violations

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of Amdt.#114 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which passed 223-204, would end maintenance support for the Saudi Air Force units responsible for airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of Amdt.#113 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which passed 219-207, would end logistical support for, and US participation, in the Yemen War. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum is a cosponsor of a joint resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res.49, that would block the United States’ planned $735 million sale of bombs to Israel. The resolution would halt the transfer of Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and of Small Diameter Bombs, both made by Boeing. - May 20, 2021 [congress.gov & https://jewishcurrents.org/aoc-to-introduce-resolution-blocking-bomb-sale-to-israel/ ]

Rep. McCollum voted “aye” on H.R.1392, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents act of 2021, which passed the House 350-71. This bill imposes limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. - April 21, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum was one of 45 members of Congress who signed a letter to the State Department calling on the Trump Administration to stand up for women who are facing torture, forced separation from their children, arbitrary detention and more in Saudi Arabia. They demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo withdraw from the G20 summit unless its Saudi hosts substantively address systemic women and human rights abuses. – October 21, 2020 [press release from Rep. Schakowsky @ votesmart.org]

Rep. McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.R.8313: Philippine Human Rights Act. This bill imposes limitations on providing assistance to the police or military of the Philippines. No federal funds may be used to provide such assistance until the Philippines government has taken certain actions, including (1) investigating and successfully prosecuting members of its military and police forces who have violated human rights, (2) withdrawing the military from domestic policing activities, and (3) establishing that it effectively protects the rights of journalists and civil society activists. The President shall also direct U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to vote against providing loans to the police or military of the Philippines. – 9/23/2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in support of S. 3744, the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020. This bill imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang Autonomous region and requires various reports on the topic. This legislation passed the House 413-1, and as it had already been agreed to in the Senate, it will now go to the President. – May 27, 2020 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.R.1383, the Vietnam Human Rights Act. This bill requires the State Department to report on the progress Vietnam is making in certain areas of human rights, and authorizes programs and assistance to address these areas. It also conditions the sale to Vietnam of lethal defense articles or services upon the country making significant progress to advance human rights. -2/21/2020 [congress.gov]

2019:

Rep. McCollum voted in support of S. 178: the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019, a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China. This bill directs the President to impose sanctions and export restrictions on the sale of technology items that can be used in the surveillance, identification, and detention of individuals. The bill passed the House 407-1. – Dec. 3, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. McCollum is a co-sponsor of H.R.4022, the Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act. This legislation would repeal laws providing for the death penalty as a punishment for federal crimes. It has been referred to committee and not yet voted upon. – October 18, 2019 [congress.gov]

Rep. McCollum voted in favor of each of S.J.Res. 36, S. J. Res. 37, and S. J. Res. 38, which expressed disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles and services to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The resolution passed both House and Senate, but was later over-ridden by the President. – July 17, 2019

Voted for H.Amdt. 524 to H.R. 2500: To prohibit support to and participation in the Saudi-led coalitions military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. – 07/2019

Rep. McCollum voted YEA on S. J. Res. 7, a resolution directing the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. [Bill passed the House 247-175 and had previously passed the Senate, but was vetoed by the president.] – April 4, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum was a cosponsor (as of 1/30/2019) and later voted YEA on H.J. Res. 37, a resolution directing the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. [Bill passed the House 248-177.] – Feb. 13, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. McCollum did not support HR 68, a bill calling on the President to report on actions in support of the weapons reduction treaty; she did sign a letter sent to President Bush asking that nuclear weapons not be an option in resolving differences in Iran.

2018:

Rep. McCollum was one of the signers of a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo asking for release of documents related to his decision to certify that Saudi Arabia and UAE are “undertaking demonstrable actions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and making urgent and good faith efforts to support diplomacy to end the civil war in Yemen. … Reports suggest that most State Department experts…. concluded that you should reject certification ‘due to a lack of progress on mitigating civilian casualties.’ …. Furthermore, as you are well aware, there is no existing statutory authorization for U.S. military involvement in the Saudi and Emirati-led intervention in Yemen. …. Congress has never voted to authorize the use of the U.S. Armed Forces as part of the civil war in Yemen. Given the U.S.’ significant role in the more than 3-year old war, which has killed thousands and displaced millions of Yemenis, as well as guidance from State’s own regional and military experts about Saudi and Emirati lack of compliance, the administration must cease military support for the coalition in Yemen. “ – October 4, 2018 [votesmart.org and congressional websites]

2014:

Rep. McCollum voted yes on an amendment [H. Amdt. 907] to HR 4870 (defeated) that repeals the provision in this bill prohibiting the use of funds to transfer or release Guantanamo Bay detainees or to construct facilities in the United States to hold the detainees. – June 19, 2014 [votesmart.org]

2013:

Rep. McCollum voted for the Moran Amendment to the NDAA to strike sections of the bill that would restrict funding for the transfer or release of detainees being held at the Guantanamo Bay prison to the United States or another sovereign country. Failed 175-247. – 07.24.13

2007:

Rep McCollum was a co-sponsor of the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2007 (H.R. 1755) and will be re-introducing the bill in the House during the 2009 session. She actually began advocating the end of the use of anti-personnel mines in March, 2001. – 3/29/2007 [congress.gov]