Congresswoman McCollum Statement on State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, issued the following statement after the State of the Union:

"Team USA made us proud as Americans - especially our fellow Minnesotans who led the nation to earn the most medals at this year's games. They showed us all a shining example of what can happen through unity, hard work, and respect for others.

"Unfortunately, those who had the patience to listen to the President's speech tonight had to endure more than 100 minutes of rambling self-aggrandizement and division.

"When it comes to the reality of the state of our union, we choose to believe our eyes rather than the lies.

"Here in Minnesota, we have seen what happens when President Trump gets his way and a Republican majority in Congress goes along.

"We've seen the damage from masked, unidentifiable federal agents invading and occupying our communities to sow chaos, violence, and division. We've seen Minnesotans racially profiled and assaulted. We've seen the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.

"Minnesotans are paying a heavy price for Trump's policies. His illegal tariffs are driving up costs - taxing each and every one of us an additional $1,000 last year alone. And more than 100,000 Minnesotans will see their health care and SNAP food assistance stripped away because of the Republicans' Big Ugly Law.

"President Trump has targeted our state in an effort to divide us and destroy our way of life, but Minnesotans are responding by doing what we do best: Caring for our neighbors and working to rebuild. We will continue to use every tool available to push back on Donald Trump, Republicans, and their extreme policies as we fight to make life better for the American people. We are united in our efforts to oppose Trump's reign of chaos, division, and lawlessness. We are united in working for an economy that creates opportunity for families today and their children tomorrow. We are Minnesota Strong."