Representative Ilhan Omar, Democratic from Minnesota

Ilhan Omar

Representative · Minnesota · Democrat

Ilhan Omar

Medicare for All · Climate Action · Immigrant Rights · Police Accountability

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible life of Minnesota State representative Karen Clark. For nearly four decades, Karen dedicated her life to serving the people of Minneapolis--as a nurse, as an educator, and as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was also a trailblazer. Karen made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate to run for office and to win a seat in the Minnesota legislature. She was instrumental in amending the 1993 Minnesota Human Rights Act to ban discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, education, housing, and more.
HONORING THE LIFE OF KAREN CLARK··Share
Mr. Chair, Mr. Arrington recently said that Democrats are counting pennies. That feels like an insult because $95 billion is what Chairman Arrington and the Republicans are asking Congress to approve. Here is where the money goes: tens of billions of dollars for the Pentagon, billions more for the CIA to continue funding this illegal war with Trump, and billions to help States implement the SAVE Act, legislation that could make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027··Share
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this reconciliation bill. Last year, Republicans handed ICE and CBP an $85 billion slush fund. Today, they want $70 billion more with no reforms and no accountability for the crimes they have committed. This is at a time when Americans are barely making ends meet. Let me tell you what the money could mean for working families. It could provide free childcare for over 1 million children for 2 years. We could expand and extend the ACA premium tax credit for at least a year. We could cancel the Medicare debt of a third of Americans.
SECURE AMERICA ACT··Share
Biography
Ilhan Omar, a former community nutrition educator and refugee from Somalia, was elected as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th District in 2018. She is known for advocating comprehensive immigration reform, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access. Omar authored the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Education and the Workforce Committees. Through her legislative work, she amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and pursues policies rooted in equity and inclusion for her Minneapolis-area constituents.
Education
  • B.A. in Political Science and International Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
    2011
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2019-Present

    Representing Minnesota's 5th district

  • Member, Minnesota House of Representatives

    2017–19

    (Assistant Minority Leader, 2017–18)

  • Campaign Manager, Andrew Johnson’s Campaign for Minneapolis City Council

    2013

  • Senior Policy Aide, Office of Minneapolis City Councilman Andrew Johnson

    2013–15

  • Campaign Manager, Kari Dziedzic’s Campaign for Minnesota Senate

    2012

  • Child Nutrition Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota State Department of Education

    2012–13

  • Community Nutrition Educator, University of Minnesota

    2006–09

Policy Focus
International Affairs31%
Crime and Law Enforcement16%
Agriculture and Food9%
Government Operations and Politics8%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Ilhan Omar's record in Congress.

  • Affordable Housing Funding

    Secured federal funding for affordable housing initiatives in Minnesota’s Fifth District.

  • Student Debt Relief Legislation

    Introduced the Student Debt Cancellation Act to eliminate all federal student loan debt.

  • No Ban Act Advocacy

    Co-sponsored and advocated for the NO BAN Act to end discriminatory travel bans.

  • Global Human Rights Advocacy

    Led congressional efforts to address human rights abuses in countries like Myanmar and Ethiopia.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on the Budget
  • House Committee on Education and Workforce

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