Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota State Representative Erin Koegel, who will retire from the State Legislature at the end of her term. Rep. Koegel was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1982, and she grew up in Maple Grove and attended Osseo High School. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. Years later, she continued her education, earning her Master's in Advocacy and Political Leadership.
2026 MidtermsLean SeatD+50Stable$3.1M raised
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 not just as a Member of Congress but as someone who knows the human cost of war, what it takes, what it destroys, and what it never gives back. We are already seeing thousands of civilians killed and wounded in Iran and in Lebanon, American servicemembers lost, and millions forced from their homes with nowhere to go. This is what war looks like, and it is only the beginning. Yet, this war of choice happened without Congress, without accountability, and without a plan for peace. The Constitution is clear: The power to declare war belongs to Congress.
Mr. Speaker, like many Americans, I am outraged by what Trump is doing to the Cuban people. The oil blockade enacted by the Trump administration is cruel and indefensible. Cuba poses no threat to us, yet we are strangling an entire nation with economic warfare. Families are going without food. Water systems are failing. Hospitals are struggling to stay open. These tactics are designed to suffocate an island into submission, and its civilians, ordinary Cuban men, women, and children, are paying the price.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. I come to this issue both as a legislator and a longtime fan of the sport. At its best, boxing is a sport of courage, discipline, and dignity. For too long, the people who are risking the most have not always been treated with the fairness and respect they deserve. Congress passed the original Ali Act for a reason: to stop powerful interests from exploiting boxers and denying them control over their careers. When this bill first came before us, I had significant concerns.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable career and accomplishments of Minneapolis journalist Ed Felien, founder and editor of Southside Pride. For over 55 years, Mr. Felien worked to encourage civic debate and uplift local voices through community news. After working as a journalist, college professor, and a Minneapolis city councilmember, Ed started Southside Pride in 1991, a free monthly newspaper publishing community news for the Phillips, Powderhorn, Riverside, and Seward neighborhoods.
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, ND2011
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2019-PresentRepresenting 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
2013Senior Policy Aide, Office of Minneapolis City Councilman Andrew Johnson
2013–15Campaign Manager, Kari Dziedzic’s Campaign for Minnesota Senate
2012Child Nutrition Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota State Department of Education
2012–13Community 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
Rep. Ilhan Omar FAQ
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