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WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was named Vice Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. This committee is responsible for setting overall spending levels.

Rep. Omar previously served as a member on the committee during the 116th Congress.

Today Congresswoman Omar met with Sevim Dağdelen, a Member of the German Bundestag and the Deputy Leader of the Left Party. They discussed the Julian Assange case, and the threat his prosecution poses to press freedom. Congresswoman Omar also expressed her concern that the Assange prosecution undercuts US efforts to free journalists who are wrongfully imprisoned on espionage charges around the world. They also discussed opportunities for more transatlantic cooperation among progressive elected officials, and shared their perspectives on the war in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement after voting to avoid default.

"We cannot default on our debt. We cannot, for the first time in history, send millions of people into poverty, plunge Minnesota and the world into a recession, and risk basic necessities for the people we represent. 

"This bill is far from perfect, but I know that if we fail to act and America fails to pay its bills, my constituents would be far worse off. 

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement regarding the elections taking place in Puntland, Somalia today.

“I want to congratulate the people of Puntland and Somalia on their historic elections this week. When I was in Qardo at the end of last year, I was touched by people’s hope for the future and commitment to democracy. I urge all involved to ensure a peaceful and fair election process.

Today, Congresswoman Omar met with H.E. Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States. The Congresswoman and Ambassador held a frank discussion on the difficulties facing Tunisia’s democracy. The Congresswoman raised concerns about restrictions on opposition parties’ freedom of assembly and expression, as well as the cases of Rached Ghannouchi, Saïd Ferjani, and other political prisoners. They also discussed Tunisia’s economic situation, and the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Tunisia’s food supplies.
 

Congresswoman Omar, a Member of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group met today with MP Matthew Green, a Member of the Canadian Parliament representing Hamilton Centre. The two had previously joined colleagues for a joint meeting between the Black Caucuses of both the House of Representatives and Parliament. Congresswoman Omar and MP Green shared views on the rise of far-right extremism, threats to democratic institutions, and the importance of committing to building progressive alliances across borders.