St. Paul Reporter

In a series of tweets, Rep. Betty McCollum, who represents Minnesota's 4th district in the U.S. Congress since 2001, has addressed several pressing issues. With experience stretching back to her time in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001, McCollum has remarked on topics concerning national security, climate data, and local political engagement.

On April 21, 2025, McCollum voiced concerns regarding Secretary of Defense, referencing her and fellow Democrats' longstanding reservations about Secretary Pete Hegseth's qualifications. She stated, "My fellow Democrats and I warned the public that Mr. Hegseth was grossly unqualified to serve as Secretary of Defense. It has become clear that not only is he incompetent, but his actions are jeopardizing our national security." McCollum concluded the post by asserting, "The time has come for Secretary Hegseth to resign."

The following day, McCollum expressed her disapproval of governmental actions affecting environmental services. On April 22, she commented on the implications of reducing regional climate centers, emphasizing, "Cutting regional climate centers is not government efficiency. Illegally defunding critical data collection is reckless and undercuts the essential service they provide: Free, on-time, accurate weather information for all of us."

Later, on the evening of April 22, McCollum announced her participation in a local event. Through a tweet, she invited the public to watch a live town hall she was attending alongside Minnesota House Speaker Emirita, Melissa Hortman, and State Representative Josiah Hill. McCollum noted, "Tonight, I'll join Minnesota House Speaker Emirita @melissahortman and State Representative @josiahhill for a town hall in Stillwater. Tune in on YouTube at 6:30pm to watch live."

Betty McCollum, 68, was born in Minneapolis in 1954 and currently resides in Saint Paul. She is an alumna of St. Catherine University, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1987.