St. Paul Reporter

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum, who has represented Minnesota’s 4th district in Congress since 2001, posted a series of statements on July 22, 2025, addressing federal debt increases, environmental concerns related to the Mississippi River, and recent changes in federal funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.

In her first post on July 22 at 17:11 UTC, McCollum referenced a Congressional Budget Office report regarding former President Donald Trump’s fiscal policy. She stated: "It's official: According to @USCBO, Trump's Big Ugly Bill will add a whopping $3,400,000,000,000 to the debt. Your share of this debt bill is $10,000 — that’s what every man, woman, and child in America now owes — all so millionaires and billionaires can get more tax breaks."

Later that day at 18:26 UTC, McCollum turned attention to environmental issues impacting Minnesota and the nation. She wrote: "The Mississippi River is the source of drinking water for many of us in Minnesota. It’s also a vital ecosystem and economic connector for our nation. But the Mississippi faces threats that disrupt this delicate balance. I was glad to speak to PBS @NewsHour about these challenges https://t.co/fpQWlaXv6F"

In an additional statement at 20:20 UTC on July 22, McCollum addressed recent political developments regarding federal funding allocations. She said: "Republicans have clawed back over $9 Billion in federal funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid that passed on a bipartisan basis just months ago. They are quickly surrendering power to Trump and his unelected bureaucrats like Russ Vought, the author of Project 2025. https://t.co/ePnrQDxLp8"

Betty McCollum has served as a member of Congress since replacing Bruce Vento in 2001; prior to her tenure in Washington she was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 until her election to Congress. Born in Minneapolis in 1954 and currently residing in Saint Paul at age 68, McCollum graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987.