St. Paul Reporter

Rep. Betty McCollum, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Minnesota’s 4th district since 2001, has raised concerns on social media about the looming possibility of a government shutdown and its connection to ongoing healthcare policy debates led by Congressional Republicans.

On September 24, 2025, McCollum posted on her official X account: "Republicans control the White House, House, and Senate. Extremists in their party want to shut down the government on September 30 because they are unwilling to address the health care crisis they created. To keep government open and lower costs for families, we need" (September 24, 2025).

Later that day, she provided an update from a live event at the State Capitol: "I'm live at the State Capitol with a panel of Minnesota healthcare experts to discuss the harmful impacts of Trump and Congressional Republicans' policies. Tune in here: https://t.co/yKk0HlT2HM" (September 24, 2025).

In another post shortly after, McCollum reiterated her concerns about both the impending shutdown and access to healthcare: "The government shuts down in six days, and Americans are facing a healthcare crisis created by Congressional Republicans. Democrats want to restore Medicaid and protect healthcare access. Trump and Republicans won't even have a meeting about how to keep the government open." (September 24, 2025).

Betty McCollum has represented Minnesota's 4th District in Congress since replacing Bruce Vento in 2001; prior to that she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 until her election to Congress. Born in Minneapolis in 1954 and currently residing in Saint Paul, McCollum holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Catherine University.