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 October 10, 2025, addressing public safety partnerships in Saint Paul, the impact of federal shutdowns on public servants, and concerns from small business owners about health care legislation.

In her first post at 17:51 UTC, McCollum praised local public safety efforts, stating: "Families, neighbors, and visitors are benefiting from the strong partnerships and public safety efforts led by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and the Saint Paul Police Department."

Later that evening at 21:21 UTC, she criticized former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk for actions affecting federal employees: "Trump and Musk already illegally tried to fire hundreds of thousands of public servants earlier this year. Now Trump and Russ Vought are using the Republican government shutdown as an excuse try it again. Our federal employees are public servants who provide services that"

At 21:52 UTC on the same day, McCollum highlighted concerns from small business owners regarding health care legislation during the ongoing government shutdown: "Today, I heard from small business owners who are facing premiums and other negative impacts from the Republican’s Big Ugly Law. They urged Republicans to work with Democrats to urgently address this health care crisis and reopen the federal government."

McCollum has been a member of Congress since succeeding Bruce Vento in 2001. She previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives between 1993 and 2001. Born in Minneapolis in 1954 and currently residing in Saint Paul, McCollum graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987.