Biography
Betty McCollum, born on July 12, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party member serving as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 4th congressional district since 2001. She is the second woman from Minnesota elected to Congress since the state's inception in 1858. McCollum represents the residents of St. Paul, Ramsey County, and most of Washington County. Throughout her tenure, she has been a staunch advocate for education, environmental protection, healthcare access, and robust international engagement emphasizing diplomacy and development.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Associate of Arts from Inver Hills Community College, 1980
- Bachelor of Arts from the College of St. Catherine, 1987
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Political Experience:
- Member of the North St. Paul City Council
- Representative in the Minnesota House of Representatives
- U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 4th congressional district
- Senior member of the House Appropriations Committee
- Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee
- Member of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee
In her role on the Defense Subcommittee, McCollum oversees significant defense funding, focusing on ensuring a well-trained and equipped military, addressing military sexual assault, and promoting international military cooperation. On the Interior-Environment Subcommittee, she prioritizes investments in Indian Country and the protection of natural resources.
McCollum has also been a vocal advocate for human rights, introducing legislation to prohibit U.S. taxpayer dollars from supporting the Israeli military's detention of Palestinian children in violation of international law.
Beyond her legislative work, McCollum has a background in education, having taught high school social science, and has experience in retail sales and management. She is a mother of two adult children and a grandmother of two grandsons, residing in St. Paul, Minnesota.
