About Congresswoman McCollum

Betty McCollum is a Democrat serving her sixth term in the United States Congress, representing the families of Minnesota’s Fourth District. In 2000, Congresswoman McCollum made history as only the second Minnesota woman elected to serve in Congress since statehood in 1858. In the U.S. House of Representatives, she serves the residents of Minnesota's capital city, St. Paul, as well as Ramsey County, northern Dakota County and western Washington County.

In the 112th Congress, Congresswoman McCollum brings a common sense, Minnesota perspective to her work on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

Throughout her career in public service, Congresswoman McCollum has been a champion for excellence in education, protecting the environment, expanding health care access and fiscal responsibility.

Education and health care are top policy priorities for both Minnesota families and Congresswoman McCollum. With over 20 institutions of higher learning located in the Fourth District alone, keeping higher education affordable, accessible and world-class is important. A strong proponent of public education, she supports keeping our schools accountable to parents and local officials.

During the 112th Congress, Congresswoman McCollum remained on the House Appropriations Committee.  She is a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other relevant agencies.

Congresswoman McCollum also serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Indian Health Service, and several other related agencies.

Congresswoman McCollum holds the position of Senior Democratic Whip within the Democratic Caucus. She is also one of three House members appointed to serve on the National Council on the Arts.  During the 112th Congress, she participates in several Congressional caucuses.

Prior to Congress, Congresswoman McCollum served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2000 and was elected Assistant Leader three times by her Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party colleagues. From 1987 to 1992, she served her neighbors on the North St. Paul City Council.

In addition to elected office, Congresswoman McCollum's career has included teaching high school social science, as well as, 25 years in retail sales and management. She is a graduate of St. Catherine University (formerly the College of St. Catherine), and the mother of two adult children. Congresswoman McCollum is a Minnesota native who grew up in South St. Paul, raised her family in North St. Paul and now lives in St. Paul.