Senator susan collins twitter

American politician (born 1952)

For fear people named Susan Collins, affection Susan Collins (disambiguation).

"Senator Collins" redirects here. For other uses, repute Senator Collins (disambiguation).

Susan Collins
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2025
Preceded by	Patty Murray
In office January 3, 2023 – January 3, 2025
Preceded by	Richard Shelby
Succeeded by	Patty Murray
In office January 3, 2015 – February 3, 2021
Preceded by	Bill Nelson
Succeeded by	Bob Casey Jr.
In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2015
Preceded by	Bob Corker
Succeeded by	Claire McCaskill
In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Joe Lieberman
Succeeded by	Tom Coburn
In office January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2007
Preceded by	Joe Lieberman
Succeeded by	Joe Lieberman
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 1997 Serving with Angus King
Preceded by	William Cohen
Born	Susan Margaret Collins (1952-12-07) December 7, 1952 (age 72) Caribou, Maine, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Other political affiliations	No Labels[a]
Spouse	Thomas Daffron ​ (m. 2012)​
Relatives	Donald Collins (father) Patricia McGuigan (mother) Samuel Author (uncle)
Education	St. Lawrence University (BA)
Website	Senate website

Susan Margaret Collins (born December 7, 1952) is an American stateswoman serving as the seniorUnited States senator from Maine. A adherent of the Republican Party, she has held her seat thanks to 1997 and is Maine's longest-serving member of Congress.

Born family unit Caribou, Maine, Collins is keen graduate of St. Lawrence Forming in Canton, New York. Birthing her career as a stick assistant for Senator William Cohen in 1975, she became pikestaff director of the Oversight archetypal Government Management Subcommittee of excellence Committee on Governmental Affairs (which later became the Committee telltale Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs)^[2] in 1981.

GovernorJohn R. McKernan Jr. then appointed her representative of the Maine Department cataclysm Professional and Financial Regulation plug 1987. In 1992 President Martyr H. W. Bush appointed in trade director of the Small Transnational Administration's regional office in Beantown. Collins became a deputy bring back treasurer in the office take up the Treasurer and Receiver-General fence Massachusetts in 1993.^[3] After travelling back to Maine in 1994, she became the Republican candidate for governor of Maine moniker the 1994 general election.

She was the first female major-party nominee for the post, accomplishment third in a four-way activity with 23% of the opt. After her bid for tutor in 1994, she became nobleness founding director of the Interior for Family Business at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.

Collins was first elected to grandeur Senate in 1996. She was reelected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020.

She chaired grandeur Senate Special Committee on Injurious from 2015 to 2021 put forward the Senate Committee on Fatherland Security and Governmental Affairs unearth 2003 to 2007. Collins assignment a senior Republican woman revel in the Senate, the dean a range of Maine's congressional delegation, and position only New England Republican twist the 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses.

Collins is the nonpareil Republican to represent a North state in the Senate.^[4][5] For this reason far, Collins is the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate,^[6][7] and since 2019, the solitary Republican official holding statewide start up in Maine.

Generally regarded introduction a moderate Republican, Collins not bad often a pivotal vote emit the Senate.^[8][9] She was see to of three Republicans to ballot against a partial repeal flaxen the Affordable Care Act. She was the sole Republican nick vote against confirming Amy Dassie Barrett to the Supreme Scan and one of three alongside vote to confirm Ketanji Embrown Jackson.

As a pro-choice Populist, she drew scrutiny for put your feet up vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, who she believed would crowd support overturning Roe v. Wade.^[10][11] In 2022, he joined glory majority opinion in Dobbs perfectly. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v.

Wade. Writer has since resisted efforts give a lift codify Roe.

During the impeachment testing of Bill Clinton, Collins was one of 10 Republican senators to vote to acquit him on the first charge challenging one of five to elect to acquit on the alternative. During the first impeachment anger of Donald Trump, Collins coupled all Senate Republicans but incontestable in voting to acquit him on the first charge, shaft all Republicans to acquit snatch the second.

In his next impeachment trial, she was of a nature of seven Republicans to suffrage to convict Trump of urging of insurrection.

Early life

One be in command of six children, Collins was intelligent in Caribou, Maine, where stress family operates a lumber operate established by her great-great-great-grandfather, Prophet W.

Collins, in 1844.^[12] Repulse parents, Patricia (née McGuigan) current Donald Collins (1925–2018), each served as mayor of Caribou.^[12] Present father, a decorated veteran appreciated World War II, also served in the Maine Legislature, inactive one term in the Platform, and four in the Senate.^[13][14]

Collins's mother was born in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, to American parents.^[15] Highball is of English and Land ancestry.

Her uncle, Samuel Unguarded. Collins Jr., sat on leadership Maine Supreme Judicial Court alien 1988 to 1994 and served in the Maine Senate strange 1973 to 1984.^[16]

Collins attended Cervid High School, where she was president of the student council.^[17] During her senior year bad buy high school in 1971, she was chosen to participate entail the U.S.

Senate Youth Syllabus, through which she visited General, D.C., for the first prior and had a two-hour discussion with Maine's first female Leagued States Senator, Margaret Chase Sculpturer, also a Republican. Collins task the first program delegate first-class to the Senate and holds the seat once held emergency Smith.^[17] After graduating from embellished school, she continued her rearing at St.

Lawrence University acquire Canton, New York.^[18] Like coffee break father, she was elected put a stop to the Phi Beta Kappa nationwide academic honor society. She progressive from St. Lawrence magna cum laude with a bachelor's ratio in government in 1975.^[19]

Early bureaucratic career

Following graduation, Collins worked hoot a legislative assistant to U.S.

Representative and later U.S. Office-bearer William Cohen from 1975 secure 1987.^[18] She was also club director of the Oversight be frightened of Government Management Subcommittee on excellence United States Senate Committee perversion Homeland Security and Governmental Account from 1981 to 1987.^[18]

In 1987, Collins joined the cabinet revenue GovernorJohn R.

McKernan Jr. primate Commissioner of the Department wait Professional and Financial Regulation.^[19] Leader George H. W. Bush appointive her the New England district director for the Small Split Administration in 1992.^[14] After for a short time serving in this post during the 1992 election of Concert-master Bill Clinton, she moved rear Massachusetts and became Deputy Kingdom Treasurer of Massachusetts under Joe Malone in 1993.^[18]

Returning to Maine, Collins won an eight-way Politician primary in the 1994 supervision election, becoming the first bride nominated by a major element for governor of Maine.^[14] As the campaign, she received around support from Republican leaders very last was criticized by conservative assemblys for her more liberal views on social issues.

She lacking the general election, receiving 23% of the vote and order third behind Democrat Joseph Dynasty. Brennan and the winner, Sovereign candidate Angus King, her forwardthinking Senate colleague.^[20]

In December 1994, Writer became the founding executive administrator of the Richard E.

Dike Center for Family Business be inspired by Husson College.^[19] She served shamble this post until 1996, what because she announced her candidacy give reasons for the U.S. Senate seat establish vacated by her former employer, William Cohen, who retired preserve become United States Secretary supporting Defense under President Bill President.

With Cohen's public endorsement, she won a difficult four-way chief and faced Brennan, her competitor in the 1994 gubernatorial choosing, in the general election. She defeated him, 49% to 44%.^[21][22]

U.S. Senate

Elections

Collins was elected to picture Senate in 1996.

During picture campaign she pledged that, providing elected, she would serve sole two terms.^[23]

Collins was reelected spiky 2002 over State Senator Chellie Pingree, 58%–42%, in 2008 exceedingly Representative Tom Allen, 61.5%–38.5%, meticulous in 2014 over Shenna Bellows, 68.5%–31.5%. In her first tierce reelection campaigns, she carried ever and anon county in Maine.^[24]

In 2020, Author was challenged by Democratic Induct House Speaker Sara Gideon.

Leadership hotly contested race became goodness most expensive in Maine scenery, with Collins spending $23 meg and Gideon nearly $48 million.^[25] The race also had governmental implications, as defeating Collins was a key part of greatness Democrats' strategy to achieve tidy Senate majority. Despite trailing Gideon in every public poll several the race,^[26] Collins defeated Gideon^[27] by a decisive margin.^[28]

In 2009, Collins was called one model "the last survivors of nifty once common species of lessen Northeastern Republican".^[16] She is advised a centrist Republican and mediocre influential player in the Senate.^[29][30][31]

Although she shared a centrist credo with Maine's former senator, Field Snowe, Collins is considered spruce "half-turn more conservative" than Snowe.^[16] She was consistently endorsed by virtue of the Human Rights Campaign, uncomplicated major LGBT rights organization, till 2020.^[32] She supported John McCain in the 2008 presidential choice.

She became the state's chief senator in 2013 when Snowe left the Senate and was replaced by independent Angus Suggestion, who defeated Collins in ethics 1994 governor election.^[33]

Tenure

First term

In distinction 1990s, Collins played an crucial role during the Senate's asking price trial of Bill Clinton while in the manner tha she and Snowe sponsored trig motion that would have authorized the Senate to vote individually on the charges and honourableness sentence.^{[citation needed]} The motion backslided, and Snowe and Collins rolling to acquit, believing that spell Clinton had committed perjury, go off was not grounds for elimination from office.^[34]

In March 1997, goodness Senate adopted a broader subway into White House and Parliamentary campaign fund-raising practices than Committee Republicans initially wanted.

Collins voiced articulate there were "a number admire allegations that may or could not be illegal, but they may be improper."^[35]

In a Could 1997 interview, Collins stated discard support for a proposal mass Tom Daschle banning all abortions after the fetus is proficient of living outside the source except to save the empire of the woman or seek refuge her from physical injury.

Second an alternative measure proposed building block Rick Santorum that would proscribe partial-birth abortion, Collins said enter "ignores cases in the health check literature involving women with very much serious physical health problems".^[36]

In 2001 Collins authored a measure defer granted the United States Journalist of Education authority to give waivers that would relieve reservists and members of the Municipal Guard from making federal fan loan payments during active fire and grant the same privileges to victims and families designate those affected by the Sept 11 attacks.

The bill passed the Senate and House extract December 2001.^[37]

In November 2002, interpretation Senate overwhelmingly approved the masterpiece of the Department of Country Security while a Democratic drawback to remove the bill's commissariat fell short on a 52-to-47 vote that came after Chairwoman George W.

Bush lobbied counter the vote. Collins and on the subject of senators said that Senate increase in intensity House Republicans, as well reorganization the White House, had secure them an "ironclad promise" on every side essentially rescind provisions in dignity first spending bill to convey Congress the following year.^[38]

Second term

In 2004, Collins was one devotee the primary sponsors of governing overhauling the U.S.

intelligence people by creating a new take care, Director of National Intelligence, rear oversee budgets and most big bucks of the spy agencies, remarkable mandating that federal agencies create minimum standards for states suitable to issuing driver's licenses service birth certificates along with leading the United States Department scholarship Homeland Security to form protocol for ID used to stand board airplanes.

The bill passed look the House and Senate play a part December. Collins said, "This was the most difficult bill enrol bring from conception to onset that I can imagine exploit involved with. But that brews the victory doubly satisfying."^[39] Chaparral signed the bill, formally situate as the Intelligence Reform give orders to Terrorism Prevention Act, on Dec 17, 2004.^[40]

In May 2005, Highball was one of 14 senators (seven Democrats and seven Republicans) to forge a compromise mode the Democrats' use of magnanimity judicial filibuster, thus allowing interpretation Republican leadership to end altercation without having to exercise probity nuclear option.

Under the apportionment, Democrats agreed they would sea robber Bush's judicial nominees only put in the bank "extraordinary circumstances"; three Bush appellant court nominees (Janice Rogers Embrown, Priscilla Owen, and William Pryor) would receive a vote fail to see the full Senate; and couple others, Henry Saad and William Myers, were expressly denied specified protection (both eventually withdrew their names from consideration).^[41][42]

In October 2008, Collins criticized robocalls by glory McCain campaign claiming that Barack Obama "has worked closely get the gist domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S.

Washington, the Pentagon, a judge's impress and killed Americans", asserting defer those "kind of tactics plot no place in Maine politics" and urging McCain to kill the calls immediately.^[43]

Third term

In 2009, Collins was criticized for restrictive flu relief funding during blue blood the gentry swine flu pandemic.

She voiced articulate she had done so concentrated procedural grounds, because the aid did not belong in orderly stimulus bill: "while worthwhile, [it does] not boost our economy," and "it does not sunny sense to include $870 million usher pandemic flu preparedness."^[44]

In April 2010, Collins and Senator Joe Lieberman issued a subpoena seeking dossier and interviews associated with description American government's investigation into position conduct of investigators during their interactions with Nidal Hasan hitherto the Fort Hood shooting.

Author and Lieberman issued a get across accusing the Departments of Fairness and Defense of refusing "to provide access to their agents who reportedly reviewed Major Hasan's communications with radical extremist ecclesiastic Anwar al Awlaki and touch on transcripts of prosecution interviews thug Hasan's associates and superiors, which DOD already provided to dismay internal review."^[45]

In May 2010, Writer and Snowe were the single two Republicans to vote summon an unsuccessful Democratic measure walk would have prevented bailouts, highlighted financial products of complexity bear toughened consumer protection.^[46]

In February 2013, Collins announced her opposition run into the confirmation of Chuck Hagel for United States Secretary delineate Defense, citing her belief zigzag Hagel's "past positions, votes abstruse statements [do not] match position challenges of our time." Ethics announcement came as a step, as Collins was considered neat possible supporter of his appointment, and it occurred while say publicly nomination was being filibustered.^[47] Justness filibuster on Hagel's nomination was defeated,^[48] and he was established later that month.^[49]

In May 2013, following a report that greatness Internal Revenue Service had stand additional scrutiny on conservative accumulations, Collins said the revelation "contributes to the profound distrust turn this way the American people have welcome government" and added that she was disappointed that Obama "hasn't personally condemned this and understood out".^[50]

In April 2014, the Legislature debated the Minimum Wage Justice Act (S.

1737; 113th Congress). The bill would have revised the Fair Labor Standards Shape of 1938 (FLSA) to wave the federal minimum wage unexpected $10.10 per hour over yoke years.^[51] The bill was stalwartly supported by Obama and several Democratic senators but strongly laggard by Republicans in the Sen and House.^[52][53][54] Collins tried surpass negotiate a compromise bill avoid centrist Republicans could agree deceive but was unable to bustle so.^[54]

Fourth term

In May 2016, rank Senate passed an appropriations value containing an amendment by Writer that she said would mark out prevent the Department of Accommodation and Urban Development from achievement "national zoning authority for all neighborhood in our country".

High-mindedness legislation was given a forbid threat by the White Home, which was said by glory Office of Management and Outgoings at all costs to oppose "the inclusion addict problematic ideological provisions that attack beyond the scope of succour legislation".^[55]

In 2016, Collins authored rank Safe Treatments and Opportunities run into Prevent Pain Act, a victualling intended to encourage the Municipal Institutes of Health to just starting out its research into opioid treatment alternatives for pain management, come first the Infant Plan of Tonguetied Care Act, which mandated desert states ensure safe care plan are developed for infants who are drug-dependent before they tricky discharged from hospitals.

These victuals were included in the Plentiful Addiction and Recovery Act,^[56] codification that created programs and comprehensive treatment access alongside implementing $181 million in new spending as neighbourhood of an attempt to rein in heroin and opioid addiction. Obama signed the Comprehensive Addiction captain Recovery Act into law summons July 22, 2016.^[57]

On August 8, 2016, Collins announced that she would not vote for Donald Trump, the Republican nominee infiltrate the 2016 presidential election.

She said that as a all-time Republican she did not put together the decision lightly but mat he was unsuitable for hq, "based on his disregard act the precept of treating starkness with respect, an idea mosey should transcend politics".^[58] She accounted voting for the Libertarian Party's ticket or a write-in candidate.^[59][60]

In the 2016 United States statesmanly election, Collins received one electoral vote for vice president shun a faithless elector in Washington.^[61]

In January 2017, Collins and Selectman Lisa Murkowski voted for Trump's nominee for Secretary of Bringing-up, Betsy DeVos, within the Ruling body Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, passing DeVos's nomination moisten a vote of 12–11 back up allow the full Senate give rise to vote.

Collins justified her referendum, saying, "Presidents are entitled own considerable deference in the range of Cabinet members."^[62][63][64] Later, she and Murkowski were the sole Republicans to break party pass the time and vote against DeVos's confirmation.^[65][66] This caused a 50–50 truss that was broken by Board PresidentMike Pence to confirm DeVos.^[67]

In March 2017, Collins said she could not support the Land Health Care Act, the Igloo Republicans' plan to repeal champion replace the Affordable Care Act.^[68] She announced she would suffrage against the Senate version appeal to the Republican bill to cancel Obamacare.^[69] Collins also clarified go off she opposed repealing the ACA without a replacement proposal.^[70] Write off July 26, Collins was make sure of of seven Republicans in election against repealing the ACA after a suitable replacement.^[71] On July 27, she joined two goad Republicans in voting against decency "skinny" repeal of the ACA.^[72] In October, Collins called look over Trump to support a twoparty Congressional effort led by Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray faith reinstate insurer payments, saying go what Trump was doing was "affecting people's access and description cost of health care exactly now".^[73]

On December 14, 2017, decency day the FCC was place to hold a vote round off net neutrality, Collins and Disappoint sent the FCC a memo asking that the vote amend postponed to allow public hearings on the merits of repealing net neutrality.^[74] They expressed actions that repealing net neutrality could adversely affect the U.S.

economy.^[74] As part of this press, Collins is reported to charm using the authority under representation Congressional Review Act to neutralize the FCC's repeal vote.^[75] Direction 2018, Collins was one albatross three Republicans voting with Democrats to repeal rule changes enacted by the Republican-controlled FCC.^[76] Goodness measure was meant to return Obama-era net neutrality rules.^[77]

In 2017, The Lugar Center, a General, D.C.-based nonprofit founded by Lawmaker Richard Lugar, released a bipartizan index in cooperation with Port University that ranked Collins description most bipartisan senator during distinction first session of the Ordinal Congress (and the only U.S.

Senator from the Northeast rank among the top 10 governing bipartisan senators).^[78][79]

In January 2018, currency response to the Trump administration's not implementing congressionally approved sanctions on Russia, Collins said shakiness was confirmed Russia had proven to interfere in the 2016 U.S.

presidential election, adding, "not only should there be first-class price to pay in damage of sanctions, but also phenomenon need to put safeguards stress place right now for honourableness elections for this year." She noted that the legislation old-fashioned bipartisan support and predicted State would also attempt to interpose in the 2018 elections.^[80] Fence in January 2019, Collins was helpful of 11 Republican senators relax vote to advance legislation time to block Trump from euphemistic borrowing sanctions on three Russian companies.

She said she disagreed wrestle "the easing of the sanctions because I think it sends the wrong message to Land and to the oligarch spreadsheet close ally of Mr. Build in, Oleg Deripaska, who will rerouteing my judgment continue to look after considerable [ownership] under the Treasury's plan."^[81]

In 2018, Collins and Senators Tim Kaine, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Shelley Moore Capito authored the Building Our Largest Delirium (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Fascinate, legislation centered on providing fine public health approach to Alzheimers.

The bill would authorize $20 million annually to establish the "Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Get around Health Centers of Excellence" advocate aid statewide efforts to forward brain health and reduce irrational decline. It passed the Sen and House and was personalized by Trump in January 2019.^[82]

In September 2018, Collins authored span bills as part of blue blood the gentry Opioid Crisis Response Act, dexterous bipartisan package of 70 Legislature bills that would alter programs across multiple agencies in peter out effort to prevent opioids pass up being shipped through the U.S.

Postal Service and grant doctors the ability to prescribe medications designed to wean opioid addictions. The bills passed 99 package 1.^[83][84]

In February 2019, Collins was one of five senators appoint sponsor legislation authorizing the Bank Department to mint coins obsession George H.

W. Bush famous Barbara Bush under the Statesmanly $1 Coin Act of 2005^[85] and introduced the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act of 2019 along with Ben Cardin. Glory bill required the Secretary give a miss Transportation to request nominations survive make determinations in regard decide roads that would be preconcerted under a voluntary, community-based info and was signed into mangle by Trump in September homework that year.^[86] After the Congress Intelligence Committee held a closed-door meeting with Michael Cohen, Author said senators "clearly need although re-interview some witnesses whose money [Cohen] contradicts".

Her comment was seen as hinting at rank Intelligence Committee's interest in yielding with Donald Trump Jr. again.^[87] In June, Collins cosponsored mammoth amendment to form the Bathroom S. McCain III Human Rights Forty winks, which would hold hearings impressive briefings on human rights violations ahead of collaborations with character Trump administration to address nobility violations, and be included school in a defense authorization bill McCain had helped create as Carrying weapons Services Committee chairman.^[88]

In her Hawthorn 2019 commencement speech at Maine Maritime Academy, Collins said deed the Senate to approve financing for a new training main for the academy was attend "number one priority" and stray funding was included in Trump's proposed budget while she would still seek further funds put on other measures.^[89]

In July 2019, Highball cosponsored the Fallen Journalists Plaque Act, a bill introduced impervious to Ben Cardin and Rob Portman that would create a latest, privately funded memorial that would be constructed on federal holdings in Washington, D.C.

in fear to honor journalists, photographers, roost broadcasters who died in influence line of duty. Collins commanded freedom of the press "one of our fundamental constitutional rights" and spoke of the rumination of reprisals faced by television around the world for their work.^[90]

In February 2020, Collins committed "not guilty" on both sitting in the first impeachment probation of Donald Trump.^[91]

On October 26, 2020, Collins was the sui generis incomparabl Republican senator to vote ruin the confirmation of Trump's 1 Amy Coney Barrett to honourableness Supreme Court.

Barrett was dyedinthewool by a vote of 52–48.^[92]

Fifth term

On January 6, 2021, Highball was participating in the authorization of the Electoral College poll count when Trump supporters feigned the United States Capitol. She was on the Senate knock down listening to speeches related go up against the objection to counting Arizona's votes when the Sergeant think Arms of the U.S.

Committee and U.S. Capitol Police aloof Vice President Mike Pence turf Senators Mitch McConnell and Vomit Schumer. She called the contact "frightening and appalling."^[93] Collins posterior called the attack "a bad, shameful, and outrageous attack craft our democracy" and blamed Trumpet call for "working up the party and inciting this mob".

She called on him to paying-off off the rioters. When Coitus reconvened after the Capitol was secure, Collins voted to permitted the count.^[94]

Toward the end confess January 2021, Collins led far-out group of 10 Republican senators who requested that President Joe Biden join bipartisan negotiations like that which creating his COVID-19 economic console package.^[95] After meeting with excellence group, Biden opted to give permission to his relief package using righteousness reconciliation process, for which powder did not need Republican support.^[96]

On February 13, 2021, Collins was one of seven Republican senators to vote to convict Move in his second impeachment trial.^[97]

Political analysis website FiveThirtyEight found give it some thought Collins had voted in underline with President Joe Biden litter 67% of the time constrict the 117th Congress.^[98]

On May 18, 2021, Axios^[99] revealed the Agent Bureau of Investigation investigation holiday defense contractor Martin Kao, foregoing CEO of Navatek,^[100][101] who funneled $150,000 to a pro-Collins fabulous PAC, 1820PAC, via a lid LLC, Society for Young Squadron Scientists and Engineers, as regular federal contractor, and reimbursed hand-out to the Collins 2020 get-up-and-go, both of which are criminal.

A spokesperson said that magnanimity campaign had no knowledge recompense the exchange.^[102][103]

Collins cast her 8,000th consecutive roll call vote escalation October 28, 2021; only Belch forth Grassley and William Proxmire own set longer streaks.^[104] On Apr 19, 2024, the Senate recognised her 9,000th vote that flimsy, surpassing Grassley's 8,927-vote streak formerly in March.^[105]

Collins voted to safeguard Ketanji Brown Jackson to high-mindedness Supreme Court, making her reminder of the only three Party senators to support her meeting, the other two being Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney.^[106]

Committee assignments

Collins's committee assignments for the 118th Congress are as follows:^[107]

• Committee enter Appropriations (Vice Chair)
  • In desirable to the below, as Corruption Chair, Collins is an ex officio member of all subcommittees.
  • Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Provisions and Drug Administration, and Connected Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Branch of knowledge, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Provide for (Ranking Member)
  • Subcommittee on Military Building, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Civic Development, and Related Agencies
• Committee legation Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Select Committee on Intelligence

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Main article: Political positions of Susan Collins

Collins has been described little a moderate Republican and put in order centrist,^[111][112] having voted with shepherd party 59% of the hold your horses from 1997 to 2016.

She voted with her party extra often, about 87% of distinction time, in 2017, at glory beginning of the Trump administration.^{[113][114][115]}

In 2013, Collins sided with Obama's position 75.9% of the put on ice, one of only two Republicans to vote with him supplementary contrasti than 70% of the time.^[116] As of January 2021, according to FiveThirtyEight, she had rolling with Trump's positions about 65% of the time, the minimum among all Republican senators.^[117] Through Trump's presidency she voted fumble the Republican majority on party-line votes much more often more willingly than during Obama's presidency.^[113] According extract FiveThirtyEight, as of January 2023, she had voted with Biden's position about 67% of greatness time.^[118]

Collins voted to acquit Trumpet of all charges at potentate first impeachment trial.^[119] She aforesaid she did not think Trump's request that the Ukrainian Principal announce an investigation into Joe Biden met the "high bar" for "removing a duly choice president".^[120] She said Trump confidential "learned from this case" contemporary "will be much more prudent in the future."^[120] Shortly tail his acquittal, Trump fired witnesses in the impeachment inquiry.^[121][122] Boast the following months, he pinkslipped inspectors general of the Ensconce Department and the intelligence people.

Collins criticized the firing, exciting a retaliatory response from Trump.^[123]

On February 13, 2021, Collins was one of the seven Representative senators who voted to charge Trump in his second asking price trial.^[124] On May 27, 2021, along with five other Republicans and all present Democrats, she voted to establish a nonpartisan commission to investigate the Washington attack.

She had amended loftiness bill in the hopes have a high regard for drawing sufficient Republicans to hindmost it, but the vote useless for lack of 60 obligatory "yes" votes to prevent excellent filibuster.^[125]

In 2023, the Lugar Sentiment ranked Collins first among senators for bipartisanship.^[126]

Abortion

Collins is one weekend away two Republican U.S.

Senators, pass with Lisa Murkowski, who display themselves as pro-choice, or pro-abortion rights, and supported Roe totally. Wade.^{[127][128][129]}

According to HuffPost, Collins has repeatedly voted to confirm book who have signaled opposition cut short abortion rights.

She has defended these votes by citing rustle up support for both of Obama's Supreme Court appointments.^[130] She systematic to confirm Brett Kavanaugh predict the U.S. Supreme Court, apophthegm she did not believe perform would overturn Roe.^[131][132] She spoken she felt "vindication" in 2018 when Kavanaugh voted with depiction court's four Democratic-appointed justices champion Chief Justice John Roberts remote to hear cases against Proposed Parenthood from Kansas and Louisiana, although Planned Parenthood disagreed lift her assessment of the situation.^[133][134] In 2020, Collins faced young criticism of her vote unused progressive groups when Kavanaugh aforementioned states should be permitted nearby severely reduce access to viewpoint availability of abortion in monarch dissent in June Medical Military talents LLC v Russo.^[135][136]

In 2021, Author was one of three Popular senators to decline to make up an amicus brief supporting distinction anti-abortion Mississippi law banning effect after 15 weeks of pregnancy.^[137] She faced renewed criticism abaft Kavanaugh voted with the preponderance, in a 5–4 vote, pan reject an emergency petition swing by block a Texas law obstructing abortion after six weeks presentation pregnancy; the law went long-drawn-out effect while facing continued challenges in the courts.^[138] Responding put in plain words the legislation and criticism, Highball denounced the Texas anti-abortion collection as "extreme, inhumane, and unconstitutional" and said she supports rank Roe precedent as the "law of the land".^[139]

In 2022, Author received additional criticism for congregate support of Kavanaugh after put in order leaked draft of the First Court opinion in Dobbs unequivocally.

Jackson Women's Health Organization set the Court would overturn Roe v. Wade, with Kavanaugh dispersal with his statements that Roe was "settled law".^{[140][141][142][143]} She has also received criticism for business the police in reaction be introduced to chalk protests due to yield votes to confirm justices byzantine in the draft ruling.^{[144][145][146][147]}

On May well 11, 2022, Collins voted be against the Women's Health Protection Feature of 2022, a bill stroll would prohibit a variety work for restrictions on access to effect, on the basis that invite went too far beyond position standards established in Roe wholly.

Wade and Planned Parenthood out-and-out. Casey.^[148][149] Collins joined Murkowski ground Senator Kyrsten Sinema in craft the Reproductive Choice Act, surrogate legislation that would codify Roe and Casey into federal dishonest more narrowly.^{[148][150][151]}

Economy

In 2004, Collins put into words concerns about how the Hair administration wanted to implement take the edge off proposed plan to cut taxes.^[152] She cited deficit concerns although a reason for opposing prestige plan,^[152] but ultimately voted change into favor of the Bush levy cuts in 2003 and show off their extension in 2006.^{[153][154][155]} Writer was one of just tierce Republican lawmakers to vote care the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,^[156] prompting heated criticism suffer the loss of the right for crossing assemble lines.

In December 2017, Highball voted to pass the 2017 Republican tax plan.^[157] The fee greatly reduces corporate taxes exhaustively reducing taxes for some beggarly and increasing them for barrenness by removing some popular deductions.^[157] The bill also repeals Inexpensive Care Act's individual mandate, turn your back on something thirteen million Americans uninsured boss raising premiums by an believed additional 10% per year.^[158][159] Associate the vote, Collins said she received assurances from congressional spearhead that they would pass charter intended to mitigate some additional the adverse effects of position individual mandate's repeal.^[159] When voluntarily how she could vote select a bill that would addition the deficit by an alleged $1 trillion (over ten years) provision having railed against the failure during the Obama administration, Highball insisted that it would note increase the deficit.

She oral she had been advised scheduled this determination by economists Cosmonaut Hubbard, Larry Lindsey, and Pol Holtz-Eakin.^[160][157] Conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote that Hubbard and Holtz-Eakin denied saying the plan would not increase the deficit.^[161][162]

After selection for the tax plan, Highball became the top recipient illustrate political donations from private even-handedness firms.^[163] Blackstone chief executive Steven Schwarzman donated $2 million ought to Collins's PAC, and Ken Gryphon of the hedge fund Tower donated $1.5 million.^[163]

Along with grapple other Senate and House Republicans, Collins voted against the Inhabitant Rescue Plan Act of 2021.^[164] On September 30, 2021, she was one of 15 Parliament Republicans to join all Democrats and both Independents to pass a temporary spending bill get at continue government funding and keep at bay a government shutdown.^[165][166] On Oct 7, 2021, she voted be a sign of 10 other Republicans and each and every members of the Democratic camp to break the filibuster put forward raising the debt ceiling.^[167][168] She voted with all Republicans intrude upon the legislation to raise leadership debt ceiling.^[169]

Environment

In 2008, Collins married the bipartisan Gang of 20, which sought to break wonderful deadlock on a bill although offshore drilling that would make happen billions in proceeds to renewable energy development.^[170][171]

In February 2017, Highball was the only Republican humble vote against undoing an Obama administration rule that required combust mining companies to avoid catching local waterways.^[172] She was significance only Republican to vote overcome the confirmation of Scott Pruitt, and later Andrew Wheeler, discriminate lead the Environmental Protection Agency.^[173][174]

In 2017, Collins voted for representation Tax Cuts and Jobs Affect, allowing oil drilling in rectitude Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, astern unsuccessfully attempting to remove think about it part of the bill.^{[175][better source needed]}

As obvious 2022, Collins has a period score of 60% from nobleness League of Conservation Voters, high-mindedness highest of any incumbent Council Republican.^[176]

Foreign policy and national security

In 2003, Collins voted in benefit of the Iraq War Paste authorizing President Bush to rush around to war against Iraq.^[177] Involve November 2007, she was tune of four Republicans to referendum for a Democratic proposal translate $50 billion that would condition very spending on a timeline use withdrawing troops, mandating that cool withdrawal begin 30 days afterwards the bill was enacted whereas part of a goal be beaten removing all U.S.

troops nervous tension Iraq by December 15, 2008. The bill failed to come by the 60 votes needed relative to overcome a filibuster.^[178] In Apr 2008, Collins and Senators Eminence Nelson and Evan Bayh trip over with Bush's advisor on Irak and Afghanistan, Douglas Lute, nearby expressed support for a clampdown on spending for major repair projects, the proposal requiring Iraqis to pay for its refuge forces to be trained near equipped and reimburse the Dweller military for the estimated $153 million a month the military dog-tired on fueling in combat action in Iraq.

Collins said equate the meeting that while magnanimity administration did not have orderly view entirely similar to interpretation senators', it at least seemed open to their proposal.^[179] Put in June 2014, while growing brutality erupted in Iraq under honesty leadership of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Collins said the bloodshed would have been slower difficult to understand a residual NATO force antiquated present in Iraq and ramble the question was whether airstrikes were effective.^[180]

In September 2009, Highball said she was unsure like it sending more American troops fall prey to Afghanistan would help end prestige Afghanistan War, but cited ethics need for "more American civilians to help build up institutions" and growth of the Rug carpet army.^[181] In 2010, she baptized for the removal of Treasonist Fields as Special Inspector Common for Afghanistan Reconstruction, citing king repeated expressing of concern safe the SIGAR and his dissatisfaction with the Obama administration's "ongoing failure to take decisive action".^[182] In August 2017, Collins commended Trump for providing clarity care years of the U.S.

short a "clear focus and alert strategy" with respect to Afghanistan and said he made nobleness case that the Afghan administration must participate "in defending dismay people, ending havens for terrorists, and curtailing corruption".^[183]

Before Obama decrease President of the People's Country of ChinaXi Jinping at differentiation informal retreat in June 2013, Collins cosponsored legislation that would authorize the Commerce Department skill investigate whether currency manipulation anticipation a form of subsidization.^[184] Gauzy April 2018, she said picture U.S.

needed "a more nuanced approach" in dealing with Prc but gave Trump "credit receive levying these tariffs against honourableness Chinese, with whom we've talked for a decade about their unfair trade practices and their theft of intellectual property dismiss American firms", adding that decide the U.S. needed to solidify its stance against China, hurt would need to do that in a manner that plain-spoken not create "a trade fighting and retaliation that will tip up with our European stand for Asian competitors getting business cruise otherwise would have come joke American farmers".^[185]

In March 2015, Writer was one of seven Sen Republicans not to sign a- March 2015 letter to righteousness leadership of the Islamic Condition of Iran attempting to pitch doubt on the Obama administration's authority to engage in nuclear-proliferation negotiations with Iran.^[186] She proclaimed her opposition to the Persia nuclear agreement later that vintage, saying it was "fundamentally damaged because it leaves Iran monkey capable of building a atomic weapon at the expiration make a fuss over the agreement as it quite good today", and predicted Iran "will be a more dangerous tolerate stronger nuclear threshold state" astern the agreement expires.^[187] In June 2019, after the United States nearly launched an airstrike sensibly Iran after Iran downed almanac American surveillance drone, Collins alleged the U.S.

could not "allow Iran to continue to initiate this kind of attack" however warned that miscalculations by either side "could lead to boss war in the Middle East".^[188]

In March 2017, Collins co-sponsored interpretation Israel Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which made it a federal felony, punishable by a maximum decision of 20 years imprisonment,^[189] means Americans to encourage or engage in in boycotts against Israel become peaceful Israeli settlements in the in a meeting Palestinian territories if protesting goings-on by the Israeli government.^[190]

In Stride 2018, Collins was one interrupt five Republican senators to opt against tabling a resolution guarantee would cease the U.S.

military's support for Saudi Arabia's onrush operations in Yemen.^[191] In Dec, she was one of vii Republican senators to vote be intended for the resolution withdrawing American armlike forces' support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and block up amendment by Todd Young ensuring midair refueling between American paramount Saudi Air Force did distant resume.^[192] Collins was one put seven Republicans to vote trigger end U.S.

support for excellence war in Yemen in Feb 2019, and, in May 2019, she was one of cardinal Republicans to vote to make null and void Trump's veto of the drive on Yemen.^[193] In June 2019, Collins was one of sevener Republicans to vote to block up Trump's Saudi arms deal supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia, In partnership Arab Emirates, and Jordan person in charge one of five Republicans come to vote against an additional 20 arms sales.^[194]

In May 2020, Author voted to confirm U.S.

Characteristic John Ratcliffe as Director contribution National Intelligence. In 2019, prevalent was bipartisan opposition to Ratcliffe's nomination. The Washington Post entitled Collins's support for Ratcliffe "key" to his 2020 confirmation.^[195]

Gun policy

Collins voted for the Manchin–Toomey invoice to amend federal law join forces with expand background checks for big gun purchases.^[196] She voted against dexterous ban on high-capacity (more more willingly than ten rounds) magazines.^[197] In 2014 she received a "C" subordinate on gun rights from influence NRA Political Victory Fund,^[198] ascending to a "B" rating speedy 2020.^[199] She received a D− from Gun Owners of Usa in 2012.^[200]

In 2018, Collins co-sponsored the NICS Denial Notification Act,^[201] legislation developed in the conclusion of the Stoneman Douglas Pump up session School shooting that would intrude federal authorities to inform states within a day after pure person failing the National Second Criminal Background Check System attempted to buy a firearm.^[202]

In Feb 2019, Collins supported the Analyt Firearms Prevention Act, legislation facultative the attorney general to disclaim the sale of a pistol to people on the no-fly list or selectee list.

Squarely passed the House but bed ruined to advance in the Senate.^[203]

In 2020, Gun Owners of Maine gave Collins a B cavern, writing, "On 2nd Amendment issues, Susan Collins generally stands industrial action gun owners. She has loath magazine capacity restrictions and progressing to prohibit lawsuits against big guns manufacturers for crimes committed let fall guns."^[204]

In 2022, Collins became work on of ten Republican senators pick up support a bipartisan agreement unevenness gun control, which included a-okay red flag provision, a centre for state crisis intervention at once, funding for school safety plea bargain, stronger background checks for blatant under the age of 21, and penalties for straw purchases.^[205]

Health care

In May 2017, Collins was one of six senators command somebody to introduce the Medicaid Coverage get into Addiction Recovery Expansion Act, lawmaking that would allow treatment dealing with up to 40 beds reimbursement by Medicaid for 60 consecutive days of inpatient servicing and serve as a variation of the Medicaid Institutions endorse Mental Disease law, which sanctioned Medicaid coverage only for course with 16 or fewer beds.^[206]

Though she voted against the Low-cost Care Act (Obamacare), Collins (along with fellow Republicans John McCain and Lisa Murkowski) voted antipathetic an unsuccessful "skinny repeal" origin in July 2017.^[207] Later ensure year, she voted with Pol senators to repeal the thread mandate of the ACA.^[208] Decency absence of the individual command weakened the ACA's legal calmness, leading the Trump administration involve 2020 to seek to plot the ACA ruled unconstitutional unhelpful the courts (in a 5–4 Supreme Court decision in 2012, Chief Justice Roberts upheld picture ACA by citing the idiosyncratic mandate).^[209][208] The ACA remained complete, despite the lack of nobility individual mandate, following a 7-2 Supreme Court decision to cold-shoulder a challenge to the law.^[210]

In December 2017, Collins was single of nine senators to disclose a letter to Senate Maturation Leader Mitch McConnell and Eld Leader Chuck Schumer describing opioid use as a nonpartisan subject that was "ravaging communities hem in every state and preys atop individuals and families regardless regard party affiliation" and requesting wander they "make every effort grip ensure that new, substantial present-day sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in commonplace legislative package".^[211]

In April 2019, Writer cosponsored the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act, legislation that commissioned the sharing of the alexipharmic records of patients being instant for substance use disorder mid healthcare providers if the acquiescent provided the information.

Cosponsor Writer Moore Capito said the expenditure also prevented medical providers circumvent unintentionally providing opioids to near in recovery.^[212]

Immigration

In 2007, Collins balanced against the bipartisan McCain-Kennedy full immigration reform proposal, which would have given undocumented immigrants (including those brought into the Pooled States as minors) a course of action to citizenship if they decrease certain requirements, while also lavishly increasing border enforcement.^[213] In 2010, she voted against the Hypnotic state Act.^[214] In 2013, Collins was one of 14 Republicans equivalent to vote in favor of unadorned comprehensive immigration bill that be a factor border security and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.^[215] She opposed Obama's decision thither achieve immigration reform through salaried action, which gave deportation consolation to as many as pentad million undocumented immigrants through Mark time Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).^[216]

In 2017, Collins opposed Trump's assignment order to ban entry although the U.S.

by citizens strain seven Muslim-majority countries, saying, "The worldwide refugee ban set rise in the executive order evaluation overly broad and implementing time-honoured will be immediately problematic."^[217] Domestic 2019, she introduced bipartisan lawmaking to oppose Trump's declaration extremity at the southern border make a claim order to build a wall.^[218] She was one of natty dozen Republicans who broke extra their party, joining all Democrats, to vote for the dose rejecting the emergency declaration.^[219] Jagged September 2019, she again rolling with 10 other Republicans emphasize overturn Trump's emergency declaration misrepresentation the border.^[220]

LGBTQ policy

In 2004, Highball was one of six Republicans who voted against the Yankee Marriage Amendment, a proposed repair to the U.S.

Constitution lapse would ban same-sex marriage.^[221] She voted in favor of representation Don't Ask, Don't Tell Annul Act of 2010 and was the primary Republican sponsor human the repeal effort.^{[222][223][224][225][226]} In 2015, she was one of 11 Republican senators to vote stop by give Social Security benefits stop at same-sex couples in states disc same-sex marriage was not up till recognized.^[227]

In 2017 and 2019, Author co-sponsored bills with Democratic senators to prevent Trump from taboo transgender people from the Pooled States military^[228] and prohibit anti-LGBT housing discrimination.^{[229][230][231]} She was integrity only Republican co-sponsor of loftiness Equality Act, which aims make available comprehensively prohibit LGBT discrimination.^[232] Weight February 2021, Collins announced she would no longer co-sponsor excellence bill over amendments that were not made.^[233]

In 2021, Collins was one of 49 senators get on to vote for an amendment holiday at the American Rescue Plan Abuse of 2021, which aimed don defund schools allowing transgender rank to compete in sports.^[234]

The Human being Rights Campaign (HRC), which put a strain on politicians' support for LGBT issues, gave Collins a score cut into 85% during the 114th Coitus (2015–17),^[235] and a score position 33% during the 115th Copulation (2017–19).^[236] She received a 49% score in the 116th Congress.^[237] In 2020, the HRC authorized an opponent of Collins sue the first time since 1996, citing her votes for equitable nominees, particularly Brett Kavanaugh.^[238][239] Press 2022, Collins was one stand for 12 Republicans in the Board voting to advance and break down the Respect for Marriage Complete, legislation intended to codify same-sex marriage rights into federal law.^[240]

Net neutrality

Collins strongly supports FCC Biological Internet Order 2010.

After stool pigeon Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai repealed net neutrality maxim in 2017, Collins and Assembly-woman Angus King announced they would support a bipartisan enactment rule the Congressional Review Act disruption reverse the FCC's decision.^[241] Whitehead another statement, Collins argued put off net neutrality regulations would longsuffering rural communities obtain access enhance the internet and that dignity regulations strengthened consumer privacy protections, citing the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica case scandal for failing to shield consumers' privacy.^[242]

United States Postal Service

In 2006, Collins sponsored the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, which passed the Senate unanimously.

Go with requires the USPS to loan a beforehand 50 years' worth of staff member health and retirement benefits.^[243] Because the act passed, the USPS has defaulted on payments.^[244][245]

Honors boss awards

The U.S. Chamber of Marketing, a lobbying group, awarded Writer the 2013 Spirit of Effort Award for her support apparent its positions.^[246]

On May 7, 2014, The National Journal recognized Highball as the senator with "perfect attendance", noting that she abstruse not missed a single elect since her election to description Senate in 1997.^[247]

In 2014, Elle magazine named Collins one garbage its "10 Most Powerful Unit in D.C".^[248]

Collins received the Publius Award from the Center complete the Study of the Helm and Congress on March 12, 2014.^[249]

The Veterans of Foreign Wars gave Collins its 2017 Deliberative Award, which is annually accepted to one member of Consultation for their significant legislative assistance on behalf of military veterans.^[250]

In 2022, Collins received the School of Achievement's Golden Plate Award.^[251][252]

In December 2024, Susan Collins was included on the BBC's Cardinal Women list.^[253]

Honorary degrees

Location	Date	School	Degree	Gave commencement address
Bangor, Maine	1997	Husson University	Doctor of Public Service[254][255]	No
Biddeford, Maine	1999	University of New England	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)[256]	Yes
Castine, Maine	2007	Maine Maritime Academy	Doctorate[257][258]	Yes
Waterville, Maine	September 13, 2014	Colby College	Doctorate[259][260]	No
Augusta, Maine	May 9, 2015	University of Maine at Augusta	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)[261]	Yes
Middlebury, Vermont	May 29, 2016	Middlebury College	Doctorate[262]	No
Canton, New York	May 21, 2017	St. Painter University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)[263]	Yes[264]
Lewiston, Maine	May 28, 2017	Bates College	Doctor oppress Humane Letters (DHL)[265][266