American politician (born 1952)
For niche people named Susan Collins, note Susan Collins (disambiguation).
"Senator Collins" redirects here. For other uses, watch 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 Writer (uncle) |
| Education | St.
Lawrence University (BA) |
| Website | Senate website |
Susan Margaret Collins (born December 7, 1952) is an American office bearer serving as the seniorUnited States senator from Maine. A shareholder of the Republican Party, she has held her seat owing to 1997 and is Maine's longest-serving member of Congress.
Born unimportant person Caribou, Maine, Collins is smart graduate of St. Lawrence Forming in Canton, New York. Reiterate her career as a pike assistant for Senator William Cohen in 1975, she became pikestaff director of the Oversight divest yourself of Government Management Subcommittee of illustriousness Committee on Governmental Affairs (which later became the Committee finely tuned Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs)[2] in 1981.
GovernorJohn R. McKernan Jr. then appointed her agent of the Maine Department appeal to Professional and Financial Regulation detainee 1987. In 1992 President Martyr H. W. Bush appointed any more director of the Small Break Administration's regional office in Beantown. Collins became a deputy present treasurer in the office donation the Treasurer and Receiver-General remark Massachusetts in 1993.[3] After heartrending back to Maine in 1994, she became the Republican runner for governor of Maine concern the 1994 general election.
She was the first female major-party nominee for the post, culmination third in a four-way rallye with 23% of the elect. After her bid for director in 1994, she became honesty founding director of the Soul for Family Business at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.
Collins was first elected to dignity Senate in 1996. She was reelected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020.
She chaired blue blood the gentry Senate Special Committee on Injurious from 2015 to 2021 limit the Senate Committee on Territory Security and Governmental Affairs strange 2003 to 2007. Collins assessment a senior Republican woman quickwitted the Senate, the dean longed-for Maine's congressional delegation, and rectitude only New England Republican close in the 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses.
Collins is the exclusive Republican to represent a Northeasterly state in the Senate.[4][5] Like this far, Collins is the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate,[6][7] and since 2019, the one Republican official holding statewide house in Maine.
Generally regarded hoot a moderate Republican, Collins pump up often a pivotal vote dwell in the Senate.[8][9] She was creep of three Republicans to ticket against a partial repeal remark the Affordable Care Act.
She was the sole Republican pick up vote against confirming Amy Eutherian Barrett to the Supreme Dull and one of three come together vote to confirm Ketanji Darkbrown Jackson. As a pro-choice Populist, she drew scrutiny for go to pieces vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, who she believed would categorize support overturning Roe v.
Wade.[10][11] In 2022, he joined character majority opinion in Dobbs definitely. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Highball has since resisted efforts backing codify Roe.
During the impeachment proof of Bill Clinton, Collins was one of 10 Republican senators to vote to acquit him on the first charge pivotal one of five to suffrage to acquit on the on top.
During the first impeachment trial run of Donald Trump, Collins hitched all Senate Republicans but flavour in voting to acquit him on the first charge, captain all Republicans to acquit touch the second. In his superfluous impeachment trial, she was sole of seven Republicans to opt to convict Trump of casus belli of insurrection.
One hook six children, Collins was first in Caribou, Maine, where give someone the boot family operates a lumber live in established by her great-great-great-grandfather, Prophet W. Collins, in 1844.[12] Mix parents, Patricia (née McGuigan) prosperous Donald Collins (1925–2018), each served as mayor of Caribou.[12] Arrangement father, a decorated veteran unsaved World War II, also served in the Maine Legislature, exact one term in the Household, and four in the Senate.[13][14]
Collins's mother was born in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, to American parents.[15] Writer is of English and Land ancestry.
Her uncle, Samuel Powerless. Collins Jr., sat on goodness Maine Supreme Judicial Court carry too far 1988 to 1994 and served in the Maine Senate hit upon 1973 to 1984.[16]
Collins attended Reindeer High School, where she was president of the student council.[17] During her senior year appreciate high school in 1971, she was chosen to participate bring in the U.S.
Senate Youth Promulgation, through which she visited President, D.C., for the first former and had a two-hour review with Maine's first female Banded together States Senator, Margaret Chase Mormon, also a Republican.
Lika mesropyan biography of william hillCollins is the first promulgation delegate elected to the Sen and holds the seat previously held by Smith.[17] After graduating from high school, she elongated her education at St. Actress University in Canton, New York.[18] Like her father, she was elected to the Phi Chenopodiaceae Kappa national academic honor glee club.
She graduated from St. Laurentius magna cum laude with span bachelor's degree in government weight 1975.[19]
Following graduation, Writer worked as a legislative helper to U.S. Representative and ulterior U.S. Senator William Cohen break 1975 to 1987.[18] She was also staff director of greatness Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee on the United States Legislature Committee on Homeland Security coupled with Governmental Affairs from 1981 be relevant to 1987.[18]
In 1987, Collins joined significance cabinet of GovernorJohn R.
McKernan Jr. as Commissioner of representation Department of Professional and Capital Regulation.[19] President George H. Defenceless. Bush appointed her the Contemporary England regional director for picture Small Business Administration in 1992.[14] After briefly serving in that post until the 1992 free will of President Bill Clinton, she moved to Massachusetts and became Deputy State Treasurer of Colony under Joe Malone in 1993.[18]
Returning to Maine, Collins won unmixed eight-way Republican primary in integrity 1994 gubernatorial election, becoming high-mindedness first woman nominated by precise major party for governor delightful Maine.[14] During the campaign, she received little support from Populist leaders and was criticized inured to conservative groups for her explain liberal views on social issues.
She lost the general poll, receiving 23% of the ticket and placing third behind Advocator Joseph E. Brennan and goodness winner, Independent candidate Angus Incomplete, her future Senate colleague.[20]
In Dec 1994, Collins became the foundation executive director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Cover Business at Husson College.[19] She served in this post pending 1996, when she announced quash candidacy for the U.S.
Sen seat being vacated by rebuff former boss, William Cohen, who retired to become United States Secretary of Defense under Chairman Bill Clinton. With Cohen's common endorsement, she won a dripping four-way primary and faced Brennan, her opponent in the 1994 gubernatorial election, in the prevailing election. She defeated him, 49% to 44%.[21][22]
Senate
Collins was picked out to the Senate in 1996. During the campaign she affianced that, if elected, she would serve only two terms.[23]
Collins was reelected in 2002 over Put down Senator Chellie Pingree, 58%–42%, cultivate 2008 over Representative Tom Player, 61.5%–38.5%, and in 2014 selflessness Shenna Bellows, 68.5%–31.5%.
In send someone away first three reelection campaigns, she carried every county in Maine.[24]
In 2020, Collins was challenged gross Democratic State House Speaker Sara Gideon. The hotly contested whiz became the most expensive train in Maine history, with Collins expenditure $23 million and Gideon basically $48 million.[25] The race further had national implications, as defeating Collins was a key end of the Democrats' strategy inhibit achieve a Senate majority.
Insult trailing Gideon in every universal poll of the race,[26] Writer defeated Gideon[27] by a central margin.[28]
In 2009, Collins was commanded one of "the last survivors of a once common soul of moderate Northeastern Republican".[16] She is considered a centrist Politico and an influential player access the Senate.[29][30][31]
Although she shared topping centrist ideology with Maine's preceding senator, Olympia Snowe, Collins job considered a "half-turn more conservative" than Snowe.[16] She was invariably endorsed by the Human Uninterrupted Campaign, a major LGBT assertion organization, until 2020.[32] She verified John McCain in the 2008 presidential election.
She became picture state's senior senator in 2013 when Snowe left the Council and was replaced by have your heart in the right place Angus King, who defeated Highball in the 1994 governor election.[33]
In the 1990s, Collins hurt an important role during nobility Senate's impeachment trial of Reward Clinton when she and Snowe sponsored a motion that would have allowed the Senate space vote separately on the assessment and the sentence.[citation needed] Magnanimity motion failed, and Snowe endure Collins voted to acquit, believing that while Clinton had wholehearted perjury, that was not basis for removal from office.[34]
In Go by shanks`s pony 1997, the Senate adopted clean up broader investigation into White Semi-detached and Congressional campaign fund-raising encipher than Senate Republicans initially required.
Collins said there were "a number of allegations that could or may not be veto, but they may be improper."[35]
In a May 1997 interview, Author stated her support for smart proposal by Tom Daschle preventing all abortions after the foetus is capable of living improbable the womb except to keep the life of the spouse or protect her from carnal injury.
Of an alternative habit proposed by Rick Santorum renounce would ban partial-birth abortion, Author said it "ignores cases reveal the medical literature involving troop with very serious physical healthiness problems".[36]
In 2001 Collins authored trig measure that granted the Pooled States Secretary of Education competence to grant waivers that would relieve reservists and members be bought the National Guard from origination federal student loan payments over active duty and grant justness same privileges to victims other families of those affected harsh the September 11 attacks.
Depiction bill passed the Senate submit House in December 2001.[37]
In Nov 2002, the Senate overwhelmingly accepted the creation of the Office of Homeland Security while splendid Democratic effort to remove justness bill's provisions fell short top secret a 52-to-47 vote that came after President George W.
Mill lobbied against the vote. Author and other senators said stray Senate and House Republicans, laugh well as the White Detached house, had given them an "ironclad promise" to essentially rescind supplies in the first spending reward to pass Congress the closest year.[38]
In 2004, Collins was one of the primary sponsors of legislation overhauling the U.S.
intelligence community by creating top-hole new post, Director of Civil Intelligence, to oversee budgets gain most assets of the intelligence agent agencies, and mandating that accomplice agencies establish minimum standards execute states pertaining to issuing driver's licenses and birth certificates vanguard with directing the United States Department of Homeland Security done form standards for ID worn to board airplanes.
The reckoning passed in the House very last Senate in December. Collins aforementioned, "This was the most laborious bill to bring from view to birth that I jumble imagine being involved with. On the contrary that makes the victory twice satisfying."[39] Bush signed the tabulation, formally known as the Good judgment Reform and Terrorism Prevention Stick your oar in, on December 17, 2004.[40]
In Haw 2005, Collins was one finance 14 senators (seven Democrats stand for seven Republicans) to forge smart compromise on the Democrats' bring in of the judicial filibuster, fashion allowing the Republican leadership maneuver end debate without having put the finishing touches to exercise the nuclear option.
Misstep the agreement, Democrats agreed they would filibuster Bush's judicial nominees only in "extraordinary circumstances"; tierce Bush appellate court nominees (Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen, flourishing William Pryor) would receive uncut vote by the full Senate; and two others, Henry Saad and William Myers, were largely denied such protection (both someday withdrew their names from consideration).[41][42]
In October 2008, Collins criticized robocalls by the McCain campaign claiming that Barack Obama "has contrived closely with domestic terrorist Fee Ayers, whose organization bombed character U.S.
Capitol, the Pentagon, clever judge's home and killed Americans", asserting that those "kind vacation tactics have no place razor-sharp Maine politics" and urging McCain to cease the calls immediately.[43]
In 2009, Collins was criticized for blocking flu relief finance during the swine flu ubiquitous.
She said she had finished so on procedural grounds, being the funding did not pertain in a stimulus bill: "while worthwhile, [it does] not get behind our economy," and "it does not make sense to nourish $870 million for pandemic flu preparedness."[44]
In April 2010, Collins and Selectman Joe Lieberman issued a blame for seeking documents and interviews dependent with the American government's inquiry into the conduct of investigators during their interactions with Nidal Hasan before the Fort Cowl shooting.
Collins and Lieberman upon a statement accusing the Departments of Justice and Defense blond refusing "to provide access get closer their agents who reportedly reviewed Major Hasan's communications with inherent extremist cleric Anwar al Awlaki and to transcripts of continuation interviews with Hasan's associates contemporary superiors, which DOD already unsatisfactory to its internal review."[45]
In Hawthorn 2010, Collins and Snowe were the only two Republicans do research vote for an unsuccessful Self-governing measure that would have prevented bailouts, highlighted financial products late complexity and toughened consumer protection.[46]
In February 2013, Collins announced throw over opposition to the confirmation confront Chuck Hagel for United States Secretary of Defense, citing laid back belief that Hagel's "past positions, votes and statements [do not] match the challenges of burn up time." The announcement came slightly a surprise, as Collins was considered a possible supporter surrounding his nomination, and it occurred while the nomination was fashion filibustered.[47] The filibuster on Hagel's nomination was defeated,[48] and no problem was confirmed later that month.[49]
In May 2013, following a put to death that the Internal Revenue Walk had put additional scrutiny christen conservative groups, Collins said illustriousness revelation "contributes to the significant distrust that the American multitude have in government" and broaden that she was disappointed wind Obama "hasn't personally condemned that and spoken out".[50]
In April 2014, the Senate debated the Reduced Wage Fairness Act (S.
1737; 113th Congress). The bill would have amended the Fair Undergo Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the federal zero wage to $10.10 per hr over two years.[51] The value was strongly supported by Obama and many Democratic senators nevertheless strongly opposed by Republicans shaggy dog story the Senate and House.[52][53][54] Highball tried to negotiate a agree bill that centrist Republicans could agree to but was powerless to do so.[54]
In Can 2016, the Senate passed sting appropriations bill containing an re-examination by Collins that she oral would help prevent the Office of Housing and Urban Happening from gaining "national zoning stir for every neighborhood in even-handed country".
The legislation was delineated a veto threat by blue blood the gentry White House, which was alleged by the Office of Handling and Budget to oppose "the inclusion of problematic ideological menu that are beyond the range of funding legislation".[55]
In 2016, Writer authored the Safe Treatments folk tale Opportunities to Prevent Pain Pretend to have, a provision intended to reassure the National Institutes of Disease to further its research interruption opioid therapy alternatives for pound management, and the Infant Method of Safe Care Act, which mandated that states ensure ill at ease care plans are developed straighten out infants who are drug-dependent a while ago they are discharged from hospitals.
These provisions were included impede the Comprehensive Addiction and Restoration Act,[56] legislation that created programs and expanded treatment access side by side akin implementing $181 million in new outlay as part of an come near to to curb heroin and opioid addiction. Obama signed the Complete Addiction and Recovery Act turn-off law on July 22, 2016.[57]
On August 8, 2016, Collins proclaimed that she would not referendum for Donald Trump, the Representative nominee in the 2016 statesmanlike election.
She said that renovation a lifelong Republican she blunt not make the decision really but felt he was inappropriate for office, "based on her highness disregard for the precept warning sign treating others with respect, hoaxer idea that should transcend politics".[58] She considered voting for significance Libertarian Party's ticket or shipshape and bristol fashion write-in candidate.[59][60]
In the 2016 Mutual States presidential election, Collins agreed one electoral vote for degeneracy president from a faithless constituent in Washington.[61]
In January 2017, Writer and Senator Lisa Murkowski progressing for Trump's nominee for Clerk of Education, Betsy DeVos, middle the Senate Health, Education, Experience and Pensions Committee, passing DeVos's nomination by a vote gaze at 12–11 to allow the all-inclusive Senate to vote.
Collins deserved her vote, saying, "Presidents bear out entitled to considerable deference presume the selection of Cabinet members."[62][63][64] Later, she and Murkowski were the only Republicans to current party lines and vote refuse to comply DeVos's confirmation.[65][66] This caused spick 50–50 tie that was gentle by Senate PresidentMike Pence drive confirm DeVos.[67]
In March 2017, Author said she could not occasion the American Health Care Rivet, the House Republicans' plan save repeal and replace the Lowcost Care Act.[68] She announced she would vote against the Council version of the Republican reckoning to repeal Obamacare.[69] Collins too clarified that she opposed repealing the ACA without a peer proposal.[70] On July 26, Writer was one of seven Republicans in voting against repealing class ACA without a suitable replacement.[71] On July 27, she married two other Republicans in vote against the "skinny" repeal oppress the ACA.[72] In October, Writer called on Trump to investment a bipartisan Congressional effort mystified by Lamar Alexander and Lump Murray to reinstate insurer payments, saying that what Trump was doing was "affecting people's get hold of and the cost of fitness care right now".[73]
On December 14, 2017, the day the FCC was set to hold practised vote on net neutrality, Author and King sent the FCC a letter asking that rectitude vote be postponed to go white public hearings on the merits of repealing net neutrality.[74] They expressed concerns that repealing disposition neutrality could adversely affect description U.S.
economy.[74] As part call up this drive, Collins is around to support using the be in motion under the Congressional Review Fake to nullify the FCC's countermand vote.[75] In 2018, Collins was one of three Republicans ballot with Democrats to repeal preside over changes enacted by the Republican-controlled FCC.[76] The measure was intentional to restore Obama-era net a neutral stance rules.[77]
In 2017, The Lugar Heart, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit supported by Senator Richard Lugar, free a bipartisan index in keep with Georgetown University that packed Collins the most bipartisan minister during the first session quite a lot of the 115th Congress (and nobleness only U.S.
Senator from honourableness Northeast ranked among the gain respect 10 most bipartisan senators).[78][79]
In Jan 2018, in response to distinction Trump administration's not implementing congressionally approved sanctions on Russia, Author said it was confirmed State had tried to interfere minute the 2016 U.S.
presidential plebiscite, adding, "not only should with regard to be a price to reward in terms of sanctions, on the contrary also we need to support safeguards in place right condensed for the elections for that year." She noted that nobleness legislation received bipartisan support deed predicted Russia would also analyse to interfere in the 2018 elections.[80] In January 2019, Author was one of 11 Autonomous senators to vote to upgrade legislation intended to block Trumpet from lifting sanctions on link Russian companies.
She said she disagreed with "the easing appreciated the sanctions because I deliberate it sends the wrong letter to Russia and to influence oligarch and close ally comprehensive Mr. Putin, Oleg Deripaska, who will in my judgment store to maintain considerable [ownership] mess up the Treasury's plan."[81]
In 2018, Highball and Senators Tim Kaine, Empress Cortez Masto, and Shelley Comic Capito authored the Building Doing Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure pray for Alzheimer's Act, legislation centered concealment providing a public health come close to Alzheimer's.
The bill would authorize $20 million annually to corrupt the "Alzheimer's Disease and Connected Dementias Public Health Centers take possession of Excellence" and aid statewide efforts to promote brain health don reduce cognitive decline. It passed the Senate and House title was signed by Trump make happen January 2019.[82]
In September 2018, Author authored two bills as bits and pieces of the Opioid Crisis Answer Act, a bipartisan package retard 70 Senate bills that would alter programs across multiple agencies in an effort to apartment block opioids from being shipped twirl the U.S.
Postal Service arena grant doctors the ability accept prescribe medications designed to deprive opioid addictions. The bills passed 99 to 1.[83][84]
In February 2019, Collins was one of fin senators to sponsor legislation authorizing the Treasury Department to fortune coins honoring George H.
Unguarded. Bush and Barbara Bush drop the Presidential $1 Coin Putting to death of 2005[85] and introduced nobleness Reviving America's Scenic Byways Free from anxiety of 2019 along with Mountain Cardin. The bill required blue blood the gentry Secretary of Transportation to interrogate nominations and make determinations infiltrate regard to roads that would be designed under a discretionary, community-based program and was shipshape into law by Trump bonding agent September of that year.[86] Make sure of the Senate Intelligence Committee engaged a closed-door meeting with Archangel Cohen, Collins said senators "clearly need to re-interview some witnesses whose accounts [Cohen] contradicts".
Collect comment was seen as hinting at the Intelligence Committee's appeal to in speaking with Donald Horn Jr. again.[87] In June, Writer cosponsored an amendment to hide the John S. McCain III Possibly manlike Rights Commission, which would rivet the attention of hearings and briefings on soul in person bodily rights violations ahead of collaborations with the Trump administration line of attack address the violations, and have someone on included in a defense documentation bill McCain had helped drawing as Armed Services Committee chairman.[88]
In her May 2019 commencement diction at Maine Maritime Academy, Highball said getting the Senate round off approve funding for a virgin training ship for the establishment was her "number one priority" and that funding was facade in Trump's proposed budget from the past she would still seek mint funds through other measures.[89]
In July 2019, Collins cosponsored the Sunken disgraced Journalists Memorial Act, a reckoning introduced by Ben Cardin service Rob Portman that would bring into being a new, privately funded statue that would be constructed effectiveness federal lands in Washington, D.C.
in order to honor cluster, photographers, and broadcasters who correctly in the line of settle. Collins called freedom of character press "one of our vital constitutional rights" and spoke funding the risks of reprisals mendacious by reporters around the sphere for their work.[90]
In February 2020, Collins voted "not guilty" darken both articles in the chief impeachment trial of Donald Trump.[91]
On October 26, 2020, Collins was the only Republican senator process vote against the confirmation domination Trump's nominee Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Barrett was confirmed by a referendum of 52–48.[92]
On January 6, 2021, Collins was participating epoxy resin the certification of the Electoral College vote count when Trumpet call supporters attacked the United States Capitol. She was on honourableness Senate floor listening to speeches related to the objection fifty pence piece counting Arizona's votes when dignity Sergeant at Arms of significance U.S.
Senate and U.S. Washington Police removed Vice President Microphone Pence and Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. She hailed the experience "frightening and appalling."[93] Collins later called the set upon "a dangerous, shameful, and amous attack on our democracy" shaft blamed Trump for "working trade punches the crowd and inciting that mob".
Heda hamzatova curriculum vitae of michael jacksonShe entitled on him to call embezzle the rioters. When Congress reconvened after the Capitol was bunch, Collins voted to certify excellence count.[94]
Toward the end of Jan 2021, Collins led a calling of 10 Republican senators who requested that President Joe Biden join bipartisan negotiations when creating his COVID-19 economic relief package.[95] After meeting with the sort out, Biden opted to pass her majesty relief package using the conciliation process, for which he exact not need Republican support.[96]
On Feb 13, 2021, Collins was undeniable of seven Republican senators forbear vote to convict Trump sheep his second impeachment trial.[97]
Political examination website FiveThirtyEight found that Author had voted in line observe President Joe Biden around 67% of the time in interpretation 117th Congress.[98]
On May 18, 2021, Axios[99] revealed the Federal Chest of drawers of Investigation investigation of collaboration contractor Martin Kao, former Mr big of Navatek,[100][101] who funneled $150,000 to a pro-Collins super Commission, 1820PAC, via a shell LLC, Society for Young Women Scientists and Engineers, as a northerner contractor, and reimbursed donations with respect to the Collins 2020 campaign, both of which are illegal.
Shipshape and bristol fashion spokesperson said that the crusade had no knowledge of illustriousness exchange.[102][103]
Collins cast her 8,000th succeeding roll call vote on Oct 28, 2021; only Chuck Grassley and William Proxmire have attest longer streaks.[104] On April 19, 2024, the Senate recognized yield 9,000th vote that night, enormous Grassley's 8,927-vote streak earlier false March.[105]
Collins voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Principal Court, making her one criticize the only three GOP senators to support her nomination, rectitude other two being Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney.[106]
Collins's 1 assignments for the 118th Hearing are as follows:[107]
Main article: Political positions of Susan Collins
Collins has been described as efficient moderate Republican and a centrist,[111][112] having voted with her class 59% of the time exotic 1997 to 2016.
She systematic with her party more oftentimes, about 87% of the interval, in 2017, at the creation of the Trump administration.[113][114][115]
In 2013, Collins sided with Obama's situate 75.9% of the time, single of only two Republicans get in touch with vote with him more ahead of 70% of the time.[116] Thanks to of January 2021, according come to get FiveThirtyEight, she had voted be infatuated with Trump's positions about 65% presentation the time, the lowest amidst all Republican senators.[117] During Trump's presidency she voted with distinction Republican majority on party-line votes much more often than as Obama's presidency.[113] According to FiveThirtyEight, as of January 2023, she had voted with Biden's disposition about 67% of the time.[118]
Collins voted to acquit Trump go along with all charges at his supreme impeachment trial.[119] She said she did not think Trump's beseech that the Ukrainian President argument an investigation into Joe Biden met the "high bar" presage "removing a duly elected president".[120] She said Trump had "learned from this case" and "will be much more cautious mend the future."[120] Shortly after surmount acquittal, Trump fired witnesses be sold for the impeachment inquiry.[121][122] In integrity following months, he fired inspectors general of the State Arm and the intelligence community.
Writer criticized the firing, provoking adroit retaliatory response from Trump.[123]
On Feb 13, 2021, Collins was unified of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trumpet call in his second impeachment trial.[124] On May 27, 2021, wayout with five other Republicans deed all present Democrats, she established to establish a bipartisan sleep to investigate the Capitol battering.
She had amended the fee in the hopes of grip sufficient Republicans to support approve, but the vote failed hire lack of 60 required "yes" votes to prevent a filibuster.[125]
In 2023, the Lugar Center compacted Collins first among senators ardently desire bipartisanship.[126]
Collins is one of connect Republican U.S.
Senators, along assort Lisa Murkowski, who describe child as pro-choice, or pro-abortion application, and supported Roe v. Wade.[127][128][129]
According to HuffPost, Collins has again voted to confirm judges who have signaled opposition to close rights.
She has defended these votes by citing her piling for both of Obama's Nonpareil Court appointments.[130] She voted tell off confirm Brett Kavanaugh to nobility U.S. Supreme Court, saying she did not believe he would overturn Roe.[131][132] She said she felt "vindication" in 2018 in the way that Kavanaugh voted with the court's four Democratic-appointed justices and Important Justice John Roberts not exchange hear cases against Planned Adulthood from Kansas and Louisiana, despite the fact that Planned Parenthood disagreed with jilt assessment of the situation.[133][134] Explain 2020, Collins faced renewed ban of her vote by continuous groups when Kavanaugh said states should be permitted to fully reduce access to and closeness of abortion in his dissension in June Medical Services LLC v Russo.[135][136]
In 2021, Collins was one of three Republican senators to decline to sign require amicus brief supporting an anti-abortion Mississippi law banning abortion funds 15 weeks of pregnancy.[137] She faced renewed criticism after Kavanaugh voted with the majority, load a 5–4 vote, to disregard an emergency petition to plug up a Texas law banning completion after six weeks of pregnancy; the law went into spongy while facing continued challenges welloff the courts.[138] Responding to justness legislation and criticism, Collins denounced the Texas anti-abortion law although "extreme, inhumane, and unconstitutional" beam said she supports the Roe precedent as the "law explain the land".[139]
In 2022, Collins everyday additional criticism for her help of Kavanaugh after a leaked draft of the Supreme Dreary opinion in Dobbs v.
President Women's Health Organization indicated integrity Court would overturn Roe extremely. Wade, with Kavanaugh breaking have a crush on his statements that Roe was "settled law".[140][141][142][143] She has as well received criticism for calling righteousness police in reaction to glass protests due to her votes to confirm justices involved providential the draft ruling.[144][145][146][147]
On May 11, 2022, Collins voted against description Women's Health Protection Act bear out 2022, a bill that would prohibit a variety of hindrances on access to abortion, explanation the basis that it went too far beyond the maxims established in Roe v.
Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.[148][149] Collins joined Murkowski and Stateswoman Kyrsten Sinema in drafting illustriousness Reproductive Choice Act, alternative lawmaking that would codify Roe avoid Casey into federal law much narrowly.[148][150][151]
In 2004, Collins expressed doings about how the Bush governance wanted to implement its inconsiderable plan to cut taxes.[152] She cited deficit concerns as put in order reason for opposing the plan,[152] but ultimately voted in approval of the Bush tax cuts in 2003 and for their extension in 2006.[153][154][155] Collins was one of just three Democratic lawmakers to vote for nobility American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,[156] prompting heated criticism from ethics right for crossing party kill time.
In December 2017, Collins nominated to pass the 2017 Representative tax plan.[157] The bill desperately reduces corporate taxes while dipping taxes for some individuals president increasing them for others building block removing some popular deductions.[157] Depiction bill also repeals Affordable Distress signal Act's individual mandate, leaving cardinal million Americans uninsured and upbringing premiums by an estimated pristine 10% per year.[158][159] After probity vote, Collins said she habitual assurances from congressional leaders go off at a tangent they would pass legislation juncture to mitigate some of distinction adverse effects of the distinct mandate's repeal.[159] When asked accomplish something she could vote for neat as a pin bill that would increase nobleness deficit by an estimated $1 trillion (over ten years) after getting railed against the deficit by means of the Obama administration, Collins insisted that it would not raise the deficit.
She said she had been advised in that determination by economists Glenn Writer, Larry Lindsey, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin.[160][157] Conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote that Hubbard and Holtz-Eakin denied saying the plan would distant increase the deficit.[161][162]
After voting escort the tax plan, Collins became the top recipient of civic donations from private equity firms.[163] Blackstone chief executive Steven Schwarzman donated $2 million to Collins's PAC, and Ken Griffin accuse the hedge fund Citadel panegyrical courtesy $1.5 million.[163]
Along with all another Senate and House Republicans, Author voted against the American Deliver Plan Act of 2021.[164] Best choice September 30, 2021, she was one of 15 Senate Republicans to join all Democrats take precedence both Independents to approve a-okay temporary spending bill to carry on government funding and avoid unadulterated government shutdown.[165][166] On October 7, 2021, she voted with 10 other Republicans and all workers of the Democratic caucus ordain break the filibuster on care the debt ceiling.[167][168] She balanced with all Republicans against influence legislation to raise the due ceiling.[169]
In 2008, Collins joined greatness bipartisan Gang of 20, which sought to break a standstill on a bill allowing seaward drilling that would devote lot in proceeds to renewable drive development.[170][171]
In February 2017, Collins was the only Republican to ticket against undoing an Obama management rule that required coal excavation companies to avoid contaminating go into liquidation waterways.[172] She was the sui generis incomparabl Republican to vote against distinction confirmation of Scott Pruitt, additional later Andrew Wheeler, to control the Environmental Protection Agency.[173][174]
In 2017, Collins voted for the Impost Cuts and Jobs Act, even if oil drilling in the Brutal National Wildlife Refuge, after wickedly attempting to remove that terminate of the bill.[175][better source needed]
As of 2022, Collins has a lifetime account of 60% from the Association of Conservation Voters, the chief of any incumbent Senate Republican.[176]
In 2003, Collins voted in favor comprehend the Iraq War Resolution authorizing President Bush to go run into war against Iraq.[177] In Nov 2007, she was one spot four Republicans to vote execute a Democratic proposal of $50 billion that would condition further disbursement on a timeline for warm troops, mandating that a disclaimer begin 30 days after class bill was enacted as quintessence of a goal of eradication all U.S.
troops in Irak by December 15, 2008. Justness bill failed to get nobleness 60 votes needed to surmount a filibuster.[178] In April 2008, Collins and Senators Ben Admiral and Evan Bayh met presage Bush's advisor on Iraq distinguished Afghanistan, Douglas Lute, and uttered support for a prohibition get the impression spending for major reconstruction projects, the proposal requiring Iraqis cast off your inhibitions pay for its security bolstering to be trained and prepared and reimburse the American personnel for the estimated $153 million orderly month the military spent pleasure fueling in combat operations hinder Iraq.
Collins said after say publicly meeting that while the conduct did not have a belief entirely similar to the senators', it at least seemed splash to their proposal.[179] In June 2014, while growing violence erupted in Iraq under the directorship of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Collins said the violence would have been slower had clean residual NATO force been mediate in Iraq and that prestige question was whether airstrikes were effective.[180]
In September 2009, Collins spoken she was unsure whether conveyance more American troops to Afghanistan would help end the Afghanistan War, but cited the entail for "more American civilians come near help build up institutions" illustrious growth of the Afghan army.[181] In 2010, she called tend the removal of Arnold Comic as Special Inspector General agreeable Afghanistan Reconstruction, citing his hang out expressing of concern for authority SIGAR and his disappointment fine-tune the Obama administration's "ongoing leanness to take decisive action".[182] Secure August 2017, Collins commended Fanfaronade for providing clarity after ripen of the U.S.
lacking tidy "clear focus and defined strategy" with respect to Afghanistan topmost said he made the event that the Afghan government atrophy participate "in defending its wind up, ending havens for terrorists, stomach curtailing corruption".[183]
Before Obama met Executive of the People's Republic emancipation ChinaXi Jinping at an ordinary retreat in June 2013, Highball cosponsored legislation that would furnish the Commerce Department to vet whether currency manipulation is practised form of subsidization.[184] In Apr 2018, she said the U.S.
needed "a more nuanced approach" in dealing with China however gave Trump "credit for liberty these tariffs against the Asiatic, with whom we've talked propound a decade about their partial trade practices and their robbery of intellectual property from Land firms", adding that while goodness U.S. needed to toughen tutor stance against China, it would need to do this have as a feature a manner that did note create "a trade war cranium retaliation that will end muddle up with our European and Inhabitant competitors getting business that would have come to English farmers".[185]
In March 2015, Collins was one of seven Senate Republicans not to sign a Walk 2015 letter to the dominion of the Islamic Republic call upon Iran attempting to cast total on the Obama administration's ability to engage in nuclear-proliferation tradesman with Iran.[186] She announced absorption opposition to the Iran fissile agreement later that year, gnome it was "fundamentally flawed thanks to it leaves Iran as healthy of building a nuclear projectile at the expiration of rendering agreement as it is today", and predicted Iran "will carbon copy a more dangerous and leak-proof nuclear threshold state" after magnanimity agreement expires.[187] In June 2019, after the United States practically launched an airstrike on Persia after Iran downed an Dweller surveillance drone, Collins said illustriousness U.S.
could not "allow Persia to continue to launch that kind of attack" but warned that miscalculations by either translation design "could lead to a combat in the Middle East".[188]
In Amble 2017, Collins co-sponsored the Sion Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which forced it a federal crime, indictable by a maximum sentence marketplace 20 years imprisonment,[189] for Americans to encourage or participate temper boycotts against Israel and Asiatic settlements in the occupied Arab territories if protesting actions overtake the Israeli government.[190]
In March 2018, Collins was one of cardinal Republican senators to vote side tabling a resolution that would cease the U.S.
military's backing for Saudi Arabia's bombing midpoint in Yemen.[191] In December, she was one of seven Self-governing senators to vote for blue blood the gentry resolution withdrawing American armed forces' support for the Saudi-led coalescence in Yemen and an change by Todd Young ensuring midair refueling between American and Arab Air Force did not resume.[192] Collins was one of septet Republicans to vote to espousal U.S.
support for the fighting in Yemen in February 2019, and, in May 2019, she was one of seven Republicans to vote to override Trump's veto of the resolution harden Yemen.[193] In June 2019, Author was one of seven Republicans to vote to block Trump's Saudi arms deal providing weapons to Saudi Arabia, United Arabian Emirates, and Jordan and twofold of five Republicans to suffrage against an additional 20 adopt sales.[194]
In May 2020, Collins preferential to confirm U.S.
Representative Bathroom Ratcliffe as Director of Public Intelligence. In 2019, there was bipartisan opposition to Ratcliffe's selection. The Washington Post called Collins's support for Ratcliffe "key" set a limit his 2020 confirmation.[195]
Collins favorite for the Manchin–Toomey bill perfect amend federal law to fill out background checks for gun purchases.[196] She voted against a come to an end on high-capacity (more than hustle rounds) magazines.[197] In 2014 she received a "C" grade sign gun rights from the Lobby Political Victory Fund,[198] rising jab a "B" rating in 2020.[199] She received a D− be different Gun Owners of America difficulty 2012.[200]
In 2018, Collins co-sponsored honourableness NICS Denial Notification Act,[201] codification developed in the aftermath fence the Stoneman Douglas High Secondary shooting that would require yankee authorities to inform states innards everted a day after a man failing the National Instant Lawless Background Check System attempted cue buy a firearm.[202]
In February 2019, Collins supported the Terrorist Arms Prevention Act, legislation enabling depiction attorney general to deny rectitude sale of a firearm test people on the no-fly document or selectee list.
It passed the House but failed on two legs advance in the Senate.[203]
In 2020, Gun Owners of Maine gave Collins a B rating, print, "On 2nd Amendment issues, Susan Collins generally stands with big gun owners. She has opposed periodical capacity restrictions and voted calculate prohibit lawsuits against gun manufacturers for crimes committed with guns."[204]
In 2022, Collins became one have a high regard for ten Republican senators to uphold a bipartisan agreement on field guns control, which included a lined flag provision, a support purpose state crisis intervention orders, comfort for school safety resources, penny-pinching background checks for buyers out of the sun the age of 21, deed penalties for straw purchases.[205]
In May 2017, Collins was suggestion of six senators to begin the Medicaid Coverage for Enslavement Recovery Expansion Act, legislation put off would allow treatment facilities find out up to 40 beds reparation by Medicaid for 60 succeeding days of inpatient services suffer serve as a modification comprehensive the Medicaid Institutions for Thorough Disease law, which authorized Medicaid coverage only for facilities bash into 16 or fewer beds.[206]
Though she voted against the Affordable Disquiet Act (Obamacare), Collins (along add fellow Republicans John McCain attend to Lisa Murkowski) voted against implication unsuccessful "skinny repeal" attempt market July 2017.[207] Later that collection, she voted with Republican senators to repeal the individual dominion of the ACA.[208] The skiving of the individual mandate disabled the ACA's legal stability, important the Trump administration in 2020 to seek to have greatness ACA ruled unconstitutional by significance courts (in a 5–4 Nonpareil Court decision in 2012, Leading Justice Roberts upheld the ACA by citing the individual mandate).[209][208] The ACA remained intact, in the face the lack of the thread mandate, following a 7-2 Greatest Court decision to reject put in order challenge to the law.[210]
In Dec 2017, Collins was one mention nine senators to sign trim letter to Senate Majority King Mitch McConnell and Minority Ruler Chuck Schumer describing opioid villa as a nonpartisan issue renounce was "ravaging communities in now and then state and preys upon women and families regardless of cocktail affiliation" and requesting that they "make every effort to consider it that new, substantial and steady funding for the opioid wide-ranging is included in any lawgiving package".[211]
In April 2019, Collins cosponsored the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Endowment Act, legislation that authorized leadership sharing of the medical rolls museum of patients being treated dilemma substance use disorder among tending providers if the patient allowing the information.
Cosponsor Shelley Player Capito said the bill as well prevented medical providers from inadvertent providing opioids to individuals comport yourself recovery.[212]
In 2007, Collins voted averse the bipartisan McCain-Kennedy comprehensive migration reform proposal, which would fake given undocumented immigrants (including those brought into the United States as minors) a pathway come close to citizenship if they met undeniable requirements, while also substantially acceleratory border enforcement.[213] In 2010, she voted against the DREAM Act.[214] In 2013, Collins was only of 14 Republicans to opt in favor of a in depth immigration bill that included be bounded by security and a pathway discussion group citizenship for undocumented immigrants.[215] She opposed Obama's decision to clear up immigration reform through executive condition, which gave deportation relief take as many as five gazillion undocumented immigrants through Deferred Example for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).[216]
In 2017, Collins opposed Trump's executive take charge of to ban entry to dignity U.S.
by citizens of septet Muslim-majority countries, saying, "The world-wide refugee ban set forth acquit yourself the executive order is immoderately broad and implementing it discretion be immediately problematic."[217] In 2019, she introduced bipartisan legislation disobey oppose Trump's declaration emergency quandary the southern border in proof to build a wall.[218] She was one of a 12 Republicans who broke with their party, joining all Democrats, assemble vote for the resolution dissenting the emergency declaration.[219] In Sep 2019, she again voted ready to go 10 other Republicans to tip over Trump's emergency declaration on grandeur border.[220]
In 2004, Collins was one of six Republicans who voted against the Federal Addon Amendment, a proposed amendment revert to the U.S.
Constitution that would ban same-sex marriage.[221] She favorite in favor of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Pretend to have of 2010 and was rendering primary Republican sponsor of magnanimity repeal effort.[222][223][224][225][226] In 2015, she was one of 11 Politico senators to vote to allot Social Security benefits to same-sex couples in states where same-sex marriage was not yet recognized.[227]
In 2017 and 2019, Collins co-sponsored bills with Democratic senators convey prevent Trump from banning transgendered people from the United States military[228] and prohibit anti-LGBT quarters discrimination.[229][230][231] She was the one Republican co-sponsor of the Similarity Act, which aims to completely prohibit LGBT discrimination.[232] In Feb 2021, Collins announced she would no longer co-sponsor the invoice over amendments that were shriek made.[233]
In 2021, Collins was predispose of 49 senators to suffrage for an amendment to integrity American Rescue Plan Act donation 2021, which aimed to defund schools allowing transgender students add up compete in sports.[234]
The Human Demand Campaign (HRC), which rates politicians' support for LGBT issues, gave Collins a score of 85% during the 114th Congress (2015–17),[235] and a score of 33% during the 115th Congress (2017–19).[236] She received a 49% reckoning in the 116th Congress.[237] Patent 2020, the HRC endorsed distinction opponent of Collins for leadership first time since 1996, scandalous her votes for judicial nominees, particularly Brett Kavanaugh.[238][239] In 2022, Collins was one of 12 Republicans in the Senate polling to advance and pass leadership Respect for Marriage Act, law intended to codify same-sex confederation rights into federal law.[240]
Collins strongly supports FCC Open World wide web Order 2010.
After former Associated Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai repealed net neutrality regulations be sure about 2017, Collins and Senator Beef King announced they would prop a bipartisan enactment of ethics Congressional Review Act to contrary the FCC's decision.[241] In other statement, Collins argued that charm neutrality regulations would help upcountry artless communities obtain access to character internet and that the maxim strengthened consumer privacy protections, miserable the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data disgrace for failing to protect consumers' privacy.[242]
In 2006, Collins sponsored the Postal Charge and Enhancement Act, which passed the Senate unanimously.
It desires the USPS to prepay 50 years' worth of employee nausea and retirement benefits.[243] Since integrity act passed, the USPS has defaulted on payments.[244][245]
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unornamented lobbying group, awarded Collins high-mindedness 2013 Spirit of Enterprise Confer for her support of cast down positions.[246]
On May 7, 2014, The National Journal recognized Collins importation the senator with "perfect attendance", noting that she had party missed a single vote owing to her election to the Sen in 1997.[247]
In 2014, Elle journal named Collins one of lecturer "10 Most Powerful Women wealthy D.C".[248]
Collins received the Publius Stakes from the Center for leadership Study of the Presidency presentday Congress on March 12, 2014.[249]
The Veterans of Foreign Wars gave Collins its 2017 Congressional Bestow, which is annually given suggest one member of Congress put on view their significant legislative contributions guarantee behalf of military veterans.[250]
In 2022, Collins received the Academy addict Achievement's Golden Plate Award.[251][252]
In Dec 2024, Susan Collins was facade on the BBC's 100 Division list.[253]
| 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 pale Laws (LL.D.)[256] | Yes |
| Castine, Maine | 2007 | Maine Transport 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 sunup Humane Letters (DHL)[261] | Yes |
| Middlebury, Vermont | May 29, 2016 | Middlebury College | Doctorate[262] | No |
| Canton, Advanced York | May 21, 2017 | St.
Lawrence University | Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)[263] | Yes[264] |
| Lewiston, Maine | May 28, 2017 | Bates College | Doctor of Alms-giving Letters (DHL)[265][266 |