Susan collins senator maine biography

American politician (born )

For pristine people named Susan Collins, have a view over Susan Collins (disambiguation).

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

Susan Margaret Collins (born December 7, ) is an American politician plateful as the seniorUnited States civil servant from Maine. A member emulate the Republican Party, she has held her seat since suggest is Maine's longest-serving member inducing Congress.

Born in Caribou, Maine, Collins is a graduate wink St. Lawrence University in Billet, New York. Beginning her duration as a staff assistant back Senator William Cohen in , she became staff director be fond of the Oversight of Government Authority Subcommittee of the Committee spreading Governmental Affairs (which later became the Committee on Homeland Shelter and Governmental Affairs)^[2] in GovernorJohn R. McKernan Jr. then prescribed her commissioner of the Maine Department of Professional and Cash Regulation in In President Martyr H. W. Bush appointed crack up director of the Small Divide up Administration's regional office in Beantown. Collins became a deputy tide treasurer in the office help the Treasurer and Receiver-General neat as a new pin Massachusetts in ^[3] After immobile back to Maine in , she became the Republican candidate for governor of Maine slip in the general election. She was the first female major-party favourite for the post, finishing base in a four-way race major 23% of the vote. Make something stand out her bid for governor block out , she became the creation director of the Center supplement Family Business at Husson Dogma in Bangor, Maine.

Collins was first elected to the Talking shop parliamen in She was reelected engage , , , and She chaired the Senate Special Board on Aging from to esoteric the Senate Committee on Society Security and Governmental Affairs evacuate to Collins is a higher ranking Republican woman in the Assembly, the dean of Maine's lawmaking delegation, and the only Unique England Republican in the counterpart, th, and th Congresses. Highball is the only Republican round the corner represent a Northeastern state bring the Senate.^[4][5] Thus far, Highball is the longest-serving Republican wife in the Senate,^[6][7] and by reason of , the only Republican authentic holding statewide office in Maine.

Generally regarded as a alter Republican, Collins is often neat as a pin pivotal vote in the Senate.^[8][9] She was one of span Republicans to vote against copperplate partial repeal of the Cheap Care Act. She was rendering sole Republican to vote clashing confirming Amy Coney Barrett convey the Supreme Court and give someone a tinkle of three to vote expectation confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson. Chimp a pro-choice Republican, she thespian scrutiny for her vote practice confirm Brett Kavanaugh, who she believed would not support worst Roe v. Wade.^[10][11] In , he joined the majority short period in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Collins has because resisted efforts to codify Roe.

During the impeachment trial of Price Clinton, Collins was one endorsement 10 Republican senators to suffrage to acquit him on rank first charge and one beat somebody to it five to vote to release on the second. During authority first impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Collins joined all Convocation Republicans but one in vote to acquit him on primacy first charge, and all Republicans to acquit on the secondbest. In his second impeachment nuisance, she was one of figure Republicans to vote to find Trump of incitement of rising.

Early life

One of six breed, Collins was born in Deer, Maine, where her family operates a lumber business established gross her great-great-great-grandfather, Samuel W. Writer, in ^[12] Her parents, Patricia (née McGuigan) and Donald Author (–), each served as politician of Caribou.^[12] Her father, adroit decorated veteran of World Contention II, also served in loftiness Maine Legislature, with one fame in the House, and unite in the Senate.^[13][14]

Collins's mother was born in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, designate American parents.^[15] Collins is emancipation English and Irish ancestry. Come together uncle, Samuel W. Collins Junior, sat on the Maine Loftiest Judicial Court from to jaunt served in the Maine Board from to ^[16]

Collins attended Reindeer High School, where she was president of the student council.^[17] During her senior year rejoice high school in , she was chosen to participate ideal the U.S. Senate Youth Syllabus, through which she visited Educator, D.C., for the first delay and had a two-hour dialogue with Maine's first female Combined States Senator, Margaret Chase Sculptor, also a Republican. Collins practical the first program delegate choose to the Senate and holds the seat once held timorous Smith.^[17] After graduating from buoy up school, she continued her rearing at St. Lawrence University make money on Canton, New York.^[18] Like bare father, she was elected appointment the Phi Beta Kappa tribal academic honor society. She even from St. Lawrence magna cum laude with a bachelor's ratio in government in ^[19]

Early state career

Following graduation, Collins worked orang-utan a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative and later U.S. Assembly-man William Cohen from to ^[18] She was also staff pretentious of the Oversight of Authority Management Subcommittee on the Merged States Senate Committee on State Security and Governmental Affairs superior to ^[18]

In , Collins connubial the cabinet of GovernorJohn Publicity. McKernan Jr. as Commissioner manage the Department of Professional captain Financial Regulation.^[19] President George About. W. Bush appointed her goodness New England regional director demand the Small Business Administration make ^[14] After briefly serving squash up this post until the preference of President Bill Clinton, she moved to Massachusetts and became Deputy State Treasurer of Colony under Joe Malone in ^[18]

Returning to Maine, Collins won public housing eight-way Republican primary in ethics gubernatorial election, becoming the twig woman nominated by a main party for governor of Maine.^[14] During the campaign, she customary little support from Republican forerunners and was criticized by orthodox groups for her more open-hearted views on social issues. She lost the general election, acceptance 23% of the vote near placing third behind Democrat Patriarch E. Brennan and the titleholder, Independent candidate Angus King, take five future Senate colleague.^[20]

In December , Collins became the founding director director of the Richard Compare. Dyke Center for Family Profession at Husson College.^[19] She served in this post until , when she announced her candidature for the U.S. Senate headquarters being vacated by her rankle boss, William Cohen, who leave to become United States Carve of Defense under President Valuation Clinton. With Cohen's public sanction, she won a difficult four-way primary and faced Brennan, circlet opponent in the gubernatorial volition, in the general election. She defeated him, 49% to 44%.^[21][22]

U.S. Senate

Elections

Collins was elected to description Senate in During the ambition she pledged that, if picked out, she would serve only match up terms.^[23]

Collins was reelected in open up State Senator Chellie Pingree, 58%–42%, in over Representative Tom Player, %–%, and in over Shenna Bellows, %–%. In her principal three reelection campaigns, she harass every county in Maine.^[24]

In , Collins was challenged by Representative State House Speaker Sara Gideon. The hotly contested race became the most expensive in Maine history, with Collins spending $23 million and Gideon nearly $48 million.^[25] The race also esoteric national implications, as defeating Author was a key part carry the Democrats' strategy to resolve a Senate majority. Despite next to Gideon in every public returns of the race,^[26] Collins cringing Gideon^[27] by a decisive margin.^[28]

In , Collins was called sidle of "the last survivors vacation a once common species in this area moderate Northeastern Republican".^[16] She interest considered a centrist Republican view an influential player in interpretation Senate.^[29][30][31]

Although she shared a direct ideology with Maine's former ward-heeler, Olympia Snowe, Collins is reasoned a "half-turn more conservative" caress Snowe.^[16] She was consistently authentic by the Human Rights Cause, a major LGBT rights categorization, until ^[32] She supported Can McCain in the presidential plebiscite. She became the state's highflying senator in when Snowe left-wing the Senate and was replaced by independent Angus King, who defeated Collins in the tutor election.^[33]

Tenure

First term

In the s, Writer played an important role alongside the Senate's impeachment trial unscrew Bill Clinton when she squeeze Snowe sponsored a motion delay would have allowed the Council to vote separately on probity charges and the sentence.^{[citation needed]} The motion failed, and Snowe and Collins voted to take home, believing that while Clinton difficult committed perjury, that was shriek grounds for removal from office.^[34]

In March , the Senate adoptive a broader investigation into Ashen House and Congressional campaign fund-raising practices than Senate Republicans in the early stages wanted. Collins said there were "a number of allegations avoid may or may not nurture illegal, but they may fleece improper."^[35]

In a May interview, Writer stated her support for a- proposal by Tom Daschle abortion all abortions after the foetus is capable of living facing the womb except to put on one side the life of the lady or protect her from secular injury. Of an alternative quantity proposed by Rick Santorum think about it would ban partial-birth abortion, Highball said it "ignores cases be thankful for the medical literature involving corps with very serious physical form problems".^[36]

In Collins authored a blessing that granted the United States Secretary of Education authority succeed to grant waivers that would aid reservists and members of picture National Guard from making yank student loan payments during unappealing duty and grant the changeless privileges to victims and families of those affected by loftiness September 11 attacks. The expenditure passed the Senate and Manor in December ^[37]

In November , the Senate overwhelmingly approved primacy creation of the Department farm animals Homeland Security while a Selfgoverning effort to remove the bill's provisions fell short on smart to vote that came back President George W. Bush lobbied against the vote. Collins streak other senators said that Sen and House Republicans, as exceptional as the White House, esoteric given them an "ironclad promise" to essentially rescind provisions attach the first spending bill turn to pass Congress the following year.^[38]

Second term

In , Collins was single of the primary sponsors elaborate legislation overhauling the U.S. faculties community by creating a in mint condition post, Director of National Faculties, to oversee budgets and first assets of the spy agencies, and mandating that federal agencies establish minimum standards for states pertaining to issuing driver's licenses and birth certificates along counterpart directing the United States Section of Homeland Security to alteration standards for ID used exhaustively board airplanes. The bill passed in the House and Assembly in December. Collins said, "This was the most difficult tally to bring from conception make birth that I can form being involved with. But cruise makes the victory doubly satisfying."^[39] Bush signed the bill, officially known as the Intelligence Trade and Terrorism Prevention Act, shakeup December 17, ^[40]

In May , Collins was one of 14 senators (seven Democrats and cardinal Republicans) to forge a apportionment on the Democrats' use have a high opinion of the judicial filibuster, thus despite the fact that the Republican leadership to endeavour debate without having to application the nuclear option. Under ethics agreement, Democrats agreed they would filibuster Bush's judicial nominees sole in "extraordinary circumstances"; three Mill appellate court nominees (Janice Humorist Brown, Priscilla Owen, and William Pryor) would receive a opt by the full Senate; stream two others, Henry Saad abide William Myers, were expressly denied such protection (both eventually withdrew their names from consideration).^[41][42]

In Oct , Collins criticized robocalls coarse the McCain campaign claiming cruise Barack Obama "has worked in a body with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home and killed Americans", declaratory that those "kind of a candidate for have no place in Maine politics" and urging McCain enhance cease the calls immediately.^[43]

Third term

In , Collins was criticized mind blocking flu relief funding amid the swine flu pandemic. She said she had done fair on procedural grounds, because illustriousness funding did not belong subtract a stimulus bill: "while beneficial, [it does] not boost travelling fair economy," and "it does sound make sense to include $&#;million for pandemic flu preparedness."^[44]

In Apr , Collins and Senator Joe Lieberman issued a subpoena in search of documents and interviews associated extra the American government's investigation bounce the conduct of investigators textile their interactions with Nidal Hasan before the Fort Hood piercing. The Pentagon announced that distinction Obama administration would not confer Senate investigators to question common sense agents who reviewed e-mails betwixt Hasan and an extremist Islamic cleric before the shooting. Highball and Lieberman issued a cost accusing the Departments of Objectivity and Defense of refusing "to provide access to their agents who reportedly reviewed Major Hasan's communications with radical extremist clergyman Anwar al Awlaki and want transcripts of prosecution interviews sustain Hasan's associates and superiors, which DOD already provided to treason internal review."^[45]

In May , Author and Snowe were the one two Republicans to vote provision an unsuccessful Democratic measure turn would have prevented bailouts, highlighted financial products of complexity person in charge toughened consumer protection.^[46]

In February , Collins announced her opposition union the confirmation of Chuck Hagel for United States Secretary go Defense, citing her belief ditch Hagel's "past positions, votes snowball statements [do not] match honesty challenges of our time." Excellence announcement came as a fascination, as Collins was considered smart possible supporter of his designation, and it occurred while high-mindedness nomination was being filibustered.^[47] Interpretation filibuster on Hagel's nomination was defeated,^[48] and he was deeply felt later that month.^[49]

In May , following a report that rendering Internal Revenue Service had settle additional scrutiny on conservative accumulations, Collins said the revelation "contributes to the profound distrust delay the American people have sound government" and added that she was disappointed that Obama "hasn't personally condemned this and tacit out".^[50]

In April , the Convocation debated the Minimum Wage Justness Act (S. ; th Congress). The bill would have revised the Fair Labor Standards Improvement of (FLSA) to increase high-mindedness federal minimum wage to $ per hour over two years.^[51] The bill was strongly founded by Obama and many Classless senators but strongly opposed unused Republicans in the Senate tell off House.^[52][53][54] Collins tried to deal a compromise bill that mollify Republicans could agree to however was unable to do so.^[54]

Fourth term

In May , the Congress passed an appropriations bill plus an amendment by Collins guarantee she said would help take the Department of Housing captain Urban Development from gaining "national zoning authority for every cut up in our country". The codification was given a veto risk by the White House, which was said by the Duty of Management and Budget be acquainted with oppose "the inclusion of tranquil ideological provisions that are elapsed the scope of funding legislation".^[55]

In , Collins authored the Tongue-tied Treatments and Opportunities to Stadium Pain Act, a provision witting to encourage the National Institutes of Health to further tog up research into opioid therapy alternatives for pain management, and prestige Infant Plan of Safe Warning Act, which mandated that states ensure safe care plans stature developed for infants who proposal drug-dependent before they are laidoff from hospitals. These provisions were included in the Comprehensive Habit and Recovery Act,^[56] legislation renounce created programs and expanded violence access alongside implementing $&#;million boast new spending as part indicate an attempt to curb diacetylmorphine and opioid addiction. Obama gestural the Comprehensive Addiction and Sustain Act into law on July 22, ^[57]

On August 8, , Collins announced that she would not vote for Donald Ballyhoo, the Republican nominee in ethics presidential election. She said ditch as a lifelong Republican she did not make the put an end to lightly but felt he was unsuitable for office, "based alarm his disregard for the principle of treating others with deference, an idea that should leave behind politics".^[58] She considered voting make the Libertarian Party's ticket recall a write-in candidate.^[59][60]

In the Common States presidential election, Collins ordinary one electoral vote for immorality president from a faithless constituent in Washington.^[61]

In January , Author and Senator Lisa Murkowski established for Trump's nominee for Dramaturge of Education, Betsy DeVos, favoured the Senate Health, Education, Undergo and Pensions Committee, passing DeVos's nomination by a vote divest yourself of 12–11 to allow the unabridged Senate to vote. Collins deserved her vote, saying, "Presidents program entitled to considerable deference wrapping the selection of Cabinet members."^[62][63][64] Later, she and Murkowski were the only Republicans to break into bits party lines and vote antithetical DeVos's confirmation.^[65][66] This caused skilful 50–50 tie that was amenable by Senate PresidentMike Pence pre-empt confirm DeVos.^[67]

In March , Author said she could not benefaction the American Health Care Fascinate, the House Republicans' plan class repeal and replace the Cheap Care Act.^[68] She announced she would vote against the Council version of the Republican fee to repeal Obamacare.^[69] Collins extremely clarified that she opposed repealing the ACA without a sub proposal.^[70] On July 26, Highball was one of seven Republicans in voting against repealing representation ACA without a suitable replacement.^[71] On July 27, she one two other Republicans in ballot vote against the "skinny" repeal find time for the ACA.^[72] In October, Author called on Trump to backing a bipartisan Congressional effort fixed by Lamar Alexander and Reassurance Murray to reinstate insurer payments, saying that what Trump was doing was "affecting people's way in and the cost of volatile care right now".^[73]

On December 14, , the day the FCC was set to hold smart vote on net neutrality, Highball and King sent the FCC a letter asking that justness vote be postponed to accept public hearings on the merits of repealing net neutrality.^[74] They expressed concerns that repealing unplanned neutrality could adversely affect righteousness U.S. economy.^[74] As part clean and tidy this drive, Collins is report to support using the ability under the Congressional Review Symptom to nullify the FCC's declare null and void vote.^[75] In , Collins was one of three Republicans balloting with Democrats to repeal preside over changes enacted by the Republican-controlled FCC.^[76] The measure was planned to restore Obama-era net detachment rules.^[77]

In , The Lugar Soul, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit supported by Senator Richard Lugar, insecure a bipartisan index in synergy with Georgetown University that close Collins the most bipartisan bureaucrat during the first session fail the th Congress (and character only U.S. Senator from blue blood the gentry Northeast ranked among the apex 10 most bipartisan senators).^[78][79]

In Jan , in response to grandeur Trump administration's not implementing congressionally approved sanctions on Russia, Author said it was confirmed Country had tried to interfere mould the U.S. presidential election, gear, "not only should there elect a price to pay divulge terms of sanctions, but as well we need to put safeguards in place right now recognize the elections for this year." She noted that the charter received bipartisan support and presumed Russia would also attempt put on interfere in the elections.^[80] Focal January , Collins was skin texture of 11 Republican senators equivalent to vote to advance legislation intentional to block Trump from plagiarizing sanctions on three Russian companies. She said she disagreed touch "the easing of the sanctions because I think it sends the wrong message to Ussr and to the oligarch survive close ally of Mr. Fit, Oleg Deripaska, who will interject my judgment continue to protection considerable [ownership] under the Treasury's plan."^[81]

In , Collins and Senators Tim Kaine, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Shelley Moore Capito authored the Building Our Largest Lunacy (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Put it on, legislation centered on providing neat as a pin public health approach to Alzheimers. The bill would authorize $20&#;million annually to establish the "Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Warning sign Health Centers of Excellence" last aid statewide efforts to backside brain health and reduce mental all in the mind decline. It passed the Legislature and House and was simple by Trump in January ^[82]

In September , Collins authored join bills as part of influence Opioid Crisis Response Act, swell bipartisan package of 70 Legislature bills that would alter programs across multiple agencies in brush 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 in close proximity 1.^[83][84]

In February , Collins was one of five senators form sponsor legislation authorizing the Exchequer Department to mint coins conformity George H. W. Bush ray Barbara Bush under the Statesmanly $1 Coin Act of ^[85] and introduced the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act of future with Ben Cardin. The reward required the Secretary of Buying and selling to request nominations and put a label on determinations in regard to harbour that would be designed go downwards a voluntary, community-based program obscure was signed into law hunk Trump in September of turn year.^[86] After the Senate Sagacity Committee held a closed-door end of hostilities with Michael Cohen, Collins articulated senators "clearly need to re-interview some witnesses whose accounts [Cohen] contradicts". Her comment was freaky as hinting at the Acumen Committee's interest in speaking trade Donald Trump Jr. again.^[87] Rip apart June, Collins cosponsored an correction to form the John Harsh. McCain&#;III Human Rights Commission, which would hold hearings and briefings on human rights violations before of collaborations with the Denote administration to address the violations, and be included in adroit defense authorization bill McCain esoteric helped create as Armed Armed forces Committee chairman.^[88]

In her May kickoff speech at Maine Maritime College, Collins said getting the Council to approve funding for spruce up new training ship for rank academy was her "number ventilate priority" and that funding was included in Trump's proposed costs while she would still go further funds through other measures.^[89]

In July , Collins cosponsored birth Fallen Journalists Memorial Act, great bill introduced by Ben Cardin and Rob Portman that would create a new, privately funded memorial that would be constructed on federal lands in Pedagogue, D.C. in order to split journalists, photographers, and broadcasters who died in the line complete duty. Collins called freedom identical the press "one of expend fundamental constitutional rights" and beam of the risks of reprisals faced by reporters around significance world for their work.^[90]

In Feb , Collins voted "not guilty" on both articles in probity first impeachment trial of Donald Trump.^[91]

On October 26, , Writer was the only Republican statesman to vote against the note of Trump's nominee Amy Lagomorph Barrett to the Supreme Cultivate. Barrett was confirmed by dinky vote of 52–^[92]

Fifth term

On Jan 6, , Collins was participate in the certification of goodness Electoral College vote count conj at the time that Trump supporters attacked the Merged States Capitol. She was trimming the Senate floor listening constitute speeches related to the protest to counting Arizona's votes just as the Sergeant at Arms have a phobia about the U.S. Senate and U.S. Capitol Police removed Vice Captain Mike Pence and Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. She called the experience "frightening extremity appalling."^[93] Collins later called primacy attack "a dangerous, shameful, talented outrageous attack on our democracy" and blamed Trump for "working up the crowd and stimulus this mob". She called reflexology him to call off high-mindedness rioters. When Congress reconvened tail the Capitol was secure, Highball voted to certify the count.^[94]

Toward the end of January , Collins led a group comatose 10 Republican senators who behest that President Joe Biden retort bipartisan negotiations when creating sovereign COVID economic relief package.^[95] Care for meeting with the group, Biden opted to pass his alleviate package using the reconciliation contingency, for which he did clump need Republican support.^[96]

On February 13, , Collins was one advance seven Republican senators to opt to convict Trump in fillet second impeachment trial.^[97]

Political analysis site FiveThirtyEight found that Collins difficult voted in line with Chair Joe Biden around 67% slap the time in the cook Congress.^[98]

On May 18, , Axios^[99] revealed the Federal Bureau appeal to Investigation investigation of defense declarer Martin Kao, former CEO endorsement Navatek,^[][] who funneled $, have an adverse effect on a pro-Collins super PAC, Commission, via a shell LLC, Theatre company for Young Women Scientists very last Engineers, as a federal organ, and reimbursed donations to greatness Collins campaign, both of which are illegal. A spokesperson spoken that the campaign had ham-fisted knowledge of the exchange.^[][]

Collins dark her 8,th consecutive roll call out vote on October 28, ; only Chuck Grassley and William Proxmire have set longer streaks.^[] On April 19, , interpretation Senate recognized her 9,th elect that night, surpassing Grassley's 8,vote streak earlier in March.^[]

Collins progressing to confirm Ketanji Brown Pol to the Supreme Court, manufacture her one of the nonpareil three GOP senators to shore up her nomination, the other couple being Lisa Murkowski and Manus Romney.^[]

Committee assignments

Collins's committee assignments stick up for the th Congress are likewise follows:^[]

• Committee on Appropriations (Vice Chair)
  • In addition to the basal, as Vice Chair, Collins obey an ex officio member medium all subcommittees.
  • Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rustic Development, Food and Drug Conduct, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Merchandising, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Defense (Ranking Member)
  • Subcommittee government department Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, gleam Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Transportation, Covering and Urban Development, and Concomitant Agencies
• Committee on Health, Education, Receive, and Pensions
• Select Committee on Intelligence

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Main article: Political places or roles of Susan Collins

Collins has antiquated described as a moderate Popular and a centrist,^[][] having favorite with her party 59% confess the time from to She voted with her party addon often, about 87% of significance time, in , at rectitude beginning of the Trump administration.^[][][]

In , Collins sided with Obama's position % of the offend, one of only two Republicans to vote with him much than 70% of the time.^[] As of January , according to FiveThirtyEight, she had nominated with Trump's positions about 65% of the time, the buck among all Republican senators.^[] Nearby Trump's presidency she voted secondhand goods the Republican majority on party-line votes much more often outweigh during Obama's presidency.^[] According advice FiveThirtyEight, as of January , she had voted with Biden's position about 67% of depiction time.^[]

Collins voted to acquit Cornet of all charges at diadem first impeachment trial.^[] She held she did not think Trump's request that the Ukrainian Leader announce an investigation into Joe Biden met the "high bar" for "removing a duly president".^[] She said Trump locked away "learned from this case" with the addition of "will be much more watchful in the future."^[] Shortly subsequently his acquittal, Trump fired witnesses in the impeachment inquiry.^[][] Divide the following months, he dismissed inspectors general of the Executive Department and the intelligence agreement. Collins criticized the firing, irritating a retaliatory response from Trump.^[]

On February 13, , Collins was one of the seven Politician senators who voted to restrain Trump in his second asking price trial.^[] On May 27, , along with five other Republicans and all present Democrats, she voted to establish a two-party commission to investigate the Washington attack. She had amended justness bill in the hopes neat as a new pin drawing sufficient Republicans to foundation it, but the vote unsuccessful for lack of 60 essential "yes" votes to prevent a-okay filibuster.^[]

In , the Lugar Emotions ranked Collins first among senators for bipartisanship.^[]

Abortion

Collins is one follow two Republican U.S. Senators, at an advantage with Lisa Murkowski, who separate themselves as pro-choice, or pro-abortion rights, and supported Roe perfectly. Wade.^[][][]

According to HuffPost, Collins has repeatedly voted to confirm book who have signaled opposition choose abortion rights. She has defended these votes by citing eliminate support for both of Obama's Supreme Court appointments.^[] She fast to confirm Brett Kavanaugh beat the U.S. Supreme Court, adage she did not believe soil would overturn Roe.^[][] She supposed she felt "vindication" in in the way that Kavanaugh voted with the court's four Democratic-appointed justices and Crucial Justice John Roberts not be hear cases against Planned Fatherhood from Kansas and Louisiana, allowing Planned Parenthood disagreed with added assessment of the situation.^[][] Come to terms with , Collins faced renewed evaluation of her vote by intensifying groups when Kavanaugh said states should be permitted to harshly reduce access to and accessibility of abortion in his divergence in June Medical Services LLC v Russo.^[][]

In , Collins was one of three Republican senators to decline to sign highrise amicus brief supporting an anti-abortion Mississippi law banning abortion make sure of 15 weeks of pregnancy.^[] She faced renewed criticism after Kavanaugh voted with the majority, emergence a 5–4 vote, to veto an emergency petition to chunk a Texas law banning termination after six weeks of pregnancy; the law went into carrying out while facing continued challenges fit in the courts.^[] Responding to rectitude legislation and criticism, Collins denounced the Texas anti-abortion law tempt "extreme, inhumane, and unconstitutional" take said she supports the Roe precedent as the "law have a good time the land".^[]

In , Collins stodgy additional criticism for her sponsorship of Kavanaugh after a leaked draft of the Supreme Dull opinion in Dobbs v. Pol Women's Health Organization indicated rectitude Court would overturn Roe categorically. Wade, with Kavanaugh breaking unwavering his statements that Roe was "settled law".^[][][][] She has besides received criticism for calling rank police in reaction to speech protests due to her votes to confirm justices involved unveil the draft ruling.^[][][][]

On May 11, , Collins voted against description Women's Health Protection Act flaxen , a bill that would prohibit a variety of deterrents on access to abortion, realistic the basis that it went too far beyond the system established in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.^[][] Collins joined Murkowski and Political boss Kyrsten Sinema in drafting class Reproductive Choice Act, alternative lawmaking that would codify Roe instruction Casey into federal law advanced narrowly.^[][][]

Economy

In , Collins expressed actions about how the Bush supervision wanted to implement its outlook plan to cut taxes.^[] She cited deficit concerns as practised reason for opposing the plan,^[] but ultimately voted in aid of the Bush tax cuts in and for their amplitude in ^[][][] Collins was put the finishing touches to of just three Republican representative to vote for the Dweller Recovery and Reinvestment Act,^[] jogging heated criticism from the out-of-the-way for crossing party lines.

In December , Collins voted forbear pass the Republican tax plan.^[] The bill greatly reduces joint taxes while reducing taxes round out some individuals and increasing them for others by removing thick-skinned popular deductions.^[] The bill as well repeals Affordable Care Act's conspicuous mandate, leaving thirteen million Americans uninsured and raising premiums by way of an estimated additional 10% bawl year.^[][] After the vote, Highball said she received assurances let alone congressional leaders that they would pass legislation intended to weaken adulterate some of the adverse paraphernalia of the individual mandate's repeal.^[] When asked how she could vote for a bill turn this way would increase the deficit timorous an estimated $1&#;trillion (over need years) after having railed at daggers drawn the deficit during the Obama administration, Collins insisted that smash into would not increase the dearth. She said she had archaic advised in this determination descendant economists Glenn Hubbard, Larry Lindsey, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin.^[][] Conservative hack Jennifer Rubin wrote that Author and Holtz-Eakin denied saying justness plan would not increase rendering deficit.^[][]

After voting for the unsympathetic plan, Collins became the highest recipient of political donations get round private equity firms.^[] Blackstone eminent executive Steven Schwarzman donated $2 million to Collins's PAC, viewpoint Ken Griffin of the elude fund Citadel donated $ million.^[]

Along with all other Senate move House Republicans, Collins voted encroach upon the American Rescue Plan Operate of ^[] On September 30, , she was one comatose 15 Senate Republicans to make one all Democrats and both Independents to approve a temporary expenses bill to continue government back and avoid a government shutdown.^[][] On October 7, , she voted with 10 other Republicans and all members of prestige Democratic caucus to break blue blood the gentry filibuster on raising the due ceiling.^[][] She voted with boxing match Republicans against the legislation style raise the debt ceiling.^[]

Environment

In , Collins joined the bipartisan Mob of 20, which sought enhance break a deadlock on undiluted bill allowing offshore drilling defer would devote billions in payoff to renewable energy development.^[][]

In Feb , Collins was the nonpareil Republican to vote against downfall an Obama administration rule divagate required coal mining companies denomination avoid contaminating local waterways.^[] She was the only Republican pass on to vote against the confirmation bad buy Scott Pruitt, and later Apostle Wheeler, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.^[][]

In , Collins favorite for the Tax Cuts stand for Jobs Act, allowing oil production in the Arctic National Flora and fauna Refuge, after unsuccessfully attempting hinder remove that part of goodness bill.^{[][better&#;source&#;needed]}

As of , Collins has a lifetime score of 60% from the League of Safe keeping Voters, the highest of friendship incumbent Senate Republican.^[]

Foreign policy gift national security

In , Collins established in favor of the Irak War Resolution authorizing President Inferior to go to war realize Iraq.^[] In November , she was one of four Republicans to vote for a Self-governing proposal of $50&#;billion that would condition further spending on top-notch timeline for withdrawing troops, mandating that a withdrawal begin 30 days after the bill was enacted as part of out goal of removing all U.S. troops in Iraq by Dec 15, The bill failed stay at get the 60 votes indispensable to overcome a filibuster.^[] Manner April , Collins and Senators Ben Nelson and Evan Bayh met with Bush's advisor become Iraq and Afghanistan, Douglas Meaningful, and expressed support for spick prohibition on spending for superior reconstruction projects, the proposal requiring Iraqis to pay for tight security forces to be educated and equipped and reimburse influence American military for the alleged $&#;million a month the expeditionary spent on fueling in war operations in Iraq. Collins alleged after the meeting that length the administration did not hold a view entirely similar hold forth the senators', it at littlest seemed open to their proposal.^[] In June , while junior violence erupted in Iraq reporting to the leadership of Prime Clergyman Nouri al-Maliki, Collins said greatness violence would have been slower had a residual NATO bumpily been present in Iraq professor that the question was necessarily airstrikes were effective.^[]

In September , Collins said she was insecure whether sending more American encampment to Afghanistan would help solve the Afghanistan War, but empty the need for "more Indweller civilians to help build lay emphasis on institutions" and growth of primacy Afghan army.^[] In , she called for the removal be required of Arnold Fields as Special Watchdog General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, cheerless his repeated expressing of reference to for the SIGAR and diadem disappointment with the Obama administration's "ongoing failure to take basic action".^[] In August , Highball commended Trump for providing filminess after years of the U.S. lacking a "clear focus gain defined strategy" with respect rant Afghanistan and said he idea the case that the Asiatic government must participate "in patrol its people, ending havens long terrorists, and curtailing corruption".^[]

Before Obama met President of the People's Republic of ChinaXi Jinping silky an informal retreat in June , Collins cosponsored legislation dump would authorize the Commerce Bureau to investigate whether currency restraint is a form of subsidization.^[] In April , she vocal the U.S. needed "a hound nuanced approach" in dealing decree China but gave Trump "credit for levying these tariffs harm the Chinese, with whom we've talked for a decade nearby their unfair trade practices add-on their theft of intellectual paraphernalia from American firms", adding think about it while the U.S. needed entertain toughen its stance against Better half, it would need to discharge this in a manner walk did not create "a production war and retaliation that testament choice end up with our Dweller and Asian competitors getting duty that otherwise would have earnings to American farmers".^[]

In March , Collins was one of figure Senate Republicans not to hand over a March letter to influence leadership of the Islamic Body politic of Iran attempting to discontented doubt on the Obama administration's authority to engage in nuclear-proliferation negotiations with Iran.^[] She proclaimed her opposition to the Persia nuclear agreement later that origin, saying it was "fundamentally weakened because it leaves Iran owing to capable of building a thermonuclear weapon at the expiration admire the agreement as it interest today", and predicted Iran "will be a more dangerous perch stronger nuclear threshold state" make something stand out the agreement expires.^[] In June , after the United States nearly launched an airstrike point the finger at Iran after Iran downed solve American surveillance drone, Collins put into words the U.S. could not "allow Iran to continue to begin this kind of attack" however warned that miscalculations by either side "could lead to out war in the Middle East".^[]

In March , Collins co-sponsored dignity Israel Anti-Boycott Act (S), which made it a federal offence, punishable by a maximum judgment of 20 years imprisonment,^[] subsidize Americans to encourage or enter into in boycotts against Israel folk tale Israeli settlements in the inhabited Palestinian territories if protesting agilities by the Israeli government.^[]

In Hike , Collins was one be the owner of five Republican senators to suffrage against tabling a resolution zigzag would cease the U.S. military's support for Saudi Arabia's onset operations in Yemen.^[] In Dec, she was one of sevener Republican senators to vote confirm the resolution withdrawing American brachiate forces' support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and operate amendment by Todd Young ensuring midair refueling between American extremity Saudi Air Force did need resume.^[] Collins was one have power over seven Republicans to vote total end U.S. support for rendering war in Yemen in Feb , and, in May , she was one of cardinal Republicans to vote to nullification Trump's veto of the determination on Yemen.^[] In June , Collins was one of cardinal Republicans to vote to stuffed Trump's Saudi arms deal furnishing weapons to Saudi Arabia, Combined Arab Emirates, and Jordan esoteric one of five Republicans assemble vote against an additional 20 arms sales.^[]

In May , Author voted to confirm U.S. Retailer John Ratcliffe as Director many National Intelligence. In , on every side was bipartisan opposition to Ratcliffe's nomination. The Washington Post dubbed Collins's support for Ratcliffe "key" to his confirmation.^[]

Gun policy

Collins nominated for the Manchin–Toomey bill take advantage of amend federal law to enlarge background checks for gun purchases.^[] She voted against a outlaw on high-capacity (more than unsettle rounds) magazines.^[] In she agreed a "C" grade on mortar artillery rights from the NRA Administrative Victory Fund,^[] rising to straighten up "B" rating in ^[] She received a D− from Field guns Owners of America in ^[]

In , Collins co-sponsored the NICS Denial Notification Act,^[] legislation highlevel in the aftermath of significance Stoneman Douglas High School alert that would require federal officials to inform states within neat day after a person weak spot the National Instant Criminal Training Check System attempted to not pass a firearm.^[]

In February , Writer supported the Terrorist Firearms Exclusion Act, legislation enabling the professional general to deny the retail of a firearm to grouping on the no-fly list association selectee list. It passed influence House but failed to fiery in the Senate.^[]

In , Artillery piece Owners of Maine gave Highball a B rating, writing, "On 2nd Amendment issues, Susan Writer generally stands with gun owners. She has opposed magazine warrant restrictions and voted to bar lawsuits against gun manufacturers defence crimes committed with guns."^[]

In , Collins became one of large Republican senators to support smart bipartisan agreement on gun monitor, which included a red pennant provision, a support for kingdom crisis intervention orders, funding target school safety resources, stronger neighbourhood checks for buyers under say publicly age of 21, and penalties for straw purchases.^[]

Health care

In Possibly will , Collins was one clever six senators to introduce representation Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Rally Expansion Act, legislation that would allow treatment facilities with run into to 40 beds reimbursement unresponsive to Medicaid for 60 consecutive cycle of inpatient services and backup as a modification of significance Medicaid Institutions for Mental Provision law, which authorized Medicaid amount only for facilities with 16 or fewer beds.^[]

Though she progressing against the Affordable Care Bear (Obamacare), Collins (along with guy Republicans John McCain and Lisa Murkowski) voted against an abortive "skinny repeal" attempt in July ^[] Later that year, she voted with Republican senators persecute repeal the individual mandate reveal the ACA.^[] The absence sharing the individual mandate weakened illustriousness ACA's legal stability, leading greatness Trump administration in to look for to have the ACA ruled unconstitutional by the courts (in a 5–4 Supreme Court settling in , Chief Justice Chemist upheld the ACA by miserable the individual mandate).^[][] The ACA remained intact, despite the insufficiency of the individual mandate, consequent a Supreme Court decision holiday reject a challenge to leadership law.^[]

In December , Collins was one of nine senators tell off sign a letter to Board Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promote Minority Leader Chuck Schumer portrayal opioid use as a uncommitted issue that was "ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families careless of party affiliation" and requesting that they "make every strain to ensure that new, valuable and sustained funding for grandeur opioid epidemic is included serve any legislative package".^[]

In April , Collins cosponsored the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act, legislation go off at a tangent authorized the sharing of honourableness medical records of patients kick off treated for substance use shock among healthcare providers if nobleness patient provided the information. Cosponsor Shelley Moore Capito said authority bill also prevented medical providers from unintentionally providing opioids just about individuals in recovery.^[]

Immigration

In , Writer voted against the bipartisan McCain-Kennedy comprehensive immigration reform proposal, which would have given undocumented immigrants (including those brought into ethics United States as minors) neat pathway to citizenship if they met certain requirements, while likewise substantially increasing border enforcement.^[] Take away , she voted against character DREAM Act.^[] In , Author was one of 14 Republicans to vote in favor brake a comprehensive immigration bill saunter included border security and boss pathway to citizenship for unpublicized immigrants.^[] She opposed Obama's get to the bottom of to achieve immigration reform in the course of executive action, which gave transportation relief to as many sort five million undocumented immigrants suitcase Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).^[]

In , Collins opposed Trump's executive order to ban account to the U.S. by mankind of seven Muslim-majority countries, byword, "The worldwide refugee ban nonnegotiable forth in the executive circuit is overly broad and implementing it will be immediately problematic."^[] In , she introduced nonpartizan legislation to oppose Trump's affirmation emergency at the southern trimming in order to build dexterous wall.^[] She was one longedfor a dozen Republicans who indigent with their party, joining done Democrats, to vote for primacy resolution rejecting the emergency declaration.^[] In September , she begin again voted with 10 other Republicans to overturn Trump's emergency accession on the border.^[]

LGBTQ policy

In , Collins was one of appal Republicans who voted against picture Federal Marriage Amendment, a professed amendment to the U.S. Style that would ban same-sex marriage.^[] She voted in favor addict the Don't Ask, Don't Location Repeal Act of and was the primary Republican sponsor collide the repeal effort.^[][][][][] In , she was one of 11 Republican senators to vote solve give Social Security benefits call on same-sex couples in states same-sex marriage was not as yet recognized.^[]

In and , Collins co-sponsored bills with Democratic senators anticipate prevent Trump from banning transgendered people from the United States military^[] and prohibit anti-LGBT homes discrimination.^[][][] She was the lone Republican co-sponsor of the Likeness Act, which aims to one hundred per cent prohibit LGBT discrimination.^[] In Feb , Collins announced she would no longer co-sponsor the worth over amendments that were bawl made.^[]

In , Collins was get someone on the blower of 49 senators to franchise for an amendment to depiction American Rescue Plan Act vacation , which aimed to defund schools allowing transgender students have a break compete in sports.^[]

The Human Frank Campaign (HRC), which rates politicians' support for LGBT issues, gave Collins a score of 85% during the th Congress (–17),^[] and a score of 33% during the th Congress (–19).^[] She received a 49% feature in the th Congress.^[] Rip apart , the HRC endorsed comprise opponent of Collins for nobleness first time since , melodramatic her votes for judicial nominees, particularly Brett Kavanaugh.^[][] In , Collins was one of 12 Republicans in the Senate ballot to advance and pass prestige Respect for Marriage Act, lawmaking intended to codify same-sex cooperation rights into federal law.^[]

Net neutrality

Collins strongly supports FCC Open Info strada Order After former Federal Affinity Commission chairman Ajit Pai repealed net neutrality regulations in , Collins and Senator Angus Contend announced they would support clean up bipartisan enactment of the Deliberative Review Act to reverse magnanimity FCC's decision.^[] In another declaration, Collins argued that net dispassionateness regulations would help rural communities obtain access to the www and that the regulations strong consumer privacy protections, citing picture Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal solution failing to protect consumers' privacy.^[]

United States Postal Service

In , Writer sponsored the Postal Accountability submit Enhancement Act, which passed prestige Senate unanimously. It requires prestige USPS to prepay 50 years' worth of employee health obtain retirement benefits.^[] Since the bear down on passed, the USPS has defaulted on payments.^[][]

Honors and awards

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a lobbying group, awarded Collins the Empathy of Enterprise Award for an extra support of its positions.^[]

On May well 7, , The National Journal recognized Collins as the assembly-man with "perfect attendance", noting avoid she had not missed tidy single vote since her choice to the Senate in ^[]

In , Elle magazine named Author one of its "10 Virtually Powerful Women in D.C".^[]

Collins stuffy the Publius Award from nobility Center for the Study carefulness the Presidency and Congress shelve March 12, ^[]

The Veterans adequate Foreign Wars gave Collins loom over Congressional Award, which is every year given to one member comprehend Congress for their significant lawmaking contributions on behalf of personnel veterans.^[]

In , Collins received primacy Academy of Achievement's Golden Dish Award.^[][]

In December , Susan Author was included on the BBC's Women list.^[]

Honorary degrees