Susan Collins

On November 5, 1996, Susan Collins was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Republican from Maine. She defeated Democratic opponent Joseph Brennan, a former two-term governor of Maine, with 49 percent of the vote. Collins succeeded retiring Democratic Senator William Cohen and became the first woman elected to represent Maine in the Senate. Her win was part of her longstanding career in the public sector and she has since become a notable moderate voice within the Republican Party.

Senator Susan Collins was pivotal in the U.S. Senate as she was one of the three Republican senators who broke ranks to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The act was aimed at stabilizing the economy during the financial crisis. Her crucial vote helped pass the $787 billion economic stimulus package, displaying her moderate stance and willingness to work across party lines, a characteristic that Collins is well-known for.

Susan Collins was among the key Republican senators who voted to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy that barred openly gay individuals from serving in the U.S. military. Her support was instrumental in reaching the necessary vote threshold, marking a significant step forward in the movement for LGBT rights in the military. Collins' vote demonstrated her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her ability to support bipartisan legislation.

On July 28, 2017, Senator Susan Collins, along with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and John McCain, cast a decisive 'no' vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Their votes effectively killed the Republican effort to dismantle the law. Collins' opposition was based on concerns that the repeal would lead to millions losing their health insurance without a suitable replacement. This crucial vote highlighted Collins' independence and her priority for constituent health care over party lines.

Senator Susan Collins delivered a pivotal vote in favor of confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States. Despite significant controversy and protests surrounding allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, Collins supported his nomination after a prolonged Senate hearing. She cited her belief that the allegations were uncorroborated by evidence and emphasized Kavanaugh's qualifications. This decision was seen as crucial for Kavanaugh's narrow confirmation and sparked widespread reactions.

After a highly contested race in 2020, Susan Collins was reelected to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate, defeating Democratic challenger Sara Gideon. Collins won her fifth term with 51 percent of the vote, despite predictions of a difficult race due to her controversial votes in prior years. This victory marked a significant achievement as she maintained her seat while being considered a moderate Republican in an increasingly polarized political climate. Her reelection was regarded as critical for the Republican presence in the Senate.

In February 2021, Susan Collins was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. The charge was incitement of insurrection following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Collins' decision was based on evidence presented during the trial and a belief in accountability for actions that endangered democratic processes. Her vote underscored her reputation as a centrist willing to prioritize constitutional duty over party allegiance.

Senator Collins voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill aimed at providing relief from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. She and other Republicans argued that the bill was overly expensive and not sufficiently targeted, expressing concerns over national debt and the size of the spending. Her opposition was part of broader Republican resistance to the package, though the bill ultimately passed without Republican support. This vote reflects Collins' fiscal conservatism and push for bipartisan solutions.

In 2022, Susan Collins co-authored the Respect for Marriage Act, which sought to protect same-sex marriage rights at the federal level. This legislative effort came in response to concerns about the future of same-sex marriage rights. The bill aimed to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and required the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. As a longstanding advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Collins' support was crucial for garnering bipartisan backing. This act underscored her commitment to protecting civil rights.

Susan Collins expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's climate resilience plan, specifically concerning the allocation of federal funds without adequate bipartisan consultation. She argued that while climate change is a critical issue, the administration's approach should involve clearer strategies and more collaboration with Republican lawmakers. This stance reflects her persistent call for bipartisan approaches to significant policy initiatives and aligns with her moderate political stance