My statement on the Supreme Court vacancy:
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Sen. Susan Collins
@SenatorCollins
United States Senator from Maine.
All tweets originate from the Press Office of Senator Susan Collins.
Sen. Susan Collins’s Tweets
I have now read Mr. Moore’s statement and listened to his radio interview in which he denies the charges. I did not find his denials to be convincing and believe that he should withdraw from the Senate race in Alabama.
My full statement on my decision to support Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to be an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court:
Still deep cuts to Medicaid in Senate bill. Will vote no on MTP. Ready to work w/ GOP & Dem colleagues to fix flaws in ACA.
I want to work w/ my GOP & Dem colleagues to fix the flaws in ACA. CBO analysis shows Senate bill won't do it. I will vote no on mtp. 1/3
Professor Ford and Judge Kavanaugh should both testify under oath before the Judiciary Committee.
This has to stop – we all have a job – 3 branches of gov’t and media. We don’t have to get along, but we must show respect and civility.
The Trump Administration‘s decision to eliminate protections for transgender patients is simply wrong. I’ll work to overturn this discriminatory policy.
I will vote in support of the motion to allow witnesses and documents to be subpoenaed. My full statement: collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senat
After careful consideration, I have decided to oppose the confirmation of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator
Senator Collins opposes Graham-Cassidy health care bills bit.ly/2wPKVKP
I’m very concerned by reports that Deputy AG Rosenstein will either be fired or forced to resign.
The lawlessness and violence on Capitol Hill today was a dangerous, shameful, and outrageous attack on our democracy. But this attack will not deter Congress from performing our constitutional duty. We will affirm the certified results of the presidential election.
I agree with Chief Justice Roberts.
These statements by Senator Schumer are outrageous.
It is a grave mistake for the President to ignore the CIA’s widely reported assessment on the Khashoggi murder. If the President does not reconsider what actions our government should take toward the Saudi Government & MbS, Congress must act instead.
I voted no on MTP. When dealing w/ a complex issue that affects millions of Americans & 1/6th of our economy, we must proceed carefully. 1/3
If there is any truth at all to these horrific allegations, Roy Moore should immediately step aside as a Senate candidate.
Since 2016, Congress has boosted funding to address the opioid epidemic by 1,300 percent. To ensure those struggling with addiction are able to access the treatment they need, we must increase the number of providers to keep pace with the billions of dollars in new resources.
I strongly believe that anyone who is qualified and wants to serve should continue to be allowed to do so, including our transgender troops. We should be expressing our gratitude to those who serve our country in uniform, not trying to kick them out of the military.
“Lynching” brings back images of a terrible time in our nation’s history, and the President never should have made that comparison.
Very glad Senate Health Committee will hold hearings to examine ways to fix ACA's flaws. We must work together on bipartisan bills.
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It is imperative that the Administration not impede the Mueller investigation. I’m concerned Rod Rosenstein will no longer be overseeing the probe. Special Counsel Mueller must be allowed to complete his work without interference—regardless of who is AG.
The violence in Charlottesville was caused by racists & hate groups. We must unite against them.
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Senate bill doesn't fix ACA problems for rural Maine. Our hospitals are already struggling. 1 in 5 Mainers are on Medicaid. 3/3
Israel should allow U.S. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar to visit. The Trump Administration made a mistake in urging Israel to prevent them from entering the country.
The need to provide additional funding to fight the coronavirus is urgent, but transferring money from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the wrong approach and would hurt low-income families struggling to pay their heating bills.
The violence in Charlottesville is domestic terrorism. Hatred, racism, and bigotry have no place in our country.
I talked to a waitress in Bangor this morning whose husband works for TSA. They literally had to get a loan to pay their mortgage for this month. That's just wrong. I continue to believe that a compromise is possible because this is a problem that we have to solve.
I'm writing to the Chairman & RM of Judiciary Cmte respectfully recommending that at Monday’s hearing, counsel for Prof. Ford be allocated time to question Judge Kavanaugh & counsel for the Judge be granted equal time to question Prof. Ford, followed by questions from Senators.
Statement from Senator Collins and her husband, Tom Daffron, on threatening letter received at their Bangor residence:
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 marked the end to World War I. On the anniversary of that day, we remember the courage of all our veterans & thank them for their devotion to duty & commitment to freedom. Thank you to all our veterans for your service!
I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider and testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. It is my understanding that the Committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.
I joined 12 of my Republican colleagues in supporting a resolution to block the national emergency declaration.
This isn’t a debate about whether you support the wall or oppose the wall. It’s constitutional debate where Congress must protect its institutional prerogatives.
WATCH LIVE: Senator Collins speaks on her decision on how she will vote on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. facebook.com/susancollins/v
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CBO says 22 million people lose insurance; Medicaid cuts hurt most vulnerable Americans; access to healthcare in rural areas threatened. 2/3
The Russians continue efforts to undermine Western democracies, including ours. The President is wrong and needs to heed the warnings from our Intelligence Community, including DNI Dan Coats.
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Making sweeping changes to the 50-year-old Medicaid program without a single Senate hearing is a mistake. 2/3
Veteran homelessness dropped 5.4% this year, largely due to the HUD-VASH program that provides thousands of housing vouchers. I’m committed to supporting this vital program & building on our progress to ensure that in the land of the free, there is always a home for the brave.
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I am pleased to hear Mark Judge has indicated he would cooperate with investigators.
Senator has great intelligence and integrity. Always does what he believes is right. So sad that he won’t seek re-election.
Most federal employees will receive their scheduled paychecks today, but that is not the case for 42,000 Coast Guard members, who will not be paid for pre-shutdown work because they are under a different pay system. This is not fair. I called the WH to urge an immediate fix.
Mr. Pruitt’s resignation is long overdue. I voted against his nomination because it was clear he did not support the EPA’s mission. As it turned out, that was only part of the problem. His ethical failings are too numerous to recount, & I’m glad that he is finally stepping down.
Who would think that using your debit card to buy your Rx drugs could be less expensive than using your insurance card? It’s counterintuitive. Americans have the right to know which payment method provides the most savings when purchasing their prescription drugs.
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The AG made the correct decision to recuse himself from the DOJ investigation into Russia’s attempts to interfere in our elections. The Deputy AG plays a critical role in overseeing the investigation headed by special counsel Mueller.
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi as described by the Turkish press is an atrocity. We must get to the bottom of this, and if the Saudis killed Mr. Khashoggi, those responsible must be held accountable.
I continue to oppose efforts to open Maine’s coast to drilling, which poses significant risk to marine and coastal resources, our economy, and our way of life. I oppose the Department of the Interior‘s draft plan.
I joined a bipartisan group of Senators in issuing the following statement on the upcoming Congressional certification of the 2020 Presidential election results:
I’m delighted that my bill to ban gag clauses that prevent pharmacists from telling patients how to pay the lowest possible price for medication is headed to the President’s desk for signature. This new law will help lower the cost of prescription drugs and save consumers money.
Due to the need to work on additional efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate should cancel its recess and remain in session next week.
I am heartbroken for those who lost loved ones in the violent attack on worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue. This act of hatred was an assault on our American values. As we grieve w/ this community, we offer our prayers for the wounded, including the brave first responders.
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We must work in a bipartisan way to fix the ACA’s serious flaws. 3/3
I have tested negative for COVID. Although I had almost no contact with my three colleagues who have tested positive, I thought it prudent to get tested. My thoughts are with the President, FLOTUS, my colleagues & all who are infected.
The Senate should return this week to consider a COVID-19 package that includes the Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act—a bill I introduced w/ in July—which would provide USPS w/ up to $25 billion to cover losses or operational expenses resulting from COVID-19.
This shutdown must come to an end. Today I voted twice to reopen government because it is my top priority.
Compromise is a sign of strength, not weakness. We must come together to end this harmful impasse.
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The President has not provided the kind of justification for the removal of IG Linick required by this law.
. briefed us on his trip to Puerto Rico. Dire circumstances require immediate aid to save lives.
Sen. Collins' statement on health care vote. bit.ly/2v4kI9p
Spent a wonderful hour with President George H.W. Bush at his home in Kennebunkport yesterday. President Bush served his country faithfully and well. And how he loves the State of Maine!
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Today the president signed into law a bill I authored with my friend to ban pharmacy “gag clauses” that concealed the lowest price from patients, causing them to overpay. bit.ly/2IPjcN9
I will vote no on the motion to proceed to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. I voted against this same proposal in 2015.
One of the foundations of our democracy is a peaceful transition of power between administrations. That has been true throughout our history, and this year will be no different. The winner of the presidential election will be sworn in on January 20th.
We are in the midst of a crisis in our country caused by the coronavirus. When it comes to Americans’ health and saving Americans’ jobs and our small businesses, we don't have another day. We don't have another hour. We don't have another minute to delay acting.
We’ve had differences w/ Canada over the years, particularly regarding subsidies from the provincial & nat’l governments; nevertheless, Canada remains our close ally, good friend, & one of America’s biggest trading partners. In Maine, we have a special relationship w/ Canada. 1/2
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer did a terrific job leading our Navy and Marine Corps with integrity and strength. He is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. (1/2)
I’ll vote to disapprove Treasury’s easing of sanctions on Russian businesses involving oligarch & Putin ally Oleg Deripaska. He still would maintain significant control given his ties to Putin. Easing the sanctions sends the wrong message to Russia & to Deripaska.
These comments are highly inappropriate & out of bounds and could hurt efforts for a bipartisan immigration agreement. The President should not denigrate other countries.
I have long been a strong advocate for the Inspectors General. They are vital partners in Congress’s effort to identify inefficient or ineffective government programs and to root out fraud and other wrongdoing.
My statement on the Article of Impeachment:
youtube.com/watch?v=J4mpP7
I signed onto a bipartisan bill that would explicitly prohibit the President from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval. NATO has proven to be the most successful military alliance over the past seven decades. It is critical that we reaffirm the U.S.'s commitment.
Lovely visit with President & Mrs. Bush on Friday at Walker's Point.
17 years ago, I joined my colleagues on the Capitol steps where we sang “God Bless America” in the wake of the terrorist attacks on our country. We gathered together in a demonstration of resolve & patriotism, not as Republicans & Democrats but as Americans.
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Many border communities are truly intertwined. Canadian nurses, for example, cross the border every day to work in Maine hospitals. A Madawaska, Maine, mill pumps pulp from the Canadian side of the border to be made into paper on the US side. We must preserve this friendship. 2/2
Congress must act quickly to protect those who were brought to the U.S. as children & in many cases know only our country as home. 1/2
DNI Dan Coats is a good friend, former Senate colleague, and leader of integrity who has always served our country well. We are fortunate to have a person of his ability and candor to lead our intelligence community.
CBO confirms Alexander-Murray compromise health insurance bill will reduce deficit & benefit low-income Americans—not insurers 1/2
John McCain was a great American, a terrific Senator, and a wonderful friend and mentor who taught me so much. May God be with this hero who has earned his rest.
I voted to block a rule that expands the duration of certain health insurance plans that do not have to cover pre-existing conditions. We must work together to lower premiums while retaining consumer protections.
Senator John McCain is irreplaceable. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Senate. I spoke with on this morning to discuss John’s life and legacy.
Climate change requires a global approach. I'm disappointed in the President's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement #mepolitics
Senate's 98-2 passage of sanctions bill targeting Russian, Iranian, & N. Korean bad behavior sends strong signal to our allies & adversaries
The opioids package that was signed into law today is a major step forward in fighting this tragic epidemic. I’m pleased that my bipartisan proposals to allow the safe disposal of unused drugs in hospice and to bolster peer support networks were included in this legislation.
Togus VA Medical Center was one of only 18 VA hospitals to receive five stars, the VA’s highest possible rating. It is our obligation to care for those who served in uniform, and this top-tier status reflects the Togus staff’s hard work and commitment to their patients.
Sexual harassment and assault have no place in any workplace. The reports involving Senator Franken are disturbing. His belated apology was certainly warranted.
I’m a cosponsor of the First Step Act—a bipartisan bill that will provide sensible reforms to our criminal justice system. It’s time we bring common sense to sentencing & improve anti-recidivism efforts.
Shutdowns represent a failure to govern & harm those who interact with the closed agencies as well as federal employees & their families. As we work to end this shutdown, & I introduced a bill to ensure these civil servants are paid.
The Administration's omission of the Jewish people in a Holocaust remembrance statement is an historical mistake.
Dan Coats is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. He led the intelligence community with integrity and skill, and his departure is a huge loss to our country.
Maine lobster, Caribou Russet potatoes, Gifford’s ice cream, and pie made with Wyman’s Wild Maine Blueberries.
I wonder why my colleagues are always the most excited when it’s my turn to host Thursday lunch? 🦞
The USPS continues to be a lifeline amid COVID-19, especially for seniors, veterans, & those in rural areas who rely on mail delivery for essential goods. I sent a letter calling for the USPS to promptly address the delays in mail delivery.
collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senat
The Electoral Count Reform Act is now law! This legislation and I led fixes the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous 1887 law and establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes for President and Vice President.
Congress unanimously passed a bill I introduced with that will make all veterans who have been injured defending our nation eligible for free entry to our national parks, from Acadia to Denali – the American land they fought to protect.
Congratulations to my former colleague and good friend on his nomination to be our Ambassador to Turkey. I’ll work for his confirmation and know he’ll represent our country well in this challenging post.
What a great example of civility from 41 & 42. Exactly what America needs.
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Special visit today with a great friend -- and now, a best-selling author. Luckily I had a freshly laundered pair of @BillClinton socks to mark the occasion.
I was among 14 Senators who had breakfast today with several ambassadors from NATO countries to reassure them of the US commitment to the security alliance and to discuss Russian aggression.
The Senate unanimously passed a bill & I authored that ensures federal workers affected by the partial government shutdown will receive retroactive pay. While this will help provide some peace of mind, we must bring this impasse to an end.
Today, I am thankful for all the people throughout our great state who use their time and talents to make a real difference in our communities. You help make Maine such a special place to live.
All Americans deserve a fair opportunity to pursue the American dream. Today's landmark Supreme Court ruling is a major advancement for LGBTQ rights.
There really is no place like home, and the commitment, energy, and passion shown by the Aroostook Agency on Aging helps Maine’s seniors stay in the communities they love. As Chairman, I was delighted to speak at the Agency’s annual meeting in Caribou.