Susan Collins Discusses How She Plans to Shape the U.S. Budget as Appropriations Chair

Senator Susan Collins, a well-respected moderate Republican from Maine, has made a significant mark on Capitol Hill over the nearly 30 years she has served in office. Known for her willingness to work across the aisle, Collins has often demonstrated an independent streak, even when it meant standing apart from her own party. A lifelong Republican, she has been reelected four times and continues to hold a powerful position in the Senate.

What You Need To Know

• Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: Elected to the Senate in 1996 and reelected four times.
• Current Role: Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a powerful position that oversees federal spending decisions.
• Recent News: Collins recently voted against President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
• Key Priorities: Biomedical research, defense, rural development, and infrastructure.

Senator Collins has always made it clear that her focus in Washington is not on fighting the government, but improving it. Reflecting on her first speech in the Senate in 1997, she said, “I come to Washington not as an enemy of government, but as one committed to improving it.” Nearly three decades later, Collins has risen to one of the most influential roles in the Senate, taking charge of the Appropriations Committee. She is the first Republican woman to hold this position, and the first from Maine in 92 years.

A Long Road to the Top

Sitting in her new office, located on the first floor of the U.S. Capitol, Collins reflected on her journey to the top of the Senate ladder. As the chair of the Appropriations Committee, she now holds a position where she can have a major say in how federal funds are allocated. She noted the climb has been long and challenging but deeply rewarding.

Despite representing a state that hasn’t voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988, Collins has managed to hold on to her seat in the Senate. Her moderate brand of conservatism has helped her build bipartisan support, even in a state that leans heavily Democratic. Her ability to work across party lines has made her a fixture in Washington.

Navigating Partisanship

Over the years, Collins has seen many changes in Washington. She has witnessed eight Senate majority leaders and five presidents, and she acknowledges that the atmosphere in Congress has become more partisan. However, Collins continues to advocate for finding common ground.

“We’re not always going to agree on issues,” Collins said in a recent interview. “But I think we need to look for more common ground.” This belief has guided her through some of the most significant legislative moments of her career.

Breaking with Her Party

Collins has often stepped outside the typical Republican stance, and this term is no different. She recently voted against President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Collins, who was one of only two Republicans to vote against Hegseth in a preliminary vote, said she did not believe he had the necessary experience to lead the Department of Defense.

“This is an enormous job, perhaps the most important Cabinet job,” Collins said. “And I did not find that Mr. Hegseth had the experience and perspective that was needed.”

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, has been a controversial pick due to allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, both of which he has denied. Additionally, his lack of leadership experience in a large bureaucracy like the Pentagon was a concern for Collins.

Collins’ Relationship with President Trump

Despite their differences, Collins has expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration, particularly on issues related to appropriations. After Trump’s inauguration, Collins met with him and said she hoped to collaborate closely on funding decisions.

However, Collins’ relationship with Trump has not been without its bumps. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Collins was one of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial. She has also criticized Trump’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the riot who had assaulted police officers.

“I don’t agree with the president’s pardon of violent individuals who were involved in the riot on Jan. 6, 2021,” Collins said. “They assaulted police officers, and I felt that was wrong.”

Concerns About Tariffs

Another point of tension between Collins and the Trump administration is the president’s proposed tariffs, including a 25% tariff on Canada. As Maine’s biggest trading partner, Canada’s economy is crucial to the state, and Collins has worked to persuade the administration to reconsider the economic impact.

“I’m trying to get the administration to think more thoroughly about the ramifications,” she said.

Collins’ Top Priorities for the Appropriations Committee

As the chair of the Appropriations Committee, Collins has outlined four key areas that will guide her work over the coming months:

1. Biomedical Research: Collins has long been passionate about funding medical research, especially in the fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s. She believes that federal investment in biomedical research can make a significant impact on families across the country.
2. Defense Spending: A strong supporter of national defense, Collins believes that military strength is crucial for maintaining peace. Additionally, defense spending supports thousands of jobs in Maine, which is an important factor for the state’s economy.
3. Rural Development: Rural areas of the country, including much of Maine, face unique challenges. Collins is focused on improving workforce training, education, and child care services in these communities to help them thrive.
4. Infrastructure: Collins has been a longtime advocate for improving the nation’s infrastructure. This includes everything from upgrading roads and bridges to expanding broadband access in rural areas. She believes that these investments are key to the nation’s future economic growth.

Conclusion

Senator Susan Collins has worked tirelessly for nearly three decades to shape policy in Washington. With her new position as the chair of the Appropriations Committee, she is in a powerful position to influence decisions that will affect the future of the nation. Despite her differences with President Trump and some of her party’s more extreme positions, Collins remains committed to finding common ground and pushing for policies that benefit all Americans.

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