WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins cast her 5,000th consecutive roll call vote Thursday, continuing a perfect voting record that began in January 1997.
Collins, a Caribou native, is currently the longest-serving member of the United States Senate to never have missed a roll call vote. She has been present for every roll call vote that has occurred in the Senate since she was sworn into office in January 1997.
In remarks on the Senate floor, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said this is “a tremendous accomplishment that represents the work ethic and dedication Senator Collins has for the people of Maine and the Senate. She is one of the hardest working members of the Senate.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “I appreciate Senator Collins’ ability to work with everyone… she has always been known for her ability to compromise. I think the tone she has set working with Joe Lieberman is magnificent. They have run that committee with dignity in a totally bipartisan basis.”
Collins is Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and serves with Chairman Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT).
“It is a great honor to serve in the U.S. Senate and represent the people of Maine. Voting is a senator’s most important responsibility, and I feel strongly about making every effort possible to be present when the roll is called,” said Collins. “People around the country respect Mainers for their strong values and work ethic. I am proud to have continued this voting streak, which was inspired by the legendary Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who did not miss a vote for 13 years until surgery forced to her to do so.”
Collins surpassed Smith’s record in 2005. Smith cast 2,941 consecutive votes over 13 years before missing her first vote on Sept. 6, 1968.
Collins’ first vote in the Senate was on Jan. 22, 1997 when she voted to confirm Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State. Her second vote, the same day, was to confirm former Maine Sen. Bill Cohen as Secretary of Defense. Collins replaced Cohen in the Senate.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Susan, my friend and colleague,” said fellow Sen. Olympia J. Snowe. “Since she entered the chamber in 1997, Susan has been an inexhaustible champion for Maine, and this tremendous milestone is indicative of her unmistakable work ethic.”
In addition to not missing any roll call votes, Collins continues to return home to Maine for weekends and during congressional recesses to meet with constituents, visit communities, businesses, and schools throughout the state, and to spend time at her home in Bangor.
“This is a testament to a work ethic learned growing up in the County,” said Maine GOP Chairman Charlie Webster. “Senator Collins has not missed a single vote or day of work since being elected to the Senate – she makes all of Maine proud.”
Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, Collins served in the cabinet of Gov. John McKernan as well as regional director of the Small Business Administration under President George H. W. Bush.
