Susan Collins

Where Collins stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Abortion

Abortion

There's only one of us on this stage who has always been pro-choice, and that's me.

Health care

Health care

As reported (not a direct quote): Criticized Medicare for All, saying her opponent wants "Big Government to take over the entire health care service."

Energy & environment

Energy / cost of living

If you look at the policies that have driven up the cost of living in Maine, you have to look at Augusta.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

How will you protect Maine’s interests?

In the U.S. Senate, my experience, knowledge, and seniority give Maine a powerful voice when decisions are made. I am focused on finding bipartisan solutions to the issues that matter most to Maine families, like lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, strengthening Maine’s workforce, expanding housing options, making childcare more affordable, and funding lifesaving research into diseases like Alzheimer’s. As the Appropriations Committee Chair, I have brought historic levels of funding to communities across all 16 counties for projects that create opportunity and improve the quality of life for Mainers. Whether it’s opposing cuts to Medicaid or protecting Social Security, blocking regulations harmful to our lobster industry or helping small businesses, I will always reach across the aisle to deliver results for Maine. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and I will continue to bring that work ethic to the Senate every day.

What will you do to address rising costs of living?

My top priorities are working across party lines to lower costs, expand economic opportunity, and help make it easier for Mainers to earn a good living while keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve secured $1.5 billion for projects in all 16 Maine counties: for hospitals, fire stations, drinking water and wastewater projects, roads, bridges, workforce training programs, housing, and more. That funding helps reduce costs that otherwise fall on local taxpayers and ratepayers. I authored the Social Security Fairness Act, restoring earned benefits for thousands of Mainers. I’ve increased funding for programs that help pay for college and job training; home heating assistance and child care for working families; and medical research to spur disease prevention, treatment, and cures. I’ve led efforts to lower prescription drug costs and expand coverage, and I’ll keep working to lower taxes for hard working Mainers.

Tariffs

As reported (not a direct quote): Said she has been the "most outspoken opponent of tariffs with Canada," noting exemptions she won for products such as road salt.

Elections, ethics & government

Elections / voter ID

Yes. Only Americans should vote in American elections.