Susan Collins

Susan Collins

Name	Susan Collins
Birth name
Birth date	December 7, 1952
Birth place	Caribou, Maine, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Susan Margaret Collins (born December 7, 1952) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Maine, a position she has held since 1997. A member of the Republican Party, Collins is known for her moderate political stance and her willingness to work across party lines.

Early Life and Education

Susan Collins was born in Caribou, Maine, to a family with a long history of public service. Her parents, Patricia and Donald Collins, were both involved in local politics, with her father serving as a state senator. Collins graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1975 with a degree in government.

Political Career

Early Career

After graduating, Collins worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative William Cohen from 1975 to 1987. She then served as the Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation in Maine from 1987 to 1992.

U.S. Senate

Collins was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, succeeding William Cohen, who was appointed Secretary of Defense. She has been re-elected five times, most recently in 2020.

Legislative Work

Collins is known for her work on issues such as healthcare, education, and national security. She played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act and has been a vocal advocate for bipartisanship in Congress.

Committee Assignments

Collins has served on several important Senate committees, including the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Senate Committee on Intelligence.

Political Positions

Collins is often described as a moderate Republican. She has supported legislation on climate change, gun control, and women's rights, often breaking with her party on these issues.

Personal Life

Collins is married to Thomas Daffron, a former chief operating officer of Jefferson Consulting Group. They reside in Bangor, Maine.

Awards and Honors

Collins has received numerous awards for her public service, including the Margaret Chase Smith Public Service Award and the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Also see

• Margaret Chase Smith
• Olympia Snowe
• Lisa Murkowski
• Moderate Republican