What Susan M. Collins said, and what was done

“Mr. President, later tonight, my colleagues will be asked to pass the continuing resolution before us to prevent a government shutdown. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft this stopgap funding measure.”

“Mr. President, I will soon ask that the Senate pass S. 2398, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act. The Tick Act was approved by the Senate HELP Committee more than a year ago with strong bipartisan support.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act. This legislation would strengthen the Medicare home health program by advancing two complementary goals: protecting the home health program from fraud and strengthening access to these important services for the Americans who need them.”

“Mr. President, I rise this afternoon to pay tribute to an outstanding U.S. Senator and a dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. When my husband first woke me with the news that Lindsey had died the night before, I couldn't believe it.”

“October 7 massacre to demonstrate America's solidarity with Israel or his many trips to Ukraine to show the Senate's unwavering opposition to Russia's unprovoked invasion, Lindsey time and again demonstrated strong, effective leadership.”

“Mr. President, on March 21, 1901, a town in Aroostook County was incorporated and named after the region's pristine clear waters. Today, it is a great joy to join the people of Crystal, ME, in celebrating the 125th anniversary of a town that epitomizes rural life in the northern parts of our country and people who have shown the power of resiliency.”

“Madam President, I just want to thank my colleagues for their kind comments and for being on the floor on an occasion which means so much to me.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act, to help protect American seniors from high medical costs when they need skilled nursing care after hospitalization.”

“Dr. Geyer also cared for a 99-year-old patient who was living independently with the support of her family and had never before required hospitalization. This patient used a walker in her home but suffered a fall and broke her wrist.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Sappi North America, Inc., on 50 years of operations at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, ME. Since opening in 1976 on the banks of the Kennebec River, the Somerset Mill has grown into one of the most technologically advanced paper mills in North America.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Sargent Corporation on 100 years of exceptional business growth and development. From a humble beginning in Alton, ME, the general contracting company has grown significantly, continuing to work with and for Mainers to better our State, one project at a time.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to speak about a bill that Senator Shaheen and I introduced recently. It is called the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act, or the INSULIN Act.”

“Mr. President, on May 2, 2026, Maine Maritime Academy bestows an honorary degree upon Dr. James S. C. Chao in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global shipping, education, and public service.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce two bills: the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregiver Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. These bills, which I am introducing today with my colleague from Virginia Senator Warner, would enable family caregivers to better save for retirement.”

“Mr. President, In 1851, 31 years after Maine became the 23rd State of the Union, the small, agricultural town of Chelsea was incorporated. Chelsea, named after the town of Chelsea, MA, is known for its peaceful community, with a strong sense of pride in its history.”

“Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from Michigan Senator Peters in introducing the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act, known as the AFTER Act, to promote the adoption or retirement of animals used for research by Federal Agencies.”

“FDA, and NIH have already enacted successful animal retirement policies. While I am encouraged by the Senate's past work on primates and the policies developed by a few Federal Agencies, there are many other Federal Agencies, including the Agriculture Department, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, that lack formal policies for animals used in experiments.”

“Mr. President, I rise to urge my colleagues to end the reckless Democratic shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. This shutdown has caused chaos at our airports, delayed assistance to communities hit by disasters, and forced thousands of essential frontline employees at TSA, at the Coast Guard, and at the Cybersecurity Agency to work without any guarantee of when they will be paid.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. Firefighters across Maine and throughout the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their communities, responding to emergencies at all hours to protect the lives and property of others.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026, along with my colleague from Michigan Senator Peters. Our bill will expand Medicare beneficiaries' access to medical nutrition therapy, or MNT, which is a cost-effective component of treatment for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the We Can't Wait Act, a bipartisan bill with my colleague from New Hampshire Senator Hassan. This legislation addresses a pressing and unnecessary hardship in our Social Security Disability Insurance Program.”

“Mr. President, in 1801, a small town nestled between Androscoggin Lake and River was incorporated and named after Leeds, England, the ancestral home of the first settlers Thomas and Roger Stinchfield.”

“Mr. President, among the robust pines of western Maine, Carthage was founded on February 20, 1826. Today, it is an honor to join the people of Carthage, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act, which would help address workforce shortages in the accounting profession by recognizing accounting as a STEM education subject and adding accounting education programs as an allowable use of K through 12 Federal grant funding.”

“Mr. President, Members of Congress understand the needs of our constituents far better than any well-intentioned Federal employee located here in Washington. The CDS projects provide funding for States, communities, and nonprofit organizations.”

“Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to support the funding package that is before us. It includes full-year funding for the following bills: the Department of Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; National Security; Department of Defense; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.”

“Mr. President, in 1826, 6 years after Maine became our Nation's 23rd State, a small fishing town was incorporated in downeast Maine. Cutler, named after Joseph Cutler, an early settler from Massachusetts, is a beacon of Maine's nationally renowned beauty and a stronghold for Maine's traditional lobstering sector.”

“Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to vote to end debate on the motion to proceed to the six-bill package of appropriations legislation sent to us by the House of Representatives.”

“Another important component of this bill supports our Coast Guard. Think of our Coast Guard personnel out in this terrible weather, being available to rescue our fishermen, our lobstermen, or others who are in trouble.”

“Mr. President, nestled among the rugged wilderness of the western Maine mountains, the town of Strong, ME, was incorporated on January 31, 1801. This 225th anniversary is a time to celebrate the spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today.”

“Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 3:16 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3 p.m.”

“Madam President, I now ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date; the morning hour be deemed expired; the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; and that the Senate be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each; further, at 5:30 p.m., the Senate execute the order of January 26 in relation to the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 300, S. 3627.”

“Services, and Education; National Security; Department of State and Related Programs; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Madam President, as a valued and important member of the Appropriations Committee, you know well that these are fiscally responsible bills that reflect many months of hard work and deliberation from Members from both parties and from both sides of the Capitol.”

“I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.”

“Mr. President, just now, the Senate passed three more of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills by a strong bipartisan vote. These bills support State and local law enforcement, invest in vital scientific research, promote economic development, help protect our national security, and assist our coastal communities.”

“Mr. President, in 1826, a small town on the western shore of Sebago Lake was incorporated and took the name that has roots in the Abenaki phrase sobagoo, or ``it is the sea.'' Today, it is an honor to join the people of Sebago, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families.”

“Reserving the right to object, let me first say that I appreciate the advocacy from the Senators from Colorado for the National Center for Atmospheric Research, an NSF-funded research and development center in Boulder.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I appreciate the advocacy from the Senators from Colorado for the National Center for Atmospheric Research in their State and, in the case of Senator Hickenlooper, his advocacy in support of scientific research in general.”

“Mr. President, I anticipate that this evening, the Senate will take advantage of the opportunity to begin consideration of a carefully negotiated, fiscally responsible, bipartisan and bicameral package of fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills that are vital to the safety, security, and economic well-being of all Americans.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in support of the War Powers Resolution before the Senate regarding recent U.S. actions related to Venezuela. This is a serious and consequential matter that goes to the heart of Congress' constitutional responsibility to authorize sustained military engagements, define the limits of executive authority, and protect the long-term interests of both the United States and the Venezuelan people.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act. I thank my colleagues Senator King and Senator Shaheen for joining me in introducing this important legislation for farmers across America and particularly in Maine and New Hampshire.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. I am pleased that my colleague from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal is my lead cosponsor on this bill.”

“Mr. President, the information required by rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate related to congressionally directed spending items is included in the committee reports (Senate Reports 119-44, 119-46, 119-47, and 119-55) that are referenced in Senate amendment No. 3951 to H.R. 4016.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention ASAP Act. This bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to cover FDA-approved blood-based biomarker tests for Alzheimer's disease, expanding access to earlier and more accurate diagnoses for millions of Americans.”

“Mr. President, I want to thank all of our colleagues for their hard work on this bill. I am excited about its impending passage. I hope that will mean that we will immediately reopen government as soon as the House acts and the President signs it into law.”

“Mr. President, I just want to reiterate my gratitude for my colleagues, our staff who report night and day, literally, and to all of those who have brought us to this point.”

“Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague from Vermont, Senator Welch, to introduce the Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies Act, or the CARE Act. Our bipartisan legislation would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to test a 5 year treatment-in-place model for Medicare.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of Joshua Dunlap to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Josh is an attorney of extraordinary intelligence, extensive experience, and demonstrated integrity.”

“Mr. President, today the Senate has the opportunity to begin consideration of an appropriations bill that is vital to our national defense and to the well-being of the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

“Mr. President, in 1925, business and government leaders from throughout New England came together in Poland Springs, ME, to develop a strategy to reverse the decline in our traditional industries and our communities.”

“Mr. President, I rise to urge passage of the funding bill that was approved by the House of Representatives earlier today. Now, let's be clear on what this bill is and what it is not.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation with my colleague from Virginia Senator Kaine that would reauthorize the only federally funded programs specifically designed to develop a healthcare workforce focused on the care of older Americans.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to wish the town of Hudson, ME, a very happy 200th birthday. The people of Hudson are proud of their hometown and the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.”

“Mr. President, in a moment, we will begin votes on an appropriations package that includes the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Agriculture, FDA, and Rural Development appropriations bills.”

“Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity, also, to thank Leader Thune for his willingness to bring these appropriations bills before the full Senate. I also thank our Democratic counterparts for working with us to come up with this rather complex time agreement.”

“Mr. President, I am about to propound a unanimous consent request that will allow this body to proceed with three appropriations bills that were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support.”

“Mr. President, I just want to thank our colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It has taken a great deal of work, good faith, and negotiation to get to this point.”

“Mr. President, the information required by rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate related to congressionally directed spending items is included in the Committee reports (Senate Reports 119-37 and 119-43) that are referenced in Senate amendment No. 3411 to H.R. 3944.”

“Madam President, the information required by rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate related to congressionally directed spending items is included in the committee reports (Senate Reports 119-37, 119-43, and 119-44) that are referenced in Senate amendment No. 3038 to H.R. 3944.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce a bill with my colleague Senator King that will help the hard-working loggers across this country affected by severe storms and natural disasters.”

“Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to vote for cloture on the motion to proceed on the bipartisan fiscal year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.”

“Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague from Minnesota Senator Smith to introduce the Kay Hagan Tick Act Reauthorization. I would also like to recognize Senator King, who is joining as an original cosponsor.”

“War reenactment, displays of antique farm and lumbering tools, historical presentations, quilts and other local crafts, great food, and good friendship. This long-planned event demonstrates why Whiting prides itself on being a small town with a big spirit.”

“Mr. President, my amendment would increase funding for the Rural Healthcare Provider Fund to $50 billion and expand the list of eligible providers to include not only rural hospitals but also community health centers, nursing homes, ambulance services, skilled nursing facilities, and others.”

“Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague, the senior Senator from Illinois and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Durbin, to introduce the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025.”

“Mr. President. I wish to recognize George Castro on his retirement after more than 40 years working for Congress, including nearly 22 years serving as a staff member on the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act with my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Shaheen. I want to thank Senator Shaheen for her partnership on so many issues affecting individuals with diabetes.”

“Mr. President, I am pleased to join today with my friend and colleague from Virginia Senator Kaine to introduce the Religious Workforce Protection Act. Our bill would allow foreign-born religious workers in the United States to continue to perform essential work in their communities all across the Nation, including the State of Maine.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague from Virginia, Senator Kaine, to overturn the emergency declaration for the northern border that is being used to impose tariffs on goods imported from Canada.”

“I want to thank the Senator from Alaska, who is an extraordinarily talented leader on the Appropriations Committee, for her comments. Mr. President, I rise to urge passage of this funding measure to prevent an unnecessary, harmful, and costly government shutdown at midnight tonight.”

“Mr. President, before I begin my formal remarks, let me thank my neighbor from New Hampshire for organizing this bipartisan display of support for Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, without justification, without provocation, Russia launched a full-scale, brutal invasion of its democratic neighbor Ukraine with missiles, air assaults, and army divisions.”

“Mr. President, the spirit of volunteerism is one of Maine's greatest strengths. For the past 30 years, that spirit has been nurtured and enhanced by Volunteer Maine Executive Director Maryalice Crofton, and I join people throughout our State in honoring Maryalice for her outstanding leadership and in wishing her all the best in her retirement.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation with my colleague from Wisconsin, Senator Baldwin, to reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Every day, an estimated 53 million family caregivers attend to loved ones across all age groups, disabilities, and chronic conditions.”