Susan M. Collins is a Republican Senator from the state of Maine, born on December 7, 1952, in Caribou, Aroostook County. She graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1975 and has had a long and varied career in public service and politics. Collins began her political journey working for U.S. Senator William S. Cohen from 1975 to 1987, where she notably served as the staff director of the Senate Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on the Oversight of Government Management.

Following her work with Senator Cohen, Collins took on several significant positions. She was the commissioner of the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (1987-1992) and then became the New England regional director of the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1992. From 1993 to 1994, she served as the deputy state treasurer of Massachusetts. In 1994, she made history as the first woman nominated for governor of Maine but lost the general election. Collins was elected to the United States Senate in 1996, and has been re-elected multiple times, with her current term set to end in 2027.

In her Senate role, Collins has contributed to various legislative initiatives and is known for her moderate stance on many issues. She has served on several important committees, including Senate Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Intelligence (Select) Committee. Collins has participated in critical discussions surrounding government spending, healthcare reform, and national security, among others.

Throughout her Senate career, she has been involved in sponsoring and co-sponsoring several notable bills. Among these, she co-sponsored the Secure Auction For Energy Reserves Act of 2023 (S.11) which focuses on regulating the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by ensuring auction restrictions aligned with U.S. foreign policy regarding religious freedom. Additionally, she has been a co-sponsor of the Jobs in the Woods Act (S.1336), aiming to boost workforce development within the forestry sector.

Collins also co-sponsored the America's First Fuels Act (S.1345), which seeks to enhance domestic fuel production, and has shown support for the Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act (S.139), focusing on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Collins's legislative focus demonstrates her commitment to issues relevant to Maine and the broader national context, particularly in areas affecting public health, energy security, and educational advancement. She has maintained a position that often emphasizes bipartisanship and practical solutions over partisanship.

Regarding her political leanings, Collins is often described as a moderate Republican, favoring a collaborative approach to governance. Her support for bills such as the Equal Rights Amendment and healthcare expansion reflects a willingness to cross party lines on social issues, while her legislative focus on energy regulation and workforce development indicates a firm commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

In her personal life, Collins is known to value her connections to Maine, where she has been an active member of the community. She has no children, but has expressed a strong interest in issues affecting families and children, particularly in the context of healthcare and education. Her career showcases a blend of public service and dedication to the values she holds for her constituents and the nation as a whole.