Senator Collins Casts 7,000th Consecutive Vote
Click HERE to watch a video of Senator Collins’ colleagues congratulating her. Click HERE to download.
Click HERE to watch Senator Mitch McConnell congratulating Senator Collins. Click HERE to download
Click HERE to watch Senator Angus King congratulating Senator Collins. Click HERE to download.
Click HERE to watch Senator Collins thanking her colleagues on the Senate floor. Click HERE to download.
Washington, D.C.—Senator Collins cast her 7,000th consecutive roll call vote today – the third Senator in U.S. history to reach this milestone. She also holds the record for consecutive votes cast by Senators who have never missed a roll call vote.
“Maine people have a very strong work ethic, and it is a great honor to represent them in the U.S. Senate. I’ve always felt that by showing up for every vote, I’m bringing Maine values to Washington and ensuring Mainers’ voices are heard. I think it is important to demonstrate to my constituents that I care deeply about doing a good job for them,” said Senator Collins. “My voting streak was inspired by the legendary Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who did not miss a vote for 13 years until surgery forced her to do so.”
In recognition of Senator Collins’ accomplishment, a bipartisan group of 12 Senators sent video messages congratulating her:
“At any given time, a few senators stand out from the rest — and Susan Collins has earned that standing. The job of a U.S. senator is not to win a ‘Mr. or Ms. Congeniality’ contest. It is to provide a check and balance on popular passions and on the excesses of the executive branch as well as to work across the aisle to provide solutions to big problems that most Americans will accept and that, therefore, will last a long time. Susan has done both, casting 7,000 consecutive roll call votes — a milestone only reached by two other senators in the Senate’s history — with independence, diligence and honesty,” said Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
“Congratulations to my friend Susan Collins on her 7,000th consecutive vote in the United States Senate. That’s quite an accomplishment. I read a headline once that said ‘Her Rein in Maine is Easy to Explain.’ You’re talking about a Senator who has not missed a vote, but yet is home just about every weekend, travels the state extensively, and knows what’s in the hearts and on the minds of the people of her home State of Maine. Susan, congratulations,” said Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).
“Susan, congratulations on an incredible record here in the United States Senate. I know it’s 7,000 votes, but more importantly to me is what you have meant in the United States Senate: working across party lines, working on issues, getting things done. I’m proud to serve with you in the United States Senate,” said Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).
“Susan, congratulations! Seven thousand consecutive votes--what an achievement. Congratulations, and of course, I love working with you,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
“I want to congratulate you, Susan Collins, on being just the third U.S. Senator in the history of our country to cast 7,000 consecutive roll-call votes over 23 years. That is a remarkable record of commitment to representing the State of Maine here in the United States Senate,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).
“I wanted to take just a moment and congratulate my dear friend Susan Collins of Maine for taking her 7,000th vote in the United States Senate. Susan you are a great leader, and thanks for representing your people so well. God bless you,” said Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).
“I was here when Susan Collins was recognized for her 6,000th consecutive vote. Now it’s 7,000, and given the hectic pace around here—flights canceled to Maine, winter weather, and all of those things—the fact that she has been able to maintain this record is nothing short of remarkable. That’s commitment to voting on the floor of the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Angus King (I-ME).
“Susan, congratulations on your 7,000th vote. You are in an elite group of Senators who have ever accomplished this, but to anybody that knows you, this is not a surprise whatsoever. Your dedication, commitment, and hard-work is something to be admired, and my friendship with you is unconditional,” said Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).
“Congratulations to my friend Susan Collins. Seven thousand consecutive votes; I cannot even imagine it, but if there’s anybody that can do it, it’s you Susan. You’re the best,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
“Seven thousand votes in a row. Just another example of your incredible dedication and commitment to the people of Maine and to your state. I join your feisty dog Pepper and your very proud husband Tom and all Mainers in congratulating you on this milestone. We are proud to have you as a colleague,” said Senator Rob Portman (R-OH).
“Susan, 7,000 votes—that’s extraordinary! What dedication, what courage,” said Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT).
“Congratulations, Susan, on your 7,000th vote in the Senate. It speaks to the fortitude and the never-give-up mentality of you Mainers. I have been so pleased to work with you to protect the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and to join you as vice-chair of the Diabetes Caucus. So again, all of the Senate joins you in celebrating your 7,000th vote. What a milestone,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
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Former Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are the only Senators who have vote streaks longer than 7,000. Senator Proxmire, who was first elected in 1957, cast 10,252 uninterrupted voted between 1966 and 1988. Senator Grassley has not missed a vote since 1993, when he was in Iowa touring severe flood damage in his home state with President Bill Clinton.
