U.S. Senator Susan Collins

08/01/2026

It was a privilege to join thousands of shipbuilders, Navy leaders and personnel, local residents, and supporters at Bath Iron Works today for the christening of the future USS William Charette (DDG-130).

This Bath-built ship is named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William Charette. During the Korean War, Charette shielded a wounded Marine from an enemy gr***de with his own body. Despite suffering facial wounds and shock from the blast, he improvised bandages from his clothing and continued treating wounded Marines under enemy fire. His actions were directly responsible for saving many lives. Through this ship, his courage, humility, and devotion to others will continue to inspire generations of sailors.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers form the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet, and the men and women of Bath Iron Works make “Bath Built is Best Built” not just a slogan, but a way of life. Since 2020, I have been proud to secure more than $10.9 billion in Navy contract obligations related to DDG-51 destroyers and more than $1.2 billion for shipyard infrastructure improvements, wage enhancements, and workforce initiatives, including investments at BIW.

I wish the future USS William Charette fair winds and following seas. May God always speed her safely home.

07/30/2026

Today, the Senate HELP Committee voted to advance bipartisan legislation I introduced with Senators Tim Kaine and Lisa Murkowski to prevent the Department of Education from transferring critical offices responsible for special education and rehabilitative services, postsecondary education, elementary and secondary education, and Indian education to other federal agencies that lack the staff and expertise needed to execute their missions.

One of the offices protected by our bill manages programs established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA, that help meet the educational needs of more than 8 million children with disabilities. Moving this work to the Department of Health and Human Services fundamentally misunderstands the purpose of the Special Education program. It is focused primarily on students’ educational needs, not their health care needs.

Every American, regardless of background or disability, deserves access to a quality public education. These important landmark programs must remain at the Department of Education, where Congress specifically placed them and where they belong.

07/29/2026

Yesterday, world leaders, loved ones, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the extraordinary life of Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a skilled legislator, a strong leader, and undoubtedly a player on the world stage. For me, Lindsey was also a dear friend. His unsurpassed sense of humor, self-deprecating wit, and storytelling ability made serving with him a delight. I will miss Lindsey greatly.

07/28/2026

It is welcome news that following our recent outreach, the State Department has committed to contributing the full $600 million for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. I have worked to ensure that the Department uses this funding Congress appropriated to replenish U.S. funding to GAVI, an organization that plays a critical role in averting the spread of preventable diseases globally and stopping outbreaks before they reach U.S. borders.

The health secretary had blocked the funding, accusing the group to which Congress had directed it of using outdated and dangerous vaccines.

07/28/2026

A long-standing tradition in my Washington, D.C., office is welcoming interns to the Senate Dining Room for breakfast. It was wonderful to continue that tradition this morning with my newest class of interns. I so enjoyed speaking with these bright young men and women and hearing about their experiences serving the people of Maine.

Clockwise from top left: Sophia Tamulevich (Senate Page), Tom Dohoney, Kate Leland, Hanna Raymond, and Andre Brozman.

07/25/2026

Since 1934, Casco Days has brought Mainers from the Lakes Region together to raise money for local causes, and I am grateful to the many volunteers whose time and dedication make this celebration possible year after year.

It was a pleasure to take part in the Grand Parade today and see Casco filled with families, friends, and neighbors enjoying this cherished summer tradition.

07/23/2026

I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded $20 million to Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub. One of 31 Tech Hubs designated nationwide, the initiative brings together businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and other regional partners to advance technological innovation, grow our regional economy, and create jobs.

Led by the University of Maine in partnership with the Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Department of Labor, the Maine National Guard, industry leaders, and economic-development organizations, Maine's Tech Hub will work to develop and commercialize innovative uses for forest byproducts. These efforts could help Maine make better use of its natural resources, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support the future of our forest products industry.

This funding comes after the Department of Commerce withdrew the Maine Tech Hub’s original award last year and required project leaders to revise and resubmit their application. My staff and I then worked closely with the University of Maine and other project partners to adjust and clarify the application to help secure its approval by the Department.

I look forward to seeing the Tech Hub pursue groundbreaking technologies, including wood-derived alternative aviation fuels, advanced composites for construction, and safer packaging materials. The project will also support advanced manufacturing training and apprenticeships, helping prepare Maine workers for good jobs in these emerging industries.

07/22/2026

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 40 percent of people with diabetes have rationed or skipped insulin doses due to the cost. No one should be forced to go without the treatment they need to survive.

Today, the landmark INSULIN Act that I authored with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, and Senator John Kennedy advanced out of the Senate HELP Committee by a strong bipartisan vote of 17–5, marking a critical step toward getting this legislation signed into law.

By capping monthly out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 for those with private insurance, creating a pilot program to make insulin available at the same cost to uninsured Americans, and addressing the perverse market incentives that drive up insulin prices, our bill would deliver real relief to the thousands of diabetes patients who have struggled for far too long to afford the medication they depend on.

07/21/2026

The United States military is one of the greatest meritocracies in the free world; we need to make sure that it stays that way.

Today, I pressed Secretary Hegseth on the alarming number of senior generals and admirals who were removed from their positions or blocked from promotions. More than half of these service members were female or black. For the first time in more than a decade, no active-duty female naval officers are likely to be promoted to admiral.

Reports that women and people of color are disproportionately fired or sidelined create the impression that their service is not valued. This will discourage well-qualified women and people of color from joining our Armed Forces, depriving us of their talent, dedication, and patriotism.

07/18/2026

For nearly eight decades, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival has brought people together from across The County to celebrate our proud agricultural heritage. As a native of Aroostook County, where my first job was picking potatoes for a local farmer, this festival has always felt like a celebration of home.

It was a joy to walk in the annual Potato Blossom Parade today in Fort Fairfield, see so many familiar faces, and feel the community spirit that makes this event one of the highlights of a County summer.