Susan Collins

Rule Changes

Voted yes on May 13 war powers resolution and May 19 procedural advance

The House voted 215-208 on June 3 to order President Trump to end military operations in Iran, the first time either chamber passed such a measure on a final vote since the conflict began February 28. Four Republicans broke with their leadership: Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. The Senate advanced a parallel resolution 50-47 in May but has not scheduled a final vote.

Updated Jun 4

Rule Changes

First Republican senator to publicly oppose the fund

The Trump administration dropped its $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund on June 1, less than two weeks after creating it. Three forces killed it: a court freeze in Alexandria, a Senate Republican revolt that stalled the reconciliation bill, and a meeting between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump. No claims were ever paid.

Updated Jun 2

Rule Changes

Led bipartisan negotiations on science funding package

For 80 years, federal science funding enjoyed bipartisan protection. Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget proposed ending that consensus, calling for cuts of 57% to the National Science Foundation (NSF), 47% to NASA's science programs, and 40% to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Updated May 23

Rule Changes

Secured enactment of all remaining FY2026 bills except DHS CR

Congress hasn't completed all twelve annual spending bills on time since 1996. Fiscal Year 2026 saw a 43-day shutdown from October to November 2025, the longest in U.S. history, that furloughed 900,000 workers and cost $15 billion weekly.

Updated May 22

Money Moves

Secured 71-29 Senate passage of five-bill package; negotiating DHS reforms through February 13

The House passed H.R. 7148 on February 3 by a narrow 217-214 vote, ending a brief weekend partial shutdown and funding Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, Transportation-HUD, State, and Financial Services through September 30, 2026. DHS funding lapsed February 13 after talks over immigration enforcement reforms collapsed, triggering a second partial shutdown covering only DHS agencies: TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA.

Updated May 20

Rule Changes

Bipartisan Senate talks collapsed without deal

The House passed a three-year extension of ACA subsidies January 8, 2026, by 230-196, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats after a discharge petition bypassed Johnson's opposition. The subsidies had expired December 31, 2025, more than doubling premiums for 22 million Americans—92% of marketplace enrollees. A 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 now faces $22,600 more annually in premiums.

Updated May 19

Rule Changes

Co-sponsor of federal SALONS Stories Act

Maryland became the sixth state to require barbers and cosmetologists to complete domestic violence awareness training before renewing their licenses. The one-hour mandate took effect January 1, 2026, turning an estimated 50,000 beauty professionals into potential first responders for abuse victims who may reveal bruises on their necks during routine appointments. The movement reached Congress in February 2025 when bipartisan legislators introduced the SALONS Stories Act, which would provide federal funding incentives for states adopting similar requirements.

Updated May 19