[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7445-S7446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Senator Susan Collins' 8,000th Vote

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I rise today to recognize a great 
milestone in this Chamber. Our colleague Susan Collins will in a few 
moments cast her 8,000th vote.

[[Page S7446]]

  I join in extending a warm congratulations to Senator Collins on this 
terrific achievement and thank her for her many years of public service 
to her State and country.
  And, in deference to this nice occasion, I would ask we all stay in 
the Chamber and vote quickly so we can leave. I know that is a passion 
for Senator Collins.
  Seriously, we should all try to stay in the Chamber and get this done 
fast.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, January 22, 1997, Senator Collins 
cast her first rollcall vote for Madeleine Albright to be Secretary of 
State. From that moment on, she has not missed one single, solitary 
vote; zero sick days, zero scheduling conflicts. Whether we were voting 
on war or peace, historic legislation, or the most routine and 
uncontroversial bills and nominations, the Senator has made sure that 
Maine got its say every single time.
  So here is some perspective. The longest consecutive games streak in 
Major League Baseball famously belonged to Cal Ripken, Jr. Well, our 
colleague from Caribou has lapped him three times and counting. And, by 
the way, the Iron Horse didn't have to plan around weekly air travel in 
and out of New England, all winter, every winter.
  Anybody who knows Senator Collins knows this moment is not really 
about a round number; it is about the approach which the number happens 
to reflect. Our colleague is diligent. She is devoted. Her level of 
preparation is unparalleled. She holds herself to the highest 
standards, and she delivers.
  It is in her blood. Both of our colleague's parents served separate 
terms as mayor of Caribou. But the Senator also draws inspiration from 
outside the gene pool. She rightly idolizes her predecessor from Maine, 
the legendary Margaret Chase Smith, but even Senator Smith's own 
impressive voting streak topped out just shy of 3,000.
  I am just sorry that today's milestone moment couldn't present our 
colleague with a challenge worthy of her skills. Lucky number 8,000 
didn't even require a sprained ankle or a hasty exit from a departing 
airplane.
  So congratulations to our colleague on this moment and all that it 
represents.
  Ms. COLLINS. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
  (Applause, Senators rising.)
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican whip.
  Mr. THUNE. Madam President, in just a few minutes, we are going to 
take another vote here in the U.S. Senate. It is just an ordinary vote 
for most of us, unless you are Susan Collins because this next vote we 
are going to take in the Senate will be Susan Collins' 8,000th 
consecutive vote. That is right. The leader described it, she is the 
Cal Ripken of the U.S. Senate. He played 2,632 consecutive games, and 
Susan Collins has been showing up every day for work and bringing her A 
game, literally, since January of 1997.
  It is an extraordinary number. But what it represents is what really 
matters, and that is Susan's work ethic, her tenacity, and her 
unshakable commitment to the people of Maine. If there is one thing 
that the people of Maine can depend on, it is that Susan Collins will 
be there to represent them, not just on the big days or for the big 
votes but every day on every single vote.
  I am also proud to stand up today and to recognize Susan.
  Susan, congratulations on this incredible milestone. You truly are 
the workhorse of the U.S. Senate. Here is to the next 8,000.
  (Applause.)
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority whip.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I would just say to Senator Collins: You 
are my colleague and my friend. If they write the history of this 
place, they might make a footnote that we had a book club--a little 
one--between us. We exchanged a lot of books over the years. I thank 
you for your friendship and kindness, all the way through, and 
congratulations on this milestone.

                          ____________________