[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     SENATOR COLLINS' 10,000TH VOTE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, on a separate note, in January of 1997, 
a determined daughter of northern Maine cast her first vote in the U.S. 
Senate. It was a humble start, and it has grown into one of the most 
remarkable records in Senate history--an unbroken streak of 
conservative votes that continues to this very day.
  For nearly 30 years, nothing--and I mean nothing--has stopped Senator 
Susan Collins from coming to this floor and casting her vote on behalf 
of the good people of Maine. Senator Collins now stands on the 
threshold of a significant milestone: 10,000 consecutive votes in the 
U.S. Senate. She hasn't missed a single vote in her entire Senate 
career--not one. This is a remarkable accomplishment.
  Of course, if you ask Susan, she will tell you that it wasn't about 
chasing a record; it was about reflecting the values of Maine.
  Susan votes with confidence, with courage, and with conviction. This 
is her commitment to her constituents. She works as hard for them as 
they do for their families. Her dedication is incredible.
  As the Senate majority whip, it is my job to count the votes. No 
matter the topic, I can count on this: Susan will be here. She will 
vote with intelligence and integrity, and she will be doing it for the 
people of Maine.
  Congratulations to Susan Collins on this historic achievement.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 
5 minutes before the scheduled rollcall vote.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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