Track Record
Maine Jobs and Workforce Development
Susan is a steadfast champion for Maine’s working families and job creators. She has consistently fought to expand access to workforce training and skills development so Mainers can secure good-paying jobs. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Susan has secured millions of dollars in federal investments for workforce development and training programs. She was the author of the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program that provided forgivable loans to small businesses during the pandemic, saving and protecting more than 250,000 jobs in Maine.
Health Care
One of Susan’s priorities is making health care more affordable and accessible for families, seniors, and people who live in rural Maine. She has led efforts to expand access to care including legislation to make key telehealth flexibilities permanent through Medicare so patients can connect with providers from home, reducing barriers for patients and providers. As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease and founder of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has increased funding for diabetes research more than sevenfold and strengthened support for caregivers. Last Congress, 33% of all health care bills signed into law were authored or coauthored by Susan Collins. These laws combat some of the largest public health challenges of our time by enhancing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism, and substance abuse issues.
Alzheimer’s
Susan has been a long-time champion for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is one of our nation’s costliest diseases – more than heart disease or all cancers combined – and has had such a devastating personal and economic toll on the nearly six million Americans and their families living with the disease.
As co-chair of the Senate Alzheimer’s Task Force, Senator Collins has worked to dramatically increase federal investment in Alzheimer’s disease research. She secured a $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at NIH in Fiscal Year 2026, bringing total investment to $3.9 billion this year.
As co-chair of the Senate Alzheimer’s Task Force, Senator Collins has worked to dramatically increase federal investment in Alzheimer’s disease research. She secured a $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at NIH in Fiscal Year 2026, bringing total investment to $3.9 billion this year.
Diabetes
Since Susan founded the Senate Diabetes Caucus in 1997, annual federal investment in diabetes research has increased more than sevenfold to $2.3 billion this year. Susan is a champion of the Special Diabetes Programs, which fund Type 1 diabetes research and Type 2 research for Native Americans who have a higher incidence of diabetes.
Social Security
As the author of the Social Security Fairness Act which was signed into law in 2025, Susan is the leader in the Senate for Social Security. Since the Social Security Fairness Act became law, benefits have increased for 2.8 million Americans. More than 25,000 Mainers have seen their earned benefits restored. In addition, Mainers received nearly $185 million in retroactive payments for last year.
Delivering for Maine
Susan is the first Maine Senator in nearly 100 years to be Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how federal dollars are spent each year, from national defense and infrastructure to medical research, education, and public safety. Susan’s position gives Maine an outsized voice at the table when critical decisions are made which allows her to deliver serious results for Maine.
From Aroostook to York County, these federal dollars are creating jobs, improving safety, expanding health care access, and strengthening communities across Maine. Every county benefits from Senator Collins' commitment to securing resources that address local priorities and support Maine's future. In just the past five years, Susan has successfully secured nearly $1.5 billion in congressionally directed spending (CDS) for communities across Maine, supporting 670 critical projects in all 16 counties, including:
From Aroostook to York County, these federal dollars are creating jobs, improving safety, expanding health care access, and strengthening communities across Maine. Every county benefits from Senator Collins' commitment to securing resources that address local priorities and support Maine's future. In just the past five years, Susan has successfully secured nearly $1.5 billion in congressionally directed spending (CDS) for communities across Maine, supporting 670 critical projects in all 16 counties, including:
Infrastructure & Public Safety
Funding for fire stations, police departments, emergency medical services, road improvements, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and public safety communications equipment.
Health Care & Social Services
Support for hospitals, health centers, mental health facilities, substance use disorder treatment, senior services, childcare centers, and housing assistance.
Education & Workforce Development
Investments in community colleges, universities, career and technical education, nursing programs, and specialized training facilities.
Economic Development
Support for business incubators, mill site redevelopment, working waterfronts, tourism infrastructure, and agricultural innovation.
Research & Innovation
Funding for marine research, PFAS testing, advanced manufacturing, aquaculture, and biomedical research facilities.
Congressionally Directed Spending 2021-2026
Every corner of Maine, from our smallest towns to our largest cities, has felt the impact of the $1.5 billion Senator Collins has secured since 2021. By prioritizing everything from community centers and public safety to groundbreaking research and hospital upgrades, these funds are the building blocks of a stronger state. Senator Collins continues to use her leadership to champion projects that create jobs, improve the daily lives of Mainers, and ensure our infrastructure and environment remain resilient.
| County | Funding Secured |
|---|---|
| Androscoggin | $105.9 million |
| Aroostook | $197.6 million |
| Cumberland | $107.7 million |
| Franklin | $34.7 million |
| Hancock | $96.4 million |
| Kennebec | $109.3 million |
| Knox | $33.9 million |
| Lincoln | $47.0 million |
| Oxford | $42.4 million |
| Penobscot | $328.9 million |
| Piscataquis | $50.4 million |
| Sagadahoc | $12.5 million |
| Somerset | $37.4 million |
| Waldo | $31.3 million |
| Washington | $115.2 million |
| York | $133.9 million |
| Total | $1.484 billion |