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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.
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.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 190
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