Susan Collins

“I do not believe that the top rate should be lowered for individuals who are making more than $1 million a year. I don't think there's any need to eliminate the estate tax.”

“It is incumbent upon us to respond to the unique needs of military women and ensure they receive proper care during the first year following childbirth.”

“We need to heal this country.”

“Soaring prescription drug costs have placed a tremendous strain on family budgets. They have also imposed a heavy burden on employers - both public and private - who are struggling to provide affordable health insurance coverage to their workers.”

“What Americans want is more affordable health care.”

“John McCain felt very strongly about virtually every issue that he tackled, but it was never based in partisanship. He didn't try to score partisan points as he worked on issues. He would work with anyone who wanted to accomplish the goal that he shared.”

“I don't think that any campaign is ennobled by people trading insults.”

“Our society needs to become less fragmented and more open to alternative viewpoints.”

“It is reckless for a presidential candidate to publicly raise doubts about honoring treaty commitments with our allies.”

“Taking the time to read to children is not only a worthwhile investment but also a wonderful experience. I have visited 119 schools in Maine, and these visits are among the most rewarding experiences in my career in public service.”

“I revere the history of my party, most particularly the value it has always placed on the worth and dignity of the individual, and I will continue to work across the country for Republican candidates.”

“I have, year after year, been named the most bipartisan member of the whole United States Senate. I have proved my independence.”

“We can lift standards of living for working families in this country. We can help small businesses create jobs. And we can have a beneficial impact on the economy as a whole if we do tax reform right.”

“We can never fully repay the debt of our proud nation to those who have laid down their lives for our country. The best we can do is honor their memory, ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain, and help provide for their families.”

“On the Medicare/paygo spending cuts, I strongly oppose that and have asked what is the plan to avert that. Senator McConnell assured me that will not be allowed to happen.”

“I think judges have to have the ability to put aside their personal views and rule on the facts of the case with fidelity to the law and the Constitution.”

“I'm pleased the administration is endorsing the need for legislation dealing with the chemical sector. In the past, the administration's position has been ambiguous.”

“Well, first let me say that I think health care reform is important. It has to be a priority. And our system is broken. The Finance Committee bill is the best effort yet, due in large measure to the efforts of my colleague, Olympia Snowe, but it's not there yet. It falls short.”

“I've learned to never rule anything in or out.”

“What we've been hearing over and over again is that the reason Republicans are opposed to the surtax is because of the concern of its impact on job creation. Well, if you carve out employers, you take away that argument.”