Mainer: “Collins’ ultimate ‘No’ vote did not hinder the passage of the bill — giving her the political cover she almost always seeks”

Augusta, Maine – In case you missed it, Mainers continue to hammer Senator Susan Collins for her role in the passage of Republicans’ dangerous budget bill that will have devastating impacts on Maine. Mainers continue to highlight Collins’ “key” “pivotal vote” to advance the bill and her failure to use her power to stop it.

Here’s what they’re saying:

• Mainer John Epstein: “She helped facilitate the terrible legislation’s passage by voting ‘yes’ in late June on a procedural vote that allowed the legislation to go to the Senate floor for a full vote last week that enabled President Donald Trump to get his wish for a 4th of July signing. […] She allowed the train to leave the station.”

• Mainer Moreen Halmo: “We have learned that Sen. Susan Collins is out for herself and not for the dear people of the state of Maine. […] She was the deciding vote in sending the bill forward initially when she could have stopped it from advancing. Sen. Angus King spoke against advancing this cruel bill. Read the July 6 front-page reporting about children dependent upon SNAP and other nutrition programs who will go without food because of the bill’s passage. […] When it comes to 2026, vote Sen. Collins out.”

• Mainer Robert Foster: “Once again, Sen. Susan Collins managed to betray her constituents […] Collins could have voted against sending the bill to the Senate floor. This would have incurred the ire of the White House. Sen. Collins’ ultimate “No” vote did not hinder the passage of the bill — giving her the political cover she almost always seeks, rather than taking principled, courageous stands on issues affecting her constituents.”

• Mainer Matthew Ewy: “We’re past the point where the occasional “no” vote is enough. We need leaders who not only vote against cruelty but work every day to stop it from reaching the floor. This moment demands more than quiet disapproval. It demands conviction.”

See more: What Mainers are Watching and Reading: Maine Dems Call Out Collins for Her Role in Advancing GOP Budget Bill; ICYMI: Maine Democrats Call Out Susan Collins for Her Role in Advancing Disastrous GOP Budget Bill in Bangor; What Mainers Are Saying: “Collins Bears Full Responsibility,” “Let the Citizens of Maine… Down Big Time” with Passage of GOP Budget Bill; ICYMI: Susan Collins “May Not be Able to Avoid the Blame” for GOP Budget Bill Despite Apparently “Orchestrated” Vote [Portland Press Herald]; ICYMI: Despite Collins’ Final Vote on Reconciliation, “Republicans Pass it Anyway,” After She Made “Key,” “Pivotal Vote” to Advance Bill in First Place; STATEMENT: COLLINS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ENABLING BILL THAT WILL GUT MAINECARE AND CRITICAL LIFE-SAVING SERVICES MAINERS RELY ON