# Susan Collins

> United States Senator from Maine since 1997

**Wikidata**: [Q22279](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22279)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Collins)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/susan-collins

## Summary
Susan Collins is an American politician who has served as a United States Senator from Maine since 1997. She is known for her moderate stance within the Republican Party and her role in key legislative decisions, including the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act through the Respect for Marriage Act.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 7, 1952
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: St. Lawrence University (liberal arts)
- **Known for**: Serving as a U.S. Senator from Maine since 1997
- **Employer(s)**: United States Senate
- **Field(s)**: Politics, public service

## Contributions
Susan Collins has been instrumental in several legislative efforts, including:
- **Respect for Marriage Act**: Co-sponsored and supported the act that repealed the Defense of Marriage Act, ensuring federal recognition of same-sex marriages.
- **Bipartisan Leadership**: Known for her ability to work across party lines, contributing to key Senate negotiations and compromises.
- **Maine Representation**: Advocated for policies benefiting Maine, including healthcare, education, and economic development initiatives.

## FAQs
**What is Susan Collins's political affiliation?**
Susan Collins is a member of the Republican Party but is often recognized for her moderate views and willingness to collaborate with Democrats on key issues.

**Where did Susan Collins attend college?**
She graduated from St. Lawrence University, a liberal arts college in New York.

**What major legislation has Susan Collins supported?**
One of her notable contributions was supporting the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and ensured federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

**What awards or recognitions has Susan Collins received?**
She has been inducted into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame and was listed among the BBC 100 Women, an international award recognizing influential women.

## Why They Matter
Susan Collins has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. policy through her bipartisan approach and moderate stance within the Republican Party. Her work on the Respect for Marriage Act highlights her commitment to civil rights and equality. As a long-serving senator from Maine, she has been a key voice in representing the interests of her state while contributing to national legislative efforts.

## Notable For
- Serving as a U.S. Senator from Maine since 1997.
- Co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act.
- Being recognized in the Maine Women's Hall of Fame.
- Featured in the BBC 100 Women list.
- Known for her bipartisan approach and moderate political views.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Susan Margaret Collins was born on December 7, 1952. She attended St. Lawrence University, a liberal arts college in Canton, New York, where she earned her degree.

### Political Career
Collins began her political career in the United States Senate, where she has served as a Senator from Maine since 1997. She is a member of the Republican Party but is often noted for her moderate views and willingness to work across party lines.

### Legislative Contributions
One of Collins's most significant legislative contributions was her support for the Respect for Marriage Act. This act repealed the Defense of Marriage Act, ensuring federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Her bipartisan approach has been crucial in several key Senate negotiations and compromises.

### Awards and Recognitions
Collins has received several accolades for her work, including induction into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame. She was also featured in the BBC 100 Women list, which recognizes influential women from around the world.

### Influence and Legacy
Susan Collins's influence extends beyond her legislative achievements. She is known for her ability to bridge political divides and her commitment to representing the interests of Maine. Her moderate stance and bipartisan efforts have made her a notable figure in American politics.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
3. [Source](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C001035)
4. GitHub
5. [Source](https://www.uma.edu/about/community/mwhof/)
6. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-4f79d09b-655a-42f8-82b4-9b2ecebab611)
7. SNAC
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Quora
11. YouTube API
12. The Movie Database