Susan Collins

Throughout its history, the Aging Committee has spurred Congress to take action on issues important to older Americans through our hearings, investigations, and reports.

I am delighted that my good friend and colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, will serve as the Committee's Ranking Member.

I do not believe the HQT requirement effectively ensures that students do in fact have a highly effective teacher.

Before I begin my comments, let me commend the Presiding Officer on her excellent presentation last night. The Presiding Officer did an extraordinary job and made all of us very proud. Forty Hours is Full Time Act

It didn't make common sense when considering the impact on learning.

I worry about changing substitutes in that room, but I also worry about the 54 percent of our students that are on free and reduced lunch status.

This bill is not intended to repeal or replace the ACA nor would it eliminate the employer mandate.

In 2005, former Senator Olympia Snowe and I, in response to a lot of concerns about the law, put together an NCLB task force to evaluate the impact of the law in Maine.

Our task force concluded that States needed greater flexibility, and they recommended allowing States to measure student progress over grade spans.

The task force identified several unintended consequences of the law's requirement for annual tests.

I asked unanimous consent to proceed for up to 15 minutes as in morning business, and since my remarks do not pertain to the debate for the Keystone Pipeline, that the time not be charged to either side in that debate.

On January 6, 2015, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), introduced legislation, S. 30, the Forty Hours is Full Time Act of 2015.

I and the many other supporters of S. 2270 are pleased that this legislation has passed the Senate. It is critical that this legislation be enacted this year. We look forward to its enactment this year and working with regulators as they…

We also want to ensure that the Federal Reserve uses its authority to tailor capital rules for insurance operations of entities under its supervision, regardless of the size of the subsidiary insured depository institution. As we have…

Matt Olsen has told me that when the decision was made to exchange what have become known as the Taliban 5 for the release of Sergeant Bergdahl, that NCTC was not consulted in that decision.

One of the findings of the 9-11 Commission was that border security and immigration were not seen as national security concerns prior to the attacks on our Nation on 9-11-01.

I just want to be clear on this. So the normal process is for NCTC to be involved in putting together the package that is used by decisionmakers on how to classify the detainees; is that part correct?

I appreciate very much that the President chose to put a career expert in this vital position

There's no doubt that information-sharing is far superior to what it was prior to the passing of the law in 2004, and there's no doubt that the talented workforce here at NCTC has made a huge difference.

Again, I want to thank you for your willingness to serve in what is a 24-7 very demanding job, and I think we're very fortunate to have someone with your background and expertise.

It is fitting that the last hearing you and I will lead as Chair and Ranking Member examines once again the problem of scams targeting America's seniors, and how to stop them.

Our achievements as a Committee trace directly to the bipartisan tone you set, and the spirit of comity and cooperation that have prevailed as a result.

Chairman Nelson, before we get started, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the extraordinary leadership you have provided this Committee these past 2 years.

Indeed, we have held eight hearings on frauds and other scams targeting our seniors.

This incredibly important topic has rightfully been the focus of much of our hearings during the past two years.