You’ve probably heard the rumors. Or maybe you're just keeping an eye on the tally.
Honestly, tracking a senator's every move feels like a full-time job. Especially when it’s Susan Collins. The Maine Republican is known for a lot of things, but in the halls of D.C., she’s the one with the "perfect streak."
If you came here asking how did Susan Collins vote today, you need to know that today—Saturday, January 17, 2026—the U.S. Senate is not in session for formal roll-call votes. Most senators have headed back to their home states or are traveling on official business.
But don't click away just yet. The last 72 hours have been absolutely wild in Washington, and Collins was right in the center of the storm.
The Record-Breaking Streak and the Latest Tallies
Susan Collins basically doesn't miss. Since 1997, she has cast 9,853 consecutive roll-call votes. She hasn't missed a single one. That is a level of attendance that would make a straight-A student look like a slacker.
Just this past Thursday, January 15, she cast several massive votes that are going to affect everything from your local police department to the water coming out of your kitchen sink. As the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she isn't just a "yes" or "no" on the board; she’s the one holding the checkbook.
The Big Friday and Thursday Votes
While the Senate is quiet today, the votes cast earlier this week were pivotal. Collins led the charge on a three-bill funding package for Fiscal Year 2026. This wasn't some minor procedural thing. It was a bipartisan behemoth that passed 82-15.
She voted YES on:
- Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations: This bill funnels billions into the DOJ and NASA. Collins specifically made sure it included money for the "fentanyl crisis" and "scientific research" to stay ahead of global competitors.
- Interior and Environment Funding: If you live in Maine, this was the big one. She secured over $59 million just for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the state.
- Energy and Water Development: This covers everything from grid security to local pond restoration.
Basically, if it involves money and bipartisan handshakes, Collins is usually the architect.
The Venezuela Controversy: Where She Broke Ranks
Now, here is where things get spicy. A few days ago, on Wednesday, January 14, the Senate took up S.J.Res. 98. This was a joint resolution aimed at pulling U.S. forces out of hostilities in Venezuela.
If you've been following the news, you know about the U.S. raid that captured Nicolás Maduro. It’s been a flashpoint for everyone in D.C.
On this specific vote (Vote Number 9), Susan Collins voted NAY.
She sided with the majority to kill the resolution. Why? Because she supports the military action that led to Maduro’s capture. She’s gone on record saying he should "stand trial on American soil." While some of her colleagues are worried about "forever wars," Collins is leaning into the "national security" argument.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Voting Logic
People often call her a "moderate," but that's a bit of a lazy label. It's more about "Maine first."
She’s currently facing heat from both sides. Some Republicans think she’s too cozy with Democrats on spending. Some Democrats—and her 2026 challengers like Governor Janet Mills—say she doesn't stand up to the current administration enough.
But if you look at how she voted this week, it's all about the "Appropriations" power. She’s using her seat to bring home the bacon. We’re talking $6.2 million for a high-performance computing hub in Maine and $14.5 million for law enforcement.
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Recent High-Profile Decisions (Early 2026)
- Cabinet Confirmations: She’s been a "yes" on most, including RFK Jr. for Health Secretary.
- The Defense Break: She famously broke ranks to oppose Pete Hegseth for Defense.
- The Greenland "Annexation" Drama: While not a formal vote yet, she’s been vocal alongside Lisa Murkowski against the idea of "buying" Greenland.
Where the Senate Goes From Here
So, since there was no roll-call vote today, what is she doing?
Actually, a lot of the action is happening off the floor. A bipartisan delegation, including senators like Chris Coons and Jeanne Shaheen, is currently in Copenhagen trying to smooth things over with NATO allies. While Collins isn't on every flight, her committee is the one that will have to decide if any funds can actually be used for these international "projects."
Actionable Steps for Tracking Votes
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and not just wait for the news to break, you've got to go to the source.
- Check the Senate Roll Call: Go to Senate.gov and look for the "Active Floor Activity" section. It updates in real-time when the bells ring for a vote.
- Follow the Appropriations Committee: Since Collins chairs this, their "Newsroom" page often posts the results of a vote before the main Senate site does.
- Look for "Cloture" Votes: These happen before the final vote. If Collins votes "Yea" on cloture, she’s almost certainly voting "Yea" on the final bill.
The next time the Senate convenes for a major vote will likely be Monday or Tuesday. Expect more drama around the remaining four appropriations bills that Collins wants signed into law before the month ends. She’s on a mission to avoid a government shutdown, and her voting record is the clearest map of how she plans to do it.
To keep tabs on her specific impact in Maine, you can monitor the "Congressionally Directed Spending" lists. These are essentially the "earmarks" she’s secured in the bills she just voted for this week. If a project in your town is on that list, her "Yes" vote just made it a reality.
Fact Check: All vote tallies (82-15 on the funding package) and consecutive vote counts (9,853) are based on official Senate records as of January 2026.