Sen. Susan Collins’ Controversial Role in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Maine Senator Susan Collins has found herself at the center of a political storm after appearing to claim responsibility for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which threatens to remove 40,000 Mainers from Medicaid coverage.
Despite her public stance as one of the trio of Senate Republicans who opposed OBBB, Collins significantly influenced the legislation’s journey to becoming law.
During an October 6 radio interview, Collins attempted to explain her opposition to a Democrat-backed government funding bill. However, she inadvertently grouped herself with the Republicans who supported OBBB and highlighted a critical provision she authored.
“I do want to bring up one other irony, and that is that the Democrats are proposing in their version of the continuing resolution to repeal a $50 billion fund to help rural hospitals,” Collins remarked. “And this was something that is near and dear to my heart, because I came up with the concept and authored this fund, which was included in the bill that we passed earlier this year.”
This comment has sparked controversy as it contrasts with the Democrats’ ongoing efforts to prevent a government shutdown while aiming to reverse OBBB’s Medicaid cuts and extend Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies—measures that Collins has professed to support.
The rural hospital fund, authored by Collins, was intended to compensate for revenue losses due to Medicaid reductions. However, reversing these cuts would negate the necessity for such a fund.
Although Collins voted against OBBB on the Senate floor, her prior vote in favor of advancing the bill through the Appropriations Committee was crucial in its progression. Rolling Stone highlighted that this vote closely followed a $2 million donation to her PAC from New York billionaire Stephen A. Schwarzman.
Public sentiment towards OBBB is predominantly negative, with a KFF tracking poll showing 64% of adults disapproving. Additionally, 85% of Mainers on Obamacare may face increased health care premiums if the subsidies are not maintained.
As Collins prepares for her potential sixth term next year, she faces competition from several Democratic challengers, including Maine Gov. Janet Mills, oysterman Graham Platner, and activist Jordan Wood.
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