Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) became the first U.S. senator in history to cast 10,000 consecutive roll-call votes on June 4, 2026 [1].
The achievement marks an unprecedented record of perfect attendance in the Senate chamber. It highlights a level of legislative consistency that has not been matched by any other member of the body since its inception [1], [2].
Collins reached the milestone during proceedings in Washington, D.C., where the Senate chose to recognize her streak [1], [2]. The 10,000th vote [1] serves as a formal acknowledgment of her tenure and her commitment to being present for every single roll-call vote throughout her career [3].
Legislative records indicate that no other senator has ever reached this specific numerical threshold of consecutive votes [1], [2]. The streak reflects a career-long avoidance of missed votes, a rarity in a chamber where health issues, family emergencies, or political strategy often lead to absences [3].
Colleagues and observers said the event was rare during the celebration in the chamber. By maintaining a perfect record over thousands of votes, Collins has established a benchmark for attendance that may remain unbeaten for years to come [1], [2].
While the milestone is a matter of attendance, it underscores the senator's role as a constant presence in the legislative process. The Senate's decision to celebrate the event emphasizes the institutional value placed on the act of voting, and the physical presence of representatives during the democratic process [1], [3].
“The first U.S. senator ever to reach that milestone”
This milestone is more than a statistical curiosity; it reflects the discipline required to navigate the Senate's unpredictable schedule. In an era of increasing political volatility and frequent absences, a perfect attendance record of 10,000 votes signals a commitment to the traditional procedural norms of the chamber and ensures that the senator's influence is felt in every single legislative decision.
