Sen. Susan Collins deserves credit, not criticism, for her principled stand against the so-called “big, beautiful bill” and efforts to claw back already approved federal funding. As chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, she’s doing yeoman’s work balancing the need to rein in wasteful spending while protecting critical programs that benefit Maine communities.

The partisan campaign against her is already ramping up and the theme is obvious. Recent letters accuse her of only voting “no” when a bill is sure to pass. That’s unfair and disingenuous. We can’t urge someone to do the right thing and then attack them for doing it. Sen. Collins has consistently put Maine first, even when it means standing up to her own party.

In a time of deep partisanship, we should appreciate leaders who act with integrity and independence. The criticism aimed at her is more about politics than policy. Maine is fortunate to have her voice in Washington, D.C.

Eric Handley
Sidney