Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins is joining astronauts, Olympians and activists on the BBC – British Broadcasting Corporation – 2024 list of 100 influential women.
Collins is being recognized for her work on bipartisan legislation, advocacy of women’s health and for co-sponsoring the National Alzheimer’s Project Act.
Collins is one of seven American women to make the list, which includes astronaut Sunita Williams, actress Sharon Stone and track and field runner Allyson Felix.
The BBC broke its list of 100 influential women into five categories – Climate Pioneers, Culture & Education, Entertainment & Sport, Politics & Advocacy and Science, Health & Tech.
Collins, quite naturally, fell under Politics & Advocacy.
The section on Collins noted she’s the longest-serving Republican woman in the US Senate.
The BBC credited Collins for frequently working across party lines to “deliver landmark legislation”. and added that she’s one of six senators responsible for introducing the Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, which will invest $275m in menopause research, treatment, and public awareness over the next five years.
In addition, the BBC praised Collins for authoring the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, which co-ordinates a plan to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. “She has worked to ensure funding for the project through to 2035, and that it takes into consideration wider underserved populations including individuals with Down’s syndrome,” said the portion of the 100 influential women list honoring Collins.
“It is an honor to be selected for this list and to stand alongside so many incredible women who have dedicated their lives to service and combatting the challenges facing women around the world,” said Collins in a statement.