Senator Collins Participates in Harvard University Institute of Politics' John F. Kennedy Forum

Press Release

At the invitation of Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in the Harvard University Institute of Politics' John F. Kennedy Forum this evening.

During the forum, Senator Collins engaged in a conversational one-on-one interview with the moderator, Dr. Douglas Elmendorf, Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and took questions from the student audience. The wide-ranging discussion touched on a number of issues, including increasing partisanship in Congress and the need to restore civility and collaboration.

"[Senator Collins] improves the lives of her constituents and her fellow American citizens by working with colleagues of diverse political persuasions. It's a commitment that has sparked praise throughout her career," said President Faust upon introducing Senator Collins at the Forum. "Please join me in welcoming to Harvard a public servant who embodies in word and deed the aspiration for government infused with civility, open to knowledge, and guided by wisdom."

During the Forum, Senator Collins spoke about her views on the current political climate and how the parties have evolved over time. Senator Collins characterized partisanship as a pendulum, expressing optimism that the parties will move back to the political center. She offered a few ideas on ways to accelerate this process.

"Our country is becoming more and more polarized, and Congress reflects that polarization," said Senator Collins. "I would say to all of the young people who are here tonight that it's incumbent upon you to help us rebuild that sense of community that has been a traditional American value since the founding of our country."

"I believe that bringing people together makes a big difference," Senator Collins continued. "The women of the Senate get together about once a month for dinner. One reason the women of the Senate work together in a more collaborative way is because we have gotten to know each other through these dinners. I reject totally the concept that all the women Senators think alike or that we agree on the issues. But these dinners have allowed us to have a comfort zone to share experiences and collaborate on issues to find common ground."

Senator Collins also suggested that Congress and the next president overcome the current partisan climate by identifying issues that have bipartisan support and are important to the American people. One example she cited is working to promote biomedical research.

"Biomedical research matters to every American family, for virtually every family has been affected by Alzheimer's disease, our most costly disease, diabetes or cancer," said Senator Collins. "If our leaders would work together and commit to a multi-year increase for NIH funding, and propose ways to expedite new treatments and drugs through the FDA, that would make a real difference."

As the founder and Co-Chairman of the Senate Diabetes Caucus and the Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's, Senator Collins has led bipartisan efforts in Congress to boost funding for the National Institutes of Health. Prior to tonight's event, Senator Collins toured Harvard's Sherman Fairchild Building and Engineering Science Lab to learn more about the cutting-edge biomedical research being conducted at the university.

"Especially to those of us who have devoted our lives to higher education, Senator Collins is a stalwart champion of the long and productive partnership between the federal government and research universities," said President Faust. "She believes in the power of science and the promise of human ingenuity, and she supports efforts to advance humanity's understanding of diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes…We are all so fortunate to have a person of such ability and insight advocating for research in our nation's capital."

The John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics is Harvard's premier arena for political speech, discussion and debate. The forum regularly hosts heads of state, leaders in politics, government, business, labor and the media. A living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Institute's mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policy makers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics.

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