Sen. Susan Collins passed an impressive milestone earlier this month.

She broke the late Maine Sen. Margaret Chase Smith’s record for consecutive roll- call votes. Collins has not missed a recorded vote in the Senate since she took office in January 1997.

On Nov. 18, she cast her 2,942nd consecutive roll-call vote.

Being a United States senator requires a lot more than showing up, but the job begins there. Between responsibilities in Maine that require her attention and the duties of a senator that compel her to travel around the country and around the world, Collins has displayed dedication and a strong work ethic.

Granted, the congressional schedule has plenty of nonvoting days built into it. In 2004, the Senate was in session just 133 days. But imagine, not a sick day when votes have been scheduled in eight years. And votes can be scheduled for all hours of the day and night, on issues important and inconsequential. The temptation to bag some of the latter would be too much for most folks.

Going on the record and taking tough votes are what being in the Senate is all about. Collins has proven her commitment with perfect attendance.