Sen. Susan Collins has lashed out at the press for what she calls "unbelievably sexist" reporting about her support of the tax reform bill.
She zeroed in on a report that said she hadn't burst into tears after meeting a group of people with serious medical conditions concerned about the legislation.
"The reporter actually wrote that I didn't cry. I can't imagine a reporter writing that about a male senator meeting with the same group," the Maine Republican said Tuesday without mentioning the reporter by name, the Portland Press Herald and Bangor Daily News reported.
She noted that Sen. Jeff Flake had met with the same group, but a news story on it did not mention his lack of tears.
"I believe that the coverage has been unbelievably sexist and I cannot believe that the press would treat another senator with 20 years of experience as they have treated me," Collins said.
"They've ignored everything I've gotten. There have been stories about how I've been duped. How are you duped with all of your amendments get accepted?"
Collins said she had received assurances Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will proceed with "two insurance bills that I care about as well as the provision waiving the automatic cut in Medicare that could be triggered by this bill."
Collins got Republicans to add amendments that allow families to deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes, increase deductions for medical expenses, and protect tax-free contributions for retirement savings.
A moderate Republican, Collins voted down an effort to end the Affordable Care Act — Obamacare — in July. But with her "yes" vote on the tax reform bill, she is approving of the elimination of the individual mandate which required Americans to sign up for health care or face a penalty.
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