The Maine Republican could leverage her position to push back against NIH cuts she opposes. At least for now, the senator is choosing not to.

"There's jokes on Capitol Hill that today is another day that Susan Collins is 'concerned.'" said Casey Burgat, a professor of legislative affairs at George Washington University.

Collins said Kennedy “promised” that as soon as he was confirmed he would “re-examine this initiative” that he says was “implemented prior to his confirmation.”