U.S. Sen. Susan Collins made history Friday as she cast her 2,942nd consecutive roll call vote, surpassing a record set by her role model and fellow Maine Republican, Margaret Chase Smith, nearly 40 years ago.

“Much of my dedication to public service was inspired by Margaret Chase Smith, who went for years without missing a vote and didn’t miss one until she was forced to do so because of hip surgery,” Collins said.

Smith cast 2,941 consecutive votes over 13 years before missing her first vote on Sept. 6, 1968. She died in 1995 after serving four terms in the House and four in the Senate.

Collins has never missed a roll call since being sworn into office in 1997.

“I take very seriously the charge that has been granted to me by the people of Maine to represent their interests and be their voice in the U.S. Senate,” Collins said.