The eyes of the nation — and Maine — are on you, Senator Collins, as members of Congress try to reconcile the House and Senate tax reform bills. I understand that you’re in a tough position. Donald Trump, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and other GOP leaders want you to support the bill. Period. At the same time, you face competing pressures, not the least of which are the people of Maine to whom you report. This is your time. Now is your moment. Where will you stand?

I urge you to listen — really listen — before you vote on this bill. Listen to your constituents. Listen to the thousands of messages from Mainers on your phone lines and email in boxes. Listen to the thousands of people who couldn’t even get through because the phone lines were busy or the in boxes were full. On the other hand, how many people are urging you to support the bill. One person in one of your offices admitted that the calls were going 20 to 1 against your supporting the bill. Do you get the message?

Listen to the citizens, religious leaders and college students who have visited your offices in Portland and Bangor to express their viewpoints. Do their opinions matter to you?

Over the years you have expressed your strong belief in the integrity of the legislative process. Your fellow Maine Senator Angus King noted that you can’t call the process followed in getting this tax reform passed a circus, because that would be an insult to circuses. Is he wrong in his analysis? Who possesses more integrity in your mind: Paul Ryan or Angus King?

Over the years you have stressed the importance of reducing the national debt, yet the proposed tax reform bill would increase the debt by about $1.4 trillion according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Are they wrong?

You represent one of the poorest states in the nation, yet most observers note that this bill would primarily benefit major corporations and wealthy Americans. Did you read the article in “Fortune” magazine entitled, “Trump’s Tax Cuts are the Biggest Wealth Grab in Modern History”? Did the writer come to the wrong conclusion?

Donald Trump has said that he and his wealthy friends won’t benefit from the passage of this bill. Yet, it is estimated that he and his family would save $1 billion by the elimination of the estate tax alone. Your former colleague Senator George Mitchell had a rather different take, saying during a recent visit to Bowdoin College: “I cannot understand how the majority in Congress would enact a bill that is so profoundly misdirected in its lavishing billions of dollars of tax cuts for the wealthiest people in our society and gives very little or temporary cuts to Americans who earn less than $100,000 a year.” Senator Collins, who is more believable in your experience: Donald Trump or George Mitchell?

Sen. Orrin Hatch has said that the nation can no longer afford the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a program which provides health care for 9 million children. Yet by his lights the nation can afford to give big tax breaks to the richest Americans. Do you share the priorities and values of Senator Hatch?

Back to the major matter at hand. Will passage of a tax reform bill as envisioned help or hurt the citizens of Maine and the nation? The majority of Americans believe that this bill won’t benefit the average citizen. I urge you to look at the facts before making a final decision. Take the pulse of those you serve. Have the courage to put people over party.

If you take the time to listen — really listen — I have faith that you will make the right decision for Maine and for the nation.

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary or suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns. dtreadw575@aol.com.