Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Olympia Jean Snowe ( born February 21 , 1947 ) , nÃ e Bouchles , is the senior United States Senator from Maine and a member of the Republican Party . Snowe has become widely known for her ability to influence the outcome of close votes , including whether to end filibusters .
Simplified: Senator Snowe is a member of the United States Republican Party .