U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) arrives prior to a procedural vote in the Senate on the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., October 5, 2018. REUTERS/Mary Calvert

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins said on Friday she will vote to confirm the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, strongly increasing his chances of confirmation.