03.23.18

Durbin Statement On Omnibus Funding Bill

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the omnibus funding bill:

“While this bill seemingly addresses every subject under the sun, it does not address the looming fate that our Dreamers face in America.  I’m disappointed by this, but will continue to fight to protect Dreamers and fix the crisis that President Trump created by shutting down the DACA program.

“What this bill does include is important investments for the people of Illinois, including increased funding for our troops, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Community Health Centers, education and job training programs, violence prevention efforts, increased funding to fight the opioid and mental health crises, and increased funding for existing infrastructure programs such as TIGER grants, Capital Investment Grants, transit and highway formula funds, rail safety grants, and Amtrak.  That is why I supported the bill.”

Today, Durbin asked unanimous consent that the Senate pass the bipartisan Dream Act. Republican leaders and President Trump have rejected multiple bipartisan offers to address the DACA crisis created by the President on September 5th, 2017.  Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) objected, and instead countered with President Trump’s immigration plan, which garnered the least support of any immigration measure considered by the Senate earlier this year, failing by a vote of 39-60.

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