Press Releases
Durbin Presses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem During Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. Durbin first pressed Secretary Noem about her labeling Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Marimar Martinez as “domestic terrorists,” and refusing to apologize to their families. Both Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti were shot and killed by federal immigration … Continue Reading
March 03, 2026
Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing With DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. During his opening, Durbin blasted Secretary Noem for undermining the mission of DHS by directing federal agents to indiscriminately arrest U.S. citizens and immigrants—most of whom do not have a criminal record and do not pose a … Continue Reading
March 02, 2026
Durbin Calls Out DHS’ Cruel Immigration Enforcement Tactics Ahead Of Secretary Noem’s Testimony In The Senate Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), during which Secretary Kristi Noem will be questioned about the agency’s weaponization. As Durbin noted in his speech, Secretary Noem has undermined the mission of DHS by directing federal agents to indiscriminately arrest U.S. citizens … Continue Reading
March 02, 2026
Durbin Delivers Floor Speech On The U.S. Strikes On Iran This Weekend
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor today following the U.S. strikes on Iran this weekend, which killed Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his speech, Durbin announced support for Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) war powers resolution. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states that the power to declare war is an explicit power of Congress and Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed this constitutional provision when it passed the War Powers … Continue Reading
March 02, 2026
Durbin Introduces Resolution Designating National Social And Emotional Learning Week
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a resolution designating the week of March 2, 2026, as National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. SEL is centered on developing the self-awareness, ability to manage emotions, and interpersonal skills necessary for school, the workplace, and life. Research shows that SEL promotes student academic outcomes, self-efficacy, and positive mental health, especially for students who have experienced trauma, by helping … Continue Reading
February 28, 2026
Durbin Statement On The U.S. And Israel Launching A Military Attack On Iran
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the United States and Israel launched a military attack on Iran: “Though there is bipartisan support for stopping the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, there is no consensus for another interminable war in the Middle East. I was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war in Iraq. A war in Iran with the goal of regime change could be another long-term military commitment with deadly … Continue Reading
February 27, 2026
Durbin Hosts IDOT Secretary Biagi In Washington
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday hosted Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gia Biagi to discuss Illinois transportation projects, including a status update on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant awards to the state and Illinois localities that remain unobligated under the Trump Administration. During their meeting, Durbin and Secretary Gia Biagi spoke about their shared priorities, particularly completing the Chicago Hub Improvement … Continue Reading
February 27, 2026
Durbin Leads Senators In Raising Alarm About Gutting Of CFTC’s Chicago Division Of Enforcement
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), all members of the Senate Agriculture Committee which has oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), sent a letter to Chairman of the CFTC Michael Selig about the Trump Administration’s move to gut the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, including the Chicago office, just as cryptocurrency and prediction … Continue Reading
February 27, 2026
Durbin, Duckworth Announce $6.7 Million In Federal Funding For Springfield Mass Transit
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $6,733,300 in federal funding awarded to the Sangamon Mass Transit District by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This grant for Buses and Bus Facilities will go towards building bus fueling stations throughout Springfield. “Robust public transit makes all of our lives easier,” said Durbin. “These federal funds provide Springfield’s transit systems with the resources they … Continue Reading
February 26, 2026
Durbin, Grassley Pass Bipartisan Online Child Safety Package Through Senate Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON -Today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bipartisan legislative package led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to address disturbing developments in online child exploitation. Passed by voice vote, the James T. Woods Act is a widely supported legislative package composed of three bills: the Sentencing Accountability for Exploitation (SAFE) Act, the Ending Coercion of … Continue Reading
February 26, 2026
DURBIN, LEE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BILLS
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced two pieces of bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation—the Smarter Sentencing Act, to modernize federal drug sentencing policies, and the Smarter Pretrial Detention for Drug Charges Act, to provide judges additional flexibility when determining if pretrial detention is appropriate for those accused of nonviolent drug offenses. … Continue Reading
February 26, 2026
AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO INCREASE DETENTION INFRASTRUCTURE, DURBIN DETAILS INHUMANE CONDITIONS, DEATHS AT ICE DETENTION FACILITIES
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting condemning the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation campaign and the inhumane conditions at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. Through Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE has dramatically expanded its detention capacity. The agency is … Continue Reading
February 26, 2026
DURBIN, CRAPO CELEBRATE SENATE PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Caucus, today celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution to designate February 2026 as American Heart Month. The resolution reaffirms the government’s commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by supporting research; improving access to affordable, quality care to reduce long-term disability and mortality; and recognizing and … Continue Reading
February 26, 2026
DURBIN MARKS 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BANNING SMOKING ON AIRPLANES WITH SPEECH ON SENATE FLOOR
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday delivered a speech on the Senate floor to mark the 36th anniversary of landmark legislation to ban smoking on airplanes. In 1988, Durbin’s legislation became law, banning smoking on domestic flights that were two hours or less, which was then expanded to all domestic flights in 1990. Soon, this ban created a cultural change in American society, and smoking was prohibited in restaurants, hospitals, offices, and stores. … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
Durbin, Duckworth Meet With Illinois State Association Of Counties
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois State Association of Counties to discuss the impact of the Trump Adminsitration’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed $1 trillion from federal Medicaid funding and nearly $200 billion from SNAP, dramatically shifting cost burdens to local governments and cutting services for Illinoisans. During today’s meeting, the Senators and the … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
DURBIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO CREATE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKS IN CHICAGO, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, & SOUTH CAROLINA TO HONOR LEGACY OF JULIUS ROSENWALD
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act, legislation to establish a Rosenwald Schools National Historic Park network with locations in Chicago, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina in honor of Julius Rosenwald. The legislation would also require the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) to provide information on the life and legacy of Rosenwald at his boyhood home in Springfield, … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
DURBIN TALKS CLEAN ENERGY WITH IMEA/IMUA
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Municipal Electric/Utilities Association (IMEA/IMUA) to discuss Illinois’ electric systems as new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, place new strains on the sector. In today’s meeting, Durbin and IMEA/IMUA members talked about the need for data center operators to be transparent about the expected power and water usage associated with running these centers. Additionally, Durbin … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
DURBIN QUESTIONS NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR NEWLY ESTABLISHED NATIONAL FRAUD ENFORCEMENT DIVISION AT DOJ DURING SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING
WASHINGTON - During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Colin McDonald, the nominee to be the Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a newly established division at the Department of Justice (DOJ). Durbin first asked Mr. McDonald about working with Ed Martin. After Mr. Martin’s failed nomination to be U.S. Attorney for D.C. was withdrawn, … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
DURBIN, PADILLA, KELLY BLAST DHS FOR WRONGFULLY TARGETING & REMOVING DACA RECIPIENTS
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead author of the Dream Act, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) today released the following statement after U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 261 Deferred Action for … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026
Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Nominee To Be Assistant Attorney General For Newly Established National Fraud Enforcement Division At DOJ
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of Colin McDonald to be the Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a newly established division at the Department of Justice (DOJ). Last week, Durbin and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi about the proposed new Division. … Continue Reading