Press Releases
Durbin Statement On The Future Of Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke to the alleged leak of the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights hearing entitled, "An Ethical Judiciary: Transparency and Accountability for 21st Century Courts." "I don't condone the leaking of internal Supreme Court documents… I don't know who … Continue Reading
May 02, 2022
Durbin: Congress Must Address Gun Violence In America
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor on the need to address gun violence in America through steps like cracking down on straw purchases of firearms and ensuring members of law enforcement have the right tools and resources to protect our communities. As part of that comprehensive approach, Durbin also highlighted his Chicago Hospital Engagement, Action, and Leadership (HEAL) Initiative, which was launched … Continue Reading
April 30, 2022
Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Normal Mayor Chris Koos To Amtrak Board Of Directors
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Joe Biden nominated Normal, Illinois, Mayor Chris Koos to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors: "Mayor Koos has been a powerful voice in Illinois' transportation sector for years. He understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois, the Midwest, and across the country, which is why I recommended him for this position. I look forward to supporting his … Continue Reading
April 29, 2022
Durbin Announces $2.5 Million In Federal Funding For EV Infrastructure And Workforce Training
CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $2.5 million in new federal funding he secured to support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and workforce training that will lead to good paying jobs in the electrical industry. In the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus appropriations bill, Durbin secured $500,000 for IBEW to support its career training program at local high schools and $2 million for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to upgrade its 103rd Street bus garage to accommodate … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Durbin Calls On Illinois Education Professionals To Raise The Alarm On For-Profit Colleges
WASHINGTON - As the conclusion of the academic year approaches and high school seniors make their final decisions about higher education, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is enlisting the help of Illinois high school principals, counselors, and teachers to warn college-bound students and their families about the risks associated with attending for-profit colleges. As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to classrooms, a report from the National Student … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Durbin Statement On Proposed FDA Rules Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes And Flavored Cigars
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced regulations banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars: "For years, Big Tobacco has added menthol flavor to mask the harshness of cigarettes, and targeted these addictive, deadly products particularly to Black smokers. Prohibiting menthol in cigarettes and banning flavored cigars will save lives, reduce disparities, and improve health. … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin Questions Secretary Of State Antony Blinken On Situation In Ukraine At Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), today at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the U.S. Department of State's Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget request. Durbin, Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, began his questioning asking about Ukraine's needs following Putin's unjustified and unprovoked war. "Are we falling short for what they need [Ukraine]? Are we doing … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Senate Confirms Critical Law Enforcement Positions Following Unanimous Consent Request
WASHINGTON - Today, the Senate confirmed the nominations of eight U.S. Attorneys (USAs) and two U.S. Marshals (USMs) following a unanimous consent (UC) request by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The nominees included Ryan K. Buchanan, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia; Jason M. Frierson, to be United States Attorney for the District of Nevada; Mark A. Totten, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan; Marisa T. Darden, to be United … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Confirmation Of Ladon Reynolds To Serve As U.S. Marshal For The Northern District Of Illinois
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed LaDon Reynolds to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois: "LaDon Reynolds is a seasoned law enforcement veteran who will serve with distinction in this important role. Starting in 1994, Chief Reynolds held several high-ranking positions for the Oak … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin, D. Davis, Underwood Mark Senate Passage Of Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration And Recovery Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) today marked Senate passage of their legislation, the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration Act (S. 4089). The bill passed the Senate last night by voice vote. Once passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, the bill would give the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority to restore benefits under the American Rescue Plan's … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin Meets With Illinois Restaurant Association
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Restaurant Association to discuss pressing issues facing the state's restaurant industry. During the meeting, Durbin also spoke about the need for Congress to pass immigration reform, as immigrants play a crucial role in keeping the hospitality industry running. Durbin went on to express his support for replenishing the Small Business Administration's Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin Questions Latest Circuit & District Court Nominees Before Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON - During today's Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Nancy Abudu, nominated to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit; and Judge J. Michelle Childs, nominated to be United States Circuit Judge for the D.C. Circuit. "You are going to hear questions posed to you today on whether or not you can be objective, dispassionate, throw away the role of advocate and be a judge in one … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Latest Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Nancy Abudu, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit; Judge J. Michelle Childs, to be United States Circuit Judge for the D.C. Circuit; Nusrat Choudhury, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York; Judge Ana de Alba, to be United States District … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin, Braun Introduce Legislation To Improve Safety And Ensure Transparency Of Dietary Supplement Industry
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation to require dietary supplement manufacturers to list their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which provided FDA with authorities to regulate dietary supplements. However, DSHEA did not require dietary supplement companies to … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin, Grassley Press DHS IG On Reported Attempts To Bury Allegations Of Widespread Sexual Harassment And Misconduct
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, are pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General to address reports that it has delayed and downplayed reports of sexual harassment and misconduct at DHS. In a letter to DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, the Senators cite documents recently released by the Project on … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin Discusses Criminal Justice And Public Safety With Illinois Department Of Corrections Director Jeffreys
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead sponsor of the landmark First Step Act, today met virtually with Rob Jeffreys, Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). During their meeting, Durbin and Jeffreys discussed the Director's reform efforts within IDOC, including improvements to programming, reentry services, and incentive-based corrections. Durbin and Jeffreys also discussed ways in which the federal … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin Statement On President Biden's Clemency Grants, Plan To Increase Opportunity For Formerly Incarcerated Persons
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead sponsor of the landmark First Step Act, today released the following statement after President Biden announced a plan to expand opportunities for formerly incarcerated persons: "It is common sense that once incarcerated Americans complete their sentences and return to society, they should have a fair chance to fully participate in society. Policy actions like these are critical to … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin: Americans Should Know What Is In Dietary Supplements
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation he will introduce this week with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The legislation will require dietary supplement manufacturers to list their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as provide basic, common-sense information about ingredients and labels. This information would then be made available to the public. … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
Durbin Meets With Illinois Health And Hospital Association To Discuss Workforce Shortages, COVID-19 Recovery
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) President AJ Wilhelmi and several Illinois hospital representatives to discuss workforce shortages and additional support for hospitals recovering from the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. During their conversation, Durbin received an update about how hospitals have coped with increased financial strains while maintaining quality care and access for patients. Congress has … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Calls For Improved Safety Kits For Army Humvees
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor about upgrading safety features of the Army's Humvees and improving training to address the troubling number of military tactical vehicle accidents. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted research into anti-lock brake and electronic stability safety kits, known as ABS/ESC, as well as other upgrades, to help prevent accidents. While … Continue Reading