Durbin Applauds STB Decision to Further Investigate Canadian National in Light of Recent Train Derailment

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for exercising its oversight authority to determine whether Canadian National is properly maintaining and upgrading the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway to handle hazardous materials and prevent derailments in light of a recent train derailment in an area near Elgin, Illinois. In a letter to Canadian National, the STB explained that this is the second audit ordered of Canadi… Continue Reading

Durbin, Kirk Request Surface Transportation Board Review of Barrington EJ&E Study

[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today sent a letter to members of the Surface Transportation Board regarding the Village of Barrington's petition seeking additional mitigation efforts from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) following its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E). In May, the Village commissioned a study regarding the impact of CN's increased use of the EJ&E line that bisects the community. The Vi… Continue Reading

Durbin Statement on Hall of Famer Ron Santo

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after learning that Chicago Cubs legend, Ron Santo, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame: "To all of us who continue inspired by his work on and off the field, Ron Santo has always been a Hall of Famer. Today, it is official. "There is little doubt that Ron Santo was the best third baseman in Cubs history and one of the best to ever play the game. But what made him legendary was his loyalty… Continue Reading

Durbin Calls for Extension and Expansion of Middle Class Payroll Tax Cut Before End of Year

[CHICAGO, IL] - Millions of families across America will see their taxes increase by more than $1,000 next year if Congress fails to pass an extension and expansion of President Obama's middle-class payroll tax credit, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said today. Failing to pass the payroll tax cut would also result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and a potential 1 percent drop in GDP. On Thursday evening, Republicans in the Senate blocked an effort to pass the Middle Class Tax Cut … Continue Reading

Durbin: Provision to Give National Guard Full Membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Approved by Senate

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act approved late tonight by the U.S. Senate included a provision that gives the Chief of the National Guard full voting membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff - the biggest change since the Marine Corps was given full membership in 1979. This bipartisan measure was strongly support by the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard Major General William L. Enyart. "This bill en… Continue Reading

Durbin, Lautenberg applaud DOJ Appeal of Ruling That Blocks New Tobacco Warning Labels

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today applauded the Obama Administration for its decision to appeal a court ruling that blocks the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from requiring new graphic warning labels on cigarette packages and advertisements. "We applaud the Justice Department for appealing this ruling and fighting for public health, especially the health of our children." the Senators said. "The FDA's new labels provide a warning about the r… Continue Reading

Durbin, Kirk to American Airlines: Keep Illinois Routes and Projects a Priority

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - In a letter to the Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today urged the airline to make Illinois routes and projects - such as the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) and downstate air service - a priority as it moves forward with bankruptcy proceedings. "American Airlines has a long history in Illinois: American began air service in Illinois in 1926, when Charles Lindbergh carr… Continue Reading

Durbin Launches Interactive County-by-County Map of Savings Illinois Families Can Expect from Payroll Tax Cut Extension

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) launched an interactive map on his website today that enables Illinois families to find out how much the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 will save them in taxes next year. The legislation will extend President Obama's middle class tax cut-preventing a tax increase on millions of hardworking Illinoisans-and expand the cut in 2012 to put more money back in the pockets of American families. The Senate plans to vote on the measure later this week… Continue Reading

Durbin Announces Over $6.3 Million Investment in Illinois Communities

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that three Illinois communities will receive $6,372,531 in grant funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Community Development Block Grant Program and HOME program. These grants provide local units of government with funding for community development and the expansion of affordable housing programs. Under this announcement, the following communities will receive funding:… Continue Reading

Durbin Chairs Hearing on Balanced Budget Amendment

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), chaired a hearing today on the perils of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. The Budget Control Act, passed last August, requires a Congressional vote on a balanced budget amendment before the end of 2011. Today's hearing comes days before an expected Senate vote on a balanced budget measure. Two weeks a… Continue Reading

Durbin Announces Over $3.2 Million Investment in Illinois Communities

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that two Illinois communities will receive $3,295,419 in grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding was awarded through the Community Challenge Grant program which aims to spur economic development for communities by providing funding for an initiative that will create jobs and encourage local investment. Under this announcement, the following Illinois communi… Continue Reading

Durbin: Extending Middle Class Payroll Tax Cut Will Help Working Families and Our Economy

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the floor of the United States Senate in support of the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011. The legislation will extend President Obama's middle class tax cut -preventing a tax increase on millions of hardworking Illinoisans-and expand the cut in 2012 to put more money back in the pockets of Americans across the country and help get our economy moving in the right direction again. The Senate plans to vote on the measure later this… Continue Reading

Tribute to Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley

Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to pay tribute to a remarkable woman. Maggie Daley served with dignity and grace for 22 years as Chicago's First Lady. She died on Thanksgiving evening after a nearly decade-long struggle with metastatic breast cancer. She was at home, in her bed, surrounded by her family. There is a sad but fitting poignancy to the date. People in Chicago and far beyond have so many reasons to be thankful for the life of this exceptional woman. … Continue Reading

Durbin Pays Tribute to Chicago's Former First Lady Maggie Daley on Senate Floor

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to former first lady of Chicago, Maggie Daley on the floor of the U.S. Senate. "Maggie Daley was an adopted daughter of Chicago, but no native-born Chicagoan could have loved the city more or served it better. Last May, as her husband Rich prepared to step down at Chicago's mayor, the Chicago Tribune ran an article about what Maggie Daley had meant to Chicago. The first paragraph put it well. It read: 'There has never… Continue Reading

Durbin Statement on FutureGen Alliance Decision to Take Full Control of Plant Retrofit at Meredosia

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the FutureGen Alliance announced it will move forward with FutureGen 2.0 by purchasing portions of the Meredosia Energy Center from Ameren Energy Resources Company. "It is good news that the Alliance reached an agreement today with Ameren to negotiate the purchase of the Meredosia Energy Center. "With a strong FutureGen Alliance in full control of the plant retrofit, the FutureGen 2.0 proje… Continue Reading

Senator Dick Durbin Statement on the Passing of Maggie Daley

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the death of Maggie Daley: "Chicago and Illinois have lost a great and caring woman. Those of us whose lives were touched by her warm smile and inner strength will dearly miss Maggie Daley. "Loretta and I have lost a dear friend but feel blessed to have traveled part of our life's journey with her and Rich. We remember last St. Patrick's Day at Old St. Pat's when Maggie's struggles were quickly fo… Continue Reading

Durbin Joins Hunger Caucus in Urging Members to Raise Awareness

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] -U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) - a co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus - today joined his fellow co-chairs in encouraging members of the Senate to dedicate one hour during the holiday season to raising awareness and recognizing efforts underway in their states to combat hunger. The Hour for Hunger initiative seeks to remind members that hunger knows no boundaries and when working together, this is a fight we can win. Co-chairs of the bipartisan Hunger Caucus include: Senato… Continue Reading

Senators Commend MLB for Taking Action Against Smokeless Tobacco Use

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commended Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Player's Association for taking action against smokeless tobacco use both on and off the field. Under a new collective bargaining agreement announced today, players, managers, and coaches will be prohibited from using smokeless tobacco during televised interviews and Club appearances and, when fans are permitted in… Continue Reading

Durbin Announces a Nearly $1.1 Million FEMA Grant for Flood Protection Efforts in Winnebago County

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Winnebago County has been awarded a $1,084,525 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for flood protection efforts. "This project will protect the health, safety and welfare of Winnebago county residents," said Durbin. "By supporting flood control efforts, this federal funding will help reduce costs to the local government for emergency rescue, infrastructure repair, debris removal and emergency sh… Continue Reading

Durbin: STB Taking a Closer Look at Canadian National in Light of Recent Train Derailment

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - In a letter to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Surface Transportation Board (STB) confirmed that they are closely monitoring Canadian National's operation of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway and working with the Federal Railroad Administration in light of a recent train derailment. The train which was reportedly carrying hazardous material chemicals - sodium hydroxide and ferric sulfate - derailed on November 3, throwing 22 train cars off the tracks a… Continue Reading