Press Releases
Durbin Introduced Legislation To Protect More Than 13,000 Acres Of Shawnee National Forest
WASHINGTON - This week, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Shawnee National Forest Conservation Act, legislation that would create 12,700 additional acres of special management areas and 750 acres of wilderness in the Shawnee National Forest. Securing this designation for these acres would offer critical protections to the area. “The Shawnee National Forest welcomes thousands of visitors each year, who take advantage of the beautiful views and hiking trails. It’s … Continue Reading
July 31, 2025
On The Senate Floor, Durbin Urges The Release Of Political Prisoners In The UAE, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, & Guatemala
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the plight of political prisoners in four nations and called for their immediate and unconditional release. These political prisoners have been outspoken in their support for democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, and basic freedoms. During his remarks, Durbin reflected on past American voices in the fight for democracy, including President Reagan who told the Soviets at the … Continue Reading
July 30, 2025
Durbin Votes To Block Arms Sales To Israel Amid Starvation In Gaza
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after voting to block arms sales to Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: “The terrorist attack of October 7 was truly horrific and the Hamas terrorist group, which is dedicated to the destruction of Israel, should be eliminated. I have previously voted for military assistance to Israel throughout my congressional career to protect it from the threats which it faces daily. “But … Continue Reading
July 30, 2025
In Spotlight Forum, Durbin Questions Witnesses About Preventing Partisan Gerrymandering
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during his and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) spotlight forum entitled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.” During the forum, Durbin focused on the tactics currently used by Republican campaigns and legislatures to restrict or dilute the power of Americans’ votes. Durbin began by reflecting on Justice … Continue Reading
July 30, 2025
Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Joshua Dale Dunlap, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit; Eric Chunyee Tung, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; William Walter Mercer, nominated to be a United States District Judge for the District of Montana; and Stephen Chad … Continue Reading
July 30, 2025
Durbin Delivers Opening Statement At Spotlight Forum Examining Trump Administration's Voter Suppression Efforts
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at his and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) spotlight forum entitled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.” Today’s spotlight forum examined the recent surge in voter suppression by Republican state legislatures and the Trump Administration, ranging from attempts to purge voter rolls to the push to … Continue Reading
July 29, 2025
Durbin Statement On Senate Confirmation Of Emil Bove To Serve As A Lifetime Circuit Court Judge
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Emil Bove’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit: “Mr. Bove’s primary qualification appears to be his blind loyalty to this President. As Acting Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Bove personally ordered the terminations of dozens of career federal prosecutors who worked to put violent … Continue Reading
July 29, 2025
Durbin, Warnock Reintroduce John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA), along with U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and all other Senate Democrats, today reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act. This legislation is especially relevant in … Continue Reading
July 29, 2025
In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Makes His Case Against Nomination Of Emil Bove To Serve Lifetime Position On Federal Bench
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor denouncing the nomination of Emil Bove to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In his remarks, Durbin summarized Mr. Bove’s disqualifying record, from ordering the dismissal of career federal prosecutors who worked on January 6 cases to striking a corrupt deal with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to further … Continue Reading
July 28, 2025
Durbin Speaks Out On Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza, Calls On Netanyahu To Allow Aid Into Gaza
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as reports detail dire food shortages and increased violence at food distribution sites. Last week, more than 100 NGOs, including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam, reiterated the severity of the crisis, warning that mass starvation is spreading across Gaza. “Quite simply, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza … Continue Reading
July 28, 2025
Durbin, Senators Request Answers From FDA Regarding Dangerous Decision Allowing JUUL E-Cigarettes To Stay On The Market, Addict Children
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today led a group of eight Senators in sending a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Makary sounding the alarm and demanding answers over FDA’s senseless decision to authorize JUUL’s e-cigarettes, including its menthol-flavored vaping pods. JUUL is the e-cigarette brand that ignited the youth vaping “epidemic”—as it was characterized by Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA’s Commissioner in the first Trump Administration—and … Continue Reading
July 28, 2025
Durbin, Hirono, Padilla, Wyden And Booker Introduce Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act To Expand Public Service Loan Forgiveness To Adjunct Professors
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today reintroduced the Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2025 to allow part-time faculty at colleges and universities - who are often have high student debt loads and are paid low wages with few benefits - to be eligible to participate in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The Adjunct Faculty Loan … Continue Reading
July 28, 2025
Durbin, Whitehouse Press For Public Commitments From Deputy Attorney General After Meeting With Ghislaine Maxwell
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) pressed for public commitments from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche after he met with Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator and fellow sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. In a letter to Blanche, the Senators shared concerns about the purpose and intention behind the meeting, including the nature of the immunity offered to Ms. Maxwell, … Continue Reading
July 25, 2025
Durbin Calls Out Cuts To Medicaid, Student Loan Caps For Medical Students At SIU Medical School
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined educators and health care professionals at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to discuss the Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid and medical research, and the impact recent caps to student loans will have on medical students. “Earlier this month, President Trump and Republicans in Congress slashed health care to provide tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans in our nation,” said Durbin. “The … Continue Reading
July 25, 2025
Senate Appropriations Committee Advances Interior And Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development Funding Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin, Duckworth
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a funding bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Durbin and Duckworth worked to secure various priorities for Illinois in the appropriations bills, both through … Continue Reading
July 25, 2025
Durbin, Duckworth Celebrate 100 Years Of Chicago Union Station
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statements to celebrate 100 years of Chicago Union Station: “Chicago, often referred to as the crossroads of America, holds a unique position in the converging point for railroads that cross our nation,” said Durbin. “Our very own Union Station is one of the busiest rail terminals in the country, and this week marks 100 years of reliable transportation for passengers. … Continue Reading
July 25, 2025
Durbin, Duckworth Seek Answers On So-Called One Big Beautiful Bill's Impact On Hospitals In Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to every hospital in Illinois requesting information about the projected impact analysis of the Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and $300 billion in Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. As a result of the legislation, 15 million Americans are projected to lose health insurance coverage, including … Continue Reading
July 24, 2025
Durbin Delivers Remarks During Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where he reflected on Republicans cutting off debate and overriding Committee rules last week, resulting in Durbin leading Committee Democrats in a walk out of the Committee meeting. During his remarks today, Durbin rebutted the claim that Republicans’ actions were based on a precedent he set during … Continue Reading
July 24, 2025
Durbin On Trump's Extreme Judicial Nominees: The Only Qualification That President Trump Looks For In His Nominees Is Loyalty To Him And His MAGA Agenda
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the Trump Administration’s unqualified and extreme judicial nominees. In his remarks, Durbin spoke out against the nomination of Emil Bove to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, pointing toward Bove’s unwavering loyalty to President Trump. During his remarks, Durbin also denounced the confirmation of … Continue Reading
July 24, 2025
Durbin Reintroduced Bill To Combat Alarming Rise In Domestic Terrorism Threats
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced legislation to address the growing domestic terrorism threat. The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2025 would enhance the federal government’s efforts to prevent domestic terrorism by establishing offices dedicated to combating this threat; requiring federal law enforcement agencies to regularly assess this threat; and providing training and resources to assist … Continue Reading