Press Releases
Durbin, Schiff, Judiciary Democrats Request Committee Access To Volume II Of Special Counsel Jack Smith's Report As It Pertains To Kash Patel's Nomination To Lead The FBI
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General James McHenry requesting urgent access to materials that have not yet been shared with the Committee and bear directly on the suitability of Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to be Director of the Federal Bureau of … Continue Reading
January 29, 2025
Durbin: If Your Goal Is To Make America Great Again, Why Would You Start By Cutting Basic Services For Families?
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor last night, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) denounced the Trump Administration’s decision to issue an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of trillions of dollars of Federal financial assistance,” which caused mass confusion about the funding and operations of hundreds of government-funded programs ranging from Medicaid, to Head Start, to Violence Against … Continue Reading
January 29, 2025
In Bicameral Letter, Durbin, Raskin, Padilla, Jayapal Call On Secretary Rubio To Immediately Restore Refugee Resettlement Services
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; along with U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety; and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, … Continue Reading
January 29, 2025
Durbin, Schakowsky Introduce Mentoring To Succeed Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), today introduced the Mentoring to Succeed Act in recognition of January as National Mentoring Month. U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this week. This legislation creates a strong, sustainable support system through mentorship to ensure … Continue Reading
January 29, 2025
Durbin Votes 'No' On Advancing President Trump's Pick To Be Attorney General, Pam Bondi
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against advancing President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi, in the Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting this morning. The Committee voted to advance her nomination on a party-line vote of 12-10. Key Quotes: “If you want to know the role of the Department of Justice under President Trump, just listen to his words. He … Continue Reading
January 28, 2025
Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Freeze Of Federal Aid
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze federal aid: “Freezing federal funding that has already been allocated by Congress is unconstitutional. Above all else, it’s inhumane. Every American relies on federal funding—from public safety, disaster relief, medical research funding, and small business loans to Head Start and child care … Continue Reading
January 28, 2025
Durbin Urges Colleagues To Pass Resolution Condemning President Trump's Pardons Of The January 6 Insurrectionists Who Assaulted Police Officers At The U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke in favor of U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted the brave police officers defending the U.S. Capitol that day. The resolution was rejected by Senate Republicans. “For many of us, it’s personal. We were here on the Senate Floor on January 6, 2021. Vice … Continue Reading
January 28, 2025
Durbin, Grassley Seek Presidential Explanation For IG Dismissals
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested President Donald Trump provide the lawfully-required substantive rationale behind his recent decision to dismiss Inspectors General (IGs) from 18 offices. The Senators additionally asked President Trump to share the names of each official who will serve in an acting IG capacity and urged the … Continue Reading
January 28, 2025
Durbin: The Anti-Immigrant Executive Action Taken By President Trump Do Nothing To Make America Safer
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against executive actions taken by President Donald Trump during his first week in office, including cracking down on immigrant communities, that, among other things, suspend refugee resettlement and attempt to deprive U.S.-born children of citizenship. “We can all agree that the border of the United States should be secure. And, of course, … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin: RFK Jr. Is Dangerously Unqualified To Serve As HHS Secretary
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing the nominee’s false and irresponsible views on vaccines. In his remarks, Durbin pointed to specific examples of Kennedy spreading lies about vaccines, fluoride, and other measures with proven scientific history of safety and improving health. “Every day HHS makes … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin Highlights Bill To Halt U.S. Investment In Venezuela's Energy Sector Until Legitimate 2024 Election Results Are Elected
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted a bill he introduced terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. On July 28, 2024, more than 10 million Venezuelans peacefully voted in the presidential election, with results meticulously compiled by credible election monitors showing an overwhelming victory for … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin Introduced Bill To Halt U.S. Investments In Venezuela's Energy Sector Until Legitimate 2024 Election Results Are Respected
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. On July 28, 2024, more than 10 million Venezuelans peacefully voted in the presidential election, with results meticulously compiled by credible election monitors showing an overwhelming victory for opposition candidate, Edmundo González, over … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin, Duckworth Join Introduction Of Resolution Condemning Pardons Of Individuals Found Guilty Of Assaulting Capitol Police Officers On January 6
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), as well as 40 of their colleagues in the Senate, in introducing a new resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers. The resolution follows the move by President Trump, on the first day of his second … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin Requests Materials Related To FBI Nominee Kash Patel's Involvement In Hostage Recovery Mission After Allegations Of Endangering American Citizens
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury requesting they produce all relevant materials related to alleged misconduct by Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the FBI, related to the rescue of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen. … Continue Reading
January 27, 2025
Durbin Joins Colleagues To Introduce Resolution Warning Of Serious Public Health Threats From Trump Administration Freeze On Critical Health Alerts, Including Disease Outbreaks And Food Contamination
WASHINGTON - Following reports that the Trump Administration has paused critical communications from federal health agencies, including warnings on disease outbreaks and food contamination, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to introduce a resolution calling for uninterrupted health warning services for the American people. “Doctors, researchers, and patients nationwide depend on federal health agencies to alert them to disease outbreaks or … Continue Reading
January 26, 2025
Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Trump's Mass Deportation Actions In Chicago
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond … Continue Reading
January 25, 2025
Durbin Votes Against Nomination Of Kristi Noem To Lead The Department Of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON - Ahead of the confirmation vote of Governor Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor about his concerns regarding her nomination. Durbin voted “no” on Governor Noem’s nomination. “The Department of Homeland Security, which Governor Noem is seeking to lead, is now embarking on a new era, the new Trump 47 era, where ‘mass deportation’ is the catch … Continue Reading
January 25, 2025
Durbin Statement On President Trump Unlawfully Firing Independent Inspectors General Across Multiple Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after President Donald Trump unlawfully fired at least 12 independent inspectors general across multiple federal agencies: “President Trump’s firing of at least 12 independent inspectors general at important federal agencies is a continuation of his efforts to reshape the federal government without oversight or accountability—and with loyalty to … Continue Reading
January 25, 2025
Durbin Statement On Confirmation On Pete Hegseth
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense: “Today, I voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense. We must have military leaders who have proven good judgement for when they are sitting in the Situation Room. From the outset, Pete Hegseth has failed to position himself as someone who can be … Continue Reading
January 24, 2025
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Releases Revealing Investigative Report On Inadequate Care In Customs And Border Protection Facilities
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released an interim staff report and the findings of a months-long investigation into the chronic failure to provide adequate medical care to vulnerable individuals in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody, including a first-of-its-kind map of CBP medical processes, analyses of deficient medical care in CBP facilities, powerful testimony from impacted whistleblowers, … Continue Reading