Press Releases
Durbin: We Must Keep Guns Out Of The Hands Of Criminals
DURBIN: WE MUST KEEP GUNS OUT OF THE HANDS OF CRIMINALS Senator introduces an amendment that would strengthen federal criminal penalties for straw purchasers and illegal traffickers of firearms [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Following a violent Fourth of July weekend in Chicago, and to address the nationwide epidemic of gun violence, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced an amendment that would strengthen federal criminal penalties for straw purchasers and illegal traffickers of firearms. … Continue Reading
July 09, 2014
Durbin Statement on The Death of Former Judge Stanley J. Roszkowski
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today released the following statement after learning of the death of Stanley J. Roszkowski, former Federal Judge in the Northern District of Illinois. Roszkowski who served in combat as a member of a bomber crew in World War II, played a key role in bringing to Rockford a new federal courthouse that now bears his name. "Judge Stanley Roszkowski was a great American who dedicated his life in service to his country. A native Illinoisan, he … Continue Reading
July 09, 2014
Durbin Issues Warning To Illinois Students: Stop Enrolling At Everest Campuses
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that Corinthian Colleges, Inc. which operates under the name "Everest College" plans to seek buyers for its six campuses in Illinois located in Burr Ridge, Bedford Park, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, North Aurora and Skokie. As part of an agreement signed with the Department of Education, Corinthian is required to eventually send official disclosures and notifications to students, but for the time being has been allowed to … Continue Reading
July 09, 2014
Durbin Announces A More Than $285,000 Investment In Illinois Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $285,634 grant to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, located in Chicago, Illinois, to help assist in the development and implementation of up to three substance abuse treatment programs in correctional and detention facilities across the state. The grant was awarded through DOJ's Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners … Continue Reading
July 09, 2014
Durbin Announces A More Than $78,000 Investment in Illinois Community and Law Enforcement Efforts
DURBIN ANNOUNCES A MORE THAN $78,000 INVESTMENT IN ILLINOIS COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SAFETY [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a total of $78,399 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants to the communities in Illinois to support local law enforcement efforts. This funding will be used to purchase updated equipment, help retain personnel, and support prosecution and court programs. … Continue Reading
July 08, 2014
Durbin Pays Tribute On Senate Floor To Friend & Former Senator From Illinois Alan Dixon
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute on the United States Senate Floor to the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator from Illinois Alan Dixon. Dixon, who was known affectionately by friends and colleagues as "Al the Pal," served two terms in the Senate. "I would like to take a moment to speak about an old friend," Durbin said. "Sadly, Alan Dixon died Sunday morning in his sleep. So today, instead of celebrating my old friend's birthday, I would like to … Continue Reading
July 08, 2014
Durbin Statement On The Weekend Events in Jerusalem
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the abduction and murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir and the detention of Tariq Khdeir, an American citizen. "It is tragic to learn of the senseless and brutal murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, the innocent young Palestinian whose life was cut short over the weekend. His death and the brutal beating of his American cousin, Tariq Khdeir, follow last week's equally senseless killing … Continue Reading
July 08, 2014
Durbin Speaks On Senate Floor Regarding Continuing Toll Of Gun Violence in Chicago, Across America
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Today during a speech on the U.S. Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) discussed the violent July 4th weekend in Chicago and urged his colleagues in the Senate to stop ignoring the toll gun violence is taking in America. He called on the Senate to hold another vote on background check legislation which would help prevent firearms reaching the hands of those who are mentally-ill or a convicted felon. Durbin also highlighted the impact straw purchasing has on the … Continue Reading
July 08, 2014
Durbin: Scott AFB Named As Finalist To House Critical New Defense Facility
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, announced today that the Department of Defense has named Scott Air Force Base as a finalist to house a new facility for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The current NGA facility - which includes multiple buildings located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri - is more than 100 years old. The aging buildings at the NGA's current location require high maintenance costs, … Continue Reading
July 07, 2014
Senate Approves Durbin-Kirk Resolution Honoring Former Senator From Illinois Alan Dixon
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Today the United States Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) honoring the life of Alan Dixon, former U.S. Senator from Illinois. "Alan Dixon was well-loved in the United States Senate, where his friendships reached across the aisle," Durbin said. "Al and his brand of politics - honest and honorable - will be missed both here in Washington and at home in Illinois." "In his nearly forty decades … Continue Reading
July 07, 2014
Durbin Calls For Action to Avert Looming Shortfall in Highway Trust Fund
[SPRINGFIELD] - If Congress does not act before August 1, hundreds of infrastructure projects throughout Illinois could see their payments from the federal government slowed down during the height of construction season, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said today. Durbin made the comments while visiting a reconstruction project along I-72, one of many projects that could be affected if the Highway Trust Fund is not replenished within the next month. Federal law does not allow the Highway … Continue Reading
July 02, 2014
Durbin Announces A More Than $231,000 Investment In Chicagoland First-Responder Capabilities
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has awarded $231,210 in grants to fire departments in the Chicagoland area. Today's funding will support and improve the capability of each department to respond to fires and other types of emergencies. "We must ensure our nation's fire fighters and first-responders are equipped with the best, most up-to-date tools to do … Continue Reading
July 02, 2014
Durbin, Schneider Announce A Critical Investment In Lake Bluff First-Responder Capabilities
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), awarded a $42,513 grant to the Lake Bluff Fire Department. This funding will support and improve the capability of Lake Bluff's first-responders to respond to fires and other types of emergencies. "We must ensure our nation's fire fighters and first-responders are equipped with … Continue Reading
July 02, 2014
Durbin Announces A More Than $1.7 Million Investment In First-Responder-Capabilities For Chicago's South Suburbs
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has made a $1,795,860 investment in the Homewood Fire Department in Homewood, Illinois. Today's funding will allow 18 fire departments throughout the south suburbs to buy portable radios, which will improve interoperability among departments in the area when fire fighters respond to fires, severe weather, and other emergencies. … Continue Reading
July 01, 2014
Durbin Says Congressional Gold Medal for Borinqueneers is "Long Overdue and Well Deserved"
[CHICAGO] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture on Tuesday and honored four local veterans from the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Borinqueneers", who recently earned the Congressional Gold Medal -- the highest civilian honor our nation can bestow. Durbin co-sponsored the legislation awarding the medal to the Borinqueneers, which the Senate approved in March, and President Obama signed the bill into law early last month. The … Continue Reading
July 01, 2014
Durbin Statement on Death of Israeli Teenagers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement today following reports that three Israeli teenagers who were reported missing earlier this month had been killed. "This tragic killing of three Israeli teenagers is heartbreaking on a personal and family level and will set back our efforts to find peace in a Middle East," Durbin said. "Those who are responsible should be brought to … Continue Reading
June 30, 2014
Urbana, Illinois Student Interns in Durbin's Washington, DC Senate Office
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Urbana native Leah Malkovich spent two months this summer interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator's Capitol Hill office. Each year, close to 50 interns work in Durbin's Washington, D.C., office. Interns process constituent requests, help with legislative duties, and lead Capitol tours for Illinois residents visiting Washington. During that time, they gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the … Continue Reading
June 30, 2014
Naperville, Illinois Student Interns In Durbin's Washington, DC Senate Office
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Naperville native Nadia Gonzalez spent two months this summer interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator's Capitol Hill office. Each year, close to 50 interns work in Durbin's Washington, D.C., office. Interns process constituent requests, help with legislative duties, and lead Capitol tours for Illinois residents visiting Washington. During that time, they gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the … Continue Reading
June 30, 2014
Minonk, Illinois Student Interns In Durbin"s DC Senate Office
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Minonk native Marc Reiter spent two months this summer interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator's Capitol Hill office. Each year, close to 50 interns work in Durbin's Washington, D.C., office. Interns process constituent requests, help with legislative duties, and lead Capitol tours for Illinois residents visiting Washington. During that time, they gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the … Continue Reading
June 30, 2014
Durbin: Women and Families Have a Right to Know if Employers Plan to Restrict Health Converage
[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Tenth Circuit's expansion of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to allow for-profit, secular corporations to deny their employees contraceptives to which the employees are entitled by federal law based on the religious objections of the corporations' owners: "Allowing corporate employers to dictate limits on their employees' health insurance coverage threatens one … Continue Reading