Press Releases
Durbin Statement on the Death of Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) reacted to the news that Springfield Mayor, Tim Davlin, passed away this morning and offered his sympathy to the Davlin family. "I was stunned and saddened by the news of Mayor Tim Davlin's passing. His work with my office always reflected his dedication to our hometown. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this tragic … Continue Reading
December 09, 2010
Durbin: Report Shows Veterans and Servicemembers Charged Highest Tuition by For-Profit Colleges, Leading to Record Student Loan Defaults
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - After reviewing the findings of a report showing that for-profit colleges are charging the highest tuition rates to veterans and servicemembers leading to a record number of student loan defaults, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today vowed to work to increase scrutiny of for-profit colleges and universities. The report issued by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee shows a nearly 700% growth over the last four years in the amount of Department of … Continue Reading
December 09, 2010
Statement from the Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader on the DREAM Act
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today on the DREAM Act: "Yesterday the House passed a strong, bipartisan version of the DREAM Act - a narrowly-tailored bill that would allow a select group of immigrant students with great potential to contribute more fully to America. "In light of that vote, the Senate will move to the House-passed version of the bill later this month. … Continue Reading
December 09, 2010
Durbin Announces $42.3 Million in Additional High Speed Rail Funding for Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Illinois will receive $42.3 million in additional high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements on the Chicago to St. Louis corridor. Earlier today the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood, reprogrammed a total of $1.2 billion in funding that was rejected by the incoming governors of Ohio and Wisconsin. "Illinois will be able to use this funding to break ground on projects that … Continue Reading
December 03, 2010
Why I'm Voting Yes
CHICAGO TRIBUNE On Friday, when President Barack Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform gathers to consider a plan to bring our national debt under control, I will be voting yes. It was not an easy decision, and I know my vote will be widely criticized, but I believe it is the right thing to do. The simple fact is this: America needs to grow our economy and reduce our $13.8 trillion debt. This plan is not perfect, and it is certainly not the plan I … Continue Reading
December 03, 2010
Durbin Pays Tribute to Ron Santo on Senate Floor
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today celebrated the life of Chicago Cubs legend, Ron Santo, on the floor of the U.S. Senate. "Baseball may one day see a third baseman with the playing skills of Ron Santo. But it's hard to imagine that we will ever again see a ballplayer with greater loyalty or love for a city, its team and its fans," said Durbin. Text of Durbin's remarks as prepared below: Senator Richard Durbin Statement on Passing of Ron Santo December 3, … Continue Reading
December 02, 2010
Durbin, Snowe Bill to Protect Women and Girls from Child Marriage Passes Senate
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - The Senate unanimously passed the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act late last night, a bill to protect women and girls in developing countries from child marriages. The bill, introduced by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), requires the U.S. government to develop an integrated, strategic approach to combating child marriage with the goal of eliminating this practice worldwide. The bill also … Continue Reading
December 01, 2010
Durbin Introduces Legislation to Delay Flood Map Implementation for Five Years
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in introducing a bill to delay the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for five years in communities with newly designated flood maps across the country - including Metro East, Illinois where up to 30,000 properties will be affected. "I have been working closely with members of the Senate Banking Committee including Senator Schumer to see that … Continue Reading
December 01, 2010
Durbin: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Federal Judicial Nominees in Central District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, has unanimously approved Sue Myerscough and James Shadid for federal judgeships on the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois. Their nominations will now proceed to a vote by the full Senate. "Justice Myerscough and Judge Shadid will each bring a great depth of experience and legal acumen to the federal judiciary," said Durbin. "I look forward … Continue Reading
November 30, 2010
Historic Bipartisan Food Safety Bill Passes Senate
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act passed the Senate today marking most comprehensive reform of the nation's food safety system in over a decade. The bipartisan bill, initiated by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), will grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authorities and resources to ensure the safety of our food supply. "Today's vote will finally give the FDA the tools it needs to help ensure that the food on dinner tables and store … Continue Reading
November 29, 2010
Durbin Welcomes Kirk to U.S. Senate
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today escorted Senator-elect Mark Kirk (R-IL) onto the floor of the U.S. Senate for his swearing in ceremony. Kirk was sworn-in this evening by Vice President Joe Biden as Senator from Illinois. "I was honored to escort Senator Kirk to his swearing in ceremony," said Durbin. "I look forward to working with him and carrying on our state's long tradition of bipartisan cooperation." Kirk resigned his position as U.S. Representative … Continue Reading
November 29, 2010
Chamber of Commerce Endorses Durbin Food Safety Bill
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin's (D-IL) FDA Food Safety Modernization Act today, saying it will "improve America's ability to prevent food borne illness and boost consumer confidence in U.S. food supplies while minimally burdening small farms and consumers," "This legislation would improve food safety by requiring all food manufacturers to develop a food safety plan, providing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration … Continue Reading
November 18, 2010
Durbin and Kirk Meet to Discuss Illinois Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator-elect Mark Kirk (R-IL) met today in Durbin's Washington office to discuss ways in which they will work together on Illinois priorities in the 112th Congress. "Senator-elect Kirk and I had a very constructive discussion about the challenges that face Illinois in the years ahead," said Durbin. "Though we may disagree on some issues, we agreed that there is much common ground when it comes to Illinois. Our … Continue Reading
November 18, 2010
Durbin Chairs Hearing on Ratification of Women's Rights Treaty
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) chaired a hearing today on U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW is the only international treaty to focus solely on the rights of women and it addresses issues such as violence against women, sex trafficking, the right to vote and equal access to education. Today's hearing was the first ever Judiciary Committee hearing on whether to ratify a … Continue Reading
November 18, 2010
Durbin: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves US Marshal Nominee in Central District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, unanimously approved Kenneth Bohac to serve as U.S. Marshal in the Central District of Illinois. His nomination will now proceed to a vote by the full Senate. "Through many years of service to Illinois and his country, Kenneth Bohac has established a reputation for responsibility and professionalism in the law enforcement community," said Durbin. "It was an … Continue Reading
November 17, 2010
Durbin: White House Nominates Darrow to Fill Federal Judgeship in Central District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that President Obama has nominated Sara Darrow to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois created by Judge Joe Billy McDade's decision to take senior status. "Sara Darrow is an outstanding candidate to serve as a federal judge in Peoria," said Durbin. "Her dedication to public service and her experience as a state and federal prosecutor and in private practice will serve her well … Continue Reading
November 17, 2010
Durbin Congratulates Stan "The Man" Musial on Presidential Medal of Freedom
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today offered his heartfelt congratulations to Baseball Hall of Famer Stan "The Man" Musial for being chosen by President Obama to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Musial, widely recognized as one of the greatest baseball players in history, dedicated 22 years to the game of baseball, served in the Navy during World War II and has dedicated the rest of his life to public service and the St. Louis community. "As a young kid in … Continue Reading
November 16, 2010
Durbin Re-Elected to Senate Assistant Majority Leader Post
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) was today re-elected to the Senate's second highest ranking leadership post -- Assistant Majority Leader, also known as Majority Whip. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) was elected as Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was elected as Vice Chair of the Democratic Conference and Patty Murray (D-WA) was elected Democratic Conference Secretary in today's balloting. "I am honored that my Senate colleagues have again entrusted me with this responsibility," … Continue Reading
November 16, 2010
Durbin Statement on Announcement of Six Illinois Communities Eligible to Host FutureGen 2.0
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after learning that the competition to host the storage site for FutureGen 2.0 has moved into the next phase after six Illinois communities - City of Quincy, Christian County, Douglas County, City of Tuscola, Morgan County, Pike County and City of Vandalia - submitted full proposals to the FutureGen Alliance. The storage site will receive and store carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an upgraded power … Continue Reading
November 16, 2010
Durbin Statement on Agreement Between Florida Tomato Workers and the Florida Tomato Industry
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin released the following statement today after the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (FTGE) reached an agreement ending a long-lasting stalemate. "Under the agreement reached today, Florida's tomato workers will be given their first wage increase in 30 years. And going forward, the growers will abide by a strict and transparent code of conduct ensuring that workers be treated fairly … Continue Reading