Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Justice and Civil Rights in the 112th Congress
Durbin: Senate Confirms Myerscough and Shadid to Fill Federal Judgeships in Central District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Senate has unanimously approved Sue Myerscough and James Shadid for federal judgeships on the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois. Prior to the vote, Durbin spoke in favor of the two nominees on the Senate floor. "This day has come not a moment too soon for the Central District of Illinois," said Durbin. "Since last August, the Central District of Illinois has had only one federal district … Continue Reading
March 01, 2011
Illinois Lawmakers Introduce House and Senate Resolutions Condemning Iran's Continued Persecution of Baha'i Minority
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (R-Ill.) and U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) today introduced bipartisan resolutions in the House and Senate calling attention to the continued plight of Baha'is in Iran. Baha'is comprise the largest religious minority in Iran, where the Baha'i religion was founded in the 19th century. According to the 2010 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report, "Since the 1979 … Continue Reading
February 17, 2011
Durbin on 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. "Three of the four … Continue Reading
February 14, 2011
Durbin to Chair New Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights Subcommittee
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement today after Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) announced the creation of the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights Subcommittee and named Durbin as its Chairman: "Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt reminds us that many will risk their lives for the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. As Chairman of this subcommittee, I will do my best to honor the Constitution … Continue Reading
February 03, 2011
Durbin Named to Holocaust Memorial Council
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) has been named to the Holocaust Memorial Council, the board of trustees for United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington. "It is a great honor to serve on the Holocaust Memorial Council," Durbin said. "The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is not only a place for remembering the millions of people who lost their lives to the Holocaust, it is also a place to teach a new generation about … Continue Reading
January 07, 2011
Durbin Announces Bipartisan Screening Committee for Federal Judges in the Northern District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today announced the formation of a bipartisan screening committee to assist in selecting Federal District Court Judges for the Northern District of Illinois. There are currently three vacant judgeships in the Northern District, and the immediate task of the screening committee is to review applications and make recommendations to Durbin for filling current and future vacancies. The screening committee will be comprised of 10 distinguished … Continue Reading
January 05, 2011
Durbin: White House Nominates Myerscough, Shadid and Darrow to Fill Federal Judgeships in Central District
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that President Obama has nominated Appellate Court Justice Sue Myerscough, Judge James Shadid and Sara Darrow to fill three vacancies on the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois. All three were nominated by President Obama last year, but did not complete the Senate confirmation process before the end of the 111th Congress. "All three of the President's nominees are excellent candidates for federal … Continue Reading