Press Releases
Durbin, Waters Introduce CLASS Act to Give Student Defrauded by For-Profit Colleges Their Day in Court
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) today reintroduced bicameral legislation designed to strengthen students’ ability to hold for-profit colleges accountable in court for their misconduct. The Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act would enhance accountability for for-profit colleges and safeguard taxpayer dollars by prohibiting an institution of higher education from receiving Title IV federal student aid if … Continue Reading
October 23, 2023
Durbin Leads Colleagues in Letter to DOL Urging the Department to Hold Companies Accountable for Violating Child Labor Laws
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 11 Senate colleagues in a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su urging the Department to continue holding companies accountable for violations of child labor laws. The letter follows a New York Times Magazine article that raised serious concerns about the influx of unaccompanied noncitizen children that are working long hours in dangerous conditions. In the letter, … Continue Reading
October 23, 2023
Durbin Leads Colleagues in Letter to DOL Urging the Department to Hold Companies Accountable for Violating Child Labor Laws
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 11 Senate colleagues in a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su urging the Department to continue holding companies accountable for violations of child labor laws. The letter follows a New York Times Magazine article that raised serious concerns about the influx of unaccompanied noncitizen children that are working long hours in dangerous conditions. In the letter, … Continue Reading
October 20, 2023
Durbin, Duckworth Join Baldwin, House Members to Introduce Legislation to Lower Cost of Community and Tech College
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced bicameral legislation with Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-03) to make two-year technical and community college accessible to more Americans by waiving tuition foreligible students. “Community colleges provide a springboard forstudents who wish to continue their education and a … Continue Reading
October 19, 2023
Durbin Statement on President Biden's Address to the Nation
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office on the United States’ response to the wars in Israel and Ukraine: “Thank you, Mr. President, for reminding America that we have a singular role in the world fighting against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like the infamous war criminal, Vladimir Putin. “We are fortunate to have a President who knows the lessons of history and is … Continue Reading
October 18, 2023
Durbin Releases Statement for the Record for Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee Hearing on Immigration Courts
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released a statement for the record for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety hearing entitled “Preserving Due Process and the Rule of Law: Examining the Status of Our Nation’s Immigration Courts.” Key Quotes: “Our immigration courts are essential to a functional and orderly immigration system, but they are in desperate need of reform and … Continue Reading
October 18, 2023
Durbin, Duckworth, Ernst, Booker, Colleagues Urge President Biden To Do Everything in His Power to Rescue American Hostages
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), led 45 colleagues in urging President Biden to continue putting his full attention on the freeing of American hostages that were taken by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s October 7th attacks on Israel and supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We appreciate that you have sent the … Continue Reading
October 17, 2023
Durbin Welcomes Senator Butler to the Senate Judiciary Committee
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement welcoming U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) to the Senate Judiciary Committee after it was announced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that she will serve on the Committee for the remainder of the 118th Congress: “It is an honor to welcome Senator Butler to the Senate Judiciary Committee. She brings new ideas and a unique experience in public … Continue Reading
October 17, 2023
Durbin Statement on Settlement Agreement for Families Separated at the U.S.-Mexico Border by the Trump Administration
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding the settlement agreement in the Ms. L vs. Immigration and Customs Enforcement class action lawsuit: “Today’s announcement is a win for the hundreds of families who endured severe trauma due to the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane family separation policy—a policy that went directly against the values of this nation. The prior … Continue Reading
October 17, 2023
Durbin Releases Statement for the Record for Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Name, Image, And Likeness, And the Future of College Sports
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released a statement for the record for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Name, Image, and Likeness, and the Future of College Sports.” Today’s hearing will examine different federal name, image, and likeness (NIL) legislative proposals and seek to establish what is truly in the best interests of college athletes. Key Quotes: “College sports is a big business that generates … Continue Reading
October 16, 2023
As Winter Approaches, Durbin, Duckworth Join Bipartisan Letter Urging Biden Administration To Help Reduce Energy Costs
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined a group of 26 lawmakers, led by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), in sending a bipartisan letter calling on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take additional steps to reduce energy costs for Americans through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally … Continue Reading
October 13, 2023
Durbin, Duckworth, Foster Announce Up to $1 Billion for Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen's Production And Distribution Hub
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today announced up to $1 billion in federal funding for the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s (MachH2) regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub (H2Hub) through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA). In May, Durbin and Foster led a … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
DURBIN, DUCKWORTH, MEMBERS OF ILLINOIS DELEGATION URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO PROVIDE ILLINOIS WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO RECEIVE ASYLUM SEEKERS
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today led members of the Illinois Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to provide Illinois and the City of Chicago with the necessary resources to receive asylum seekers in a safe and orderly fashion. In the letter, the lawmakers call for government-wide provision of resources, streamlining work … Continue Reading
October 11, 2023
ICYMI: ESPN: NCAA President, Big Ten Commissioner to Testify at Senate Judiciary Hearing on Name, Image, And Likeness Rights
WASHINGTON - In case you missed it, ESPN highlighted yesterday’s announcement that the Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding a full committee hearing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights in college sports on Tuesday, October 17th at 10:00 AM ET. This hearing will examine different federal NIL legislative proposals, seek to establish what is truly in the best interests of students participating in college athletics, and feature testimony from NCAA President Charlie Baker and Big Ten … Continue Reading
October 10, 2023
ICYMI: DURBIN, WELCH, OSSOFF, BOOKER, AND HIRONO LEAD 18 OF THEIR COLLEAGUES IN LETTER TO SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE LEADERS URGING CORRECTIONS TO PROPOSED FEDERAL DEFENDERS’ FUNDING
WASHINGTON - In case you missed it, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) on Friday in leading 18 of their Senate colleagues, including every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat, in a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders emphasizing the importance of correcting a shortfall in the … Continue Reading
October 10, 2023
Durbin Undergoes Knee Replacement Surgery At Rush Oak Brook
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today underwent a successful total knee replacement surgery for his left knee. The procedure was performed this morning at RUSH in Oak Brook, Illinois. Durbin will remain in Illinois until he is cleared for travel to Washington by his doctor. “As a result of my unremarkable high school football career, it was determined that I needed a full knee replacement for my left knee. I’m grateful to the medical staff at RUSH for today’s … Continue Reading
October 09, 2023
Durbin Statement on Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel: “Over the last 48 hours, my staff and I have received regular, direct updates from the White House on the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. We have also been in touch with constituents who have family in Israel, helping provide the latest information on how to connect with our embassy in Israel. The scale and viciousness of the … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Durbin Meets with Leaders from Chicago's Ukrainian-American Community
CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met with leaders from Chicago’s Ukrainian community to discuss the United States’ continued support for Ukraine, including the urgent need to pass additional funding to aid Ukraine after the 45-day bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government failed to do so, which he spoke about on the Senate floor earlier this week. “Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has inflicted immeasurable suffering on … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Durbin Joins UAW Picket Line at Ford Assembly Plant in Chicago
CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today showed his support for striking United Auto Workers (UAW) by joining them on the picket line at the FordAssembly Plant. This follows a visit Durbin made to the UAW picket line at General Motors in Bolingbrook, Illinois, last week. “For weeks, the men and women of UAW have stood shoulder to shoulder, united in their pursuit of fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security,” said Durbin. “They have endured long hours, harsh weather, and … Continue Reading
October 05, 2023
Durbin Meets with Fareway Stores CEO to Discuss Swipe Fees
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with Reynolds Cramer, CEO of Fareway Stores, to discuss the impact of credit card swipe fees. Earlier this year, Durbin and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) introduced their Credit Card Competition Act, bipartisan legislation that would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly. The legislation is … Continue Reading