Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Foreign Policy
Durbin Urges Congress To Finally Pass A Sanctions Bill Against Russia
WASHINGTON - As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his assaults against Ukraine, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues to pass the Sanctioning Russia Act in an effort to increase pressure on Putin. “Over the weekend we witnessed yet another brutal Russian onslaught against Ukraine, a scene brazenly repeated after overtures made to Russian President Putin to … Continue Reading
October 23, 2025
Durbin, Rick Scott, Shaheen, Cruz, Gallego, Bennet Introduce Resolution Honoring Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, María Corina Machado
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a resolution honoring Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado. Durbin and Shaheen spoke to Machado last week. “Ms. Machado is a worthy recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her steadfast and courageous fight for … Continue Reading
October 16, 2025
Durbin Praises Ceasefire Deal In Middle East, Calls On Congress To Pass Sanctions Bill Against Russia
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza. In his remarks, Durbin acknowledged that the return of hostages and halt to the fighting are only the first steps in bringing long-term stability to the region, and he called upon President Trump and the United States’ regional allies to continue pushing for an end to the conflict. “Over the long weekend, the world saw what is hopefully … Continue Reading
October 16, 2025
Durbin Highlights Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, María Corina Machado
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor honoring Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado. Yesterday, Durbin along with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met virtually with Ms. Machado. “Last week, we learned that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado had won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. She did so for her steadfast and courageous fight for democracy … Continue Reading
September 30, 2025
Durbin Meets With Lithuanian Ambassador To The U.S.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today met with the new Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S., Gediminas Varvuolis, to discuss the increase in Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, as well as the need to maintain allied support for Ukraine and NATO. The meeting comes amid increased Russian incursions into NATO airspace and an ongoing campaign of sabotage and arson in Europe. “My mother’s family came from … Continue Reading
September 29, 2025
Durbin, Schiff, Cassidy, McGovern Urge Tunisian President To Release Sonia Dahmani
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), today sent a letter to President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied to request the release of Sonia Dahmani. “We write regarding the troubling case of Sonia Dahmani, a Tunisian lawyer and political commentator currently serving nearly five years in prison for her peaceful expression of speech,” the lawmakers … Continue Reading
September 17, 2025
Durbin, Tillis Lead Resolution Calling For The Release Of Azerbaijani Anti-Corruption Activist Dr. Gubad Ibadghlu
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a bipartisan calling for the release of Azerbaijani economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu’s well-being and release; denounces the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression in Azerbaijan; and supports efforts at a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It also notes that Azerbaijan’s … Continue Reading
September 17, 2025
Durbin Joins Gallego In Urging Trump Administration To Continue Baltic Security Initiative
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) to send a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticizing recent suggestions that the Trump Administration plans to terminate longstanding U.S. security assistance programs in Europe, including the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI) and Section 333 funding. Concerns that such a decision … Continue Reading
September 17, 2025
Durbin Delivers Floor Speech On Russia's Continued Incursions Into NATO Airspace, Condemns Trump For Russian Appeasement
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Caucus, delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning Russia for its continued drone incursions into NATO airspace and urging strong support for NATO allies in the face of increased Russian aggression. During his remarks, Durbin chastised President Donald Trump for his appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to condemn such Russian provocations and reaffirm NATO’s … Continue Reading
September 11, 2025
Durbin Speaks With Polish Chargé To Discuss Recent Russian Drone Incursions Into Poland
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke by phone with the Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy, Bogdan Klich, to discuss Russia’s provocative incursion into Polish airspace over the last few days and weeks, creating a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine that marks the first time NATO planes engaged enemy targets in alliance airspace. “Repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones are a fair warning that Vladimir Putin is testing our resolve to … Continue Reading
September 10, 2025
Durbin Delivers Floor Speech On Russian Drone Incursions Into Poland, Violating NATO Member Airspace
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning Russia for violating NATO airspace with multiple Russian drone incursions into Poland. It was the first time in the history of NATO that alliance fighters had engaged enemy targets in allied airspace. During his remarks, Durbin also chastised the Pentagon’s reported … Continue Reading
September 05, 2025
Durbin Announces NDAA Amendment To Protect The Baltic Security Initiative
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, introduced a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 to shore up support for his Baltic Security Initiative as the Trump Administration aims to suspend the program. “The Baltic nations are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values and transatlantic security. As the Trump Administration plans to suspend the Baltic Security Initiative, … Continue Reading
September 04, 2025
Durbin Releases Statement On Trump Administration Suspending Baltic Security Initiative
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration suspending the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI): “The Baltic nations are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values and transatlantic security. By suspending the Baltic Security Initiative, President Trump is turning his back on our longstanding NATO allies, stripping them of the resources needed … Continue Reading
July 31, 2025
Durbin, Coons, Schiff Introduce Resolution Recognizing Decaded-Long Human Rights Abuses In Eritrea
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) today introduced a resolution recognizing decades-long human rights abuses in Eritrea, including indefinite imprisonment, inhumane prison conditions, and expressing support for the rights and freedom of the Eritrean people. “The Eritrean people have endured widespread human rights abuses for decades, without freedom of the press, free speech, or functioning democratic … Continue Reading
July 31, 2025
On The Senate Floor, Durbin Urges The Release Of Political Prisoners In The UAE, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, & Guatemala
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the plight of political prisoners in four nations and called for their immediate and unconditional release. These political prisoners have been outspoken in their support for democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, and basic freedoms. During his remarks, Durbin reflected on past American voices in the fight for democracy, including President Reagan who told the Soviets at the … Continue Reading
July 30, 2025
Durbin Votes To Block Arms Sales To Israel Amid Starvation In Gaza
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after voting to block arms sales to Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: “The terrorist attack of October 7 was truly horrific and the Hamas terrorist group, which is dedicated to the destruction of Israel, should be eliminated. I have previously voted for military assistance to Israel throughout my congressional career to protect it from the threats which it faces daily. “But … Continue Reading
July 28, 2025
Durbin Speaks Out On Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza, Calls On Netanyahu To Allow Aid Into Gaza
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as reports detail dire food shortages and increased violence at food distribution sites. Last week, more than 100 NGOs, including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam, reiterated the severity of the crisis, warning that mass starvation is spreading across Gaza. “Quite simply, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza … Continue Reading
May 07, 2025
Durbin, Shaheen, Wicker Meet With Belarusian Opposition Leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) yesterday met with Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss efforts to bring democracy to her country. In 2020, Tsikhanouskaya likely won the disputed election against Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko after filling in for her … Continue Reading
April 09, 2025
Durbin: The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Should Be Resumed And The Hostage Returned Immediately
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor on the importance of ending the war in Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis. During his remarks, Durbin reiterated the need to resume the ceasefire and return the hostages immediately. “I am proud of the fact that President Harry Truman was the first president to recognize Israel’s right to exist, and I certainly concur with that sentiment to this day. The creation of the state of Israel after … Continue Reading
March 21, 2025
Durbin, Klobuchar, Grassley, Colleagues Press Administration On U.S. Support For Recovering Abducted Ukrainian Children
CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, along with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. In a letter to Secretary Marco Rubio, … Continue Reading