{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-fda-policy-change-to-blood-donor-deferral-policy", "Quigley Statement on FDA Policy Change to Blood Donor Deferral Policy for MSM", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHICAGO  Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) policy change of the blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM) from lifetime ban to one-year deferral:  \n\t  \n\t\"Today's official policy change by the FDA on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) from a lifetime ban to one-year deferral is disappointing. A time-based deferral focusing solely on men who have sex with men is still discriminatory and fails to exclude donors based on actual risk factors. However, as the leader of the bipartisan, bicameral effort to reverse the FDA's discriminatory policy, I remain encouraged by this ongoing conversation to change the outdated policy. I will continue to fight for a deferral policy based on behavioral risks, commensurate with the rest of the population and based on sound science, bringing equality for the LGBT community while still protecting the U.S. blood supply.\"  \n\t  \n\tThe previous lifetime ban on MSM donating blood was put in place during the rise of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, but is no longer scientifically justified with current blood screening technology. In 2010, the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA) found the ban to be suboptimal and asked for re-evaluation of this policy. In response to a letter from legislators in 2013, HHS indicated that the Department will finish deliberations on a policy change to the blood ban by the end of 2014.\nIn 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution opposing the current lifetime ban as discriminatory and not based on sound science. Instead, the AMA supports new donation deferral policies that are based on an individual's level of risk. The blood banking community, including the American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers, has also long-supported a change in policy.\nMost recently, Rep. Quigley led a bipartisan, bicameral push, urging HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell to reevaluate the current discriminatory, inconsistent blood, organ and tissue donation policies for MSM. Previously, he worked with then-Senator John Kerry to urge HHS to examine alternative blood donor deferral criteria and has long believed the policy should match modern science and reflect risky behavior rather than sexual orientation. He is a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and a tireless advocate for the LGBT community.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-praises-15-million-auschwitz-birkenau-foundation-pledge-authorized-", "REP. GUTIRREZ PRAISES $15 MILLION AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU FOUNDATION PLEDGE AUTHORIZED IN CROMNIBUS SPENDING MEASURE", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cRemembering is the only way to \u2018never forget,\u2019\u201d Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez says of delayed 2010 appropriation.\u00a0 \u201cIt should have happened a long time ago, but I am pleased it is happening now.\u201d \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Buried in the \u201cCromnibus\u201d budget bill (HR 83), Congressman Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL) scored a legislative victory by securing language to authorize payment of $15 million the Department of State pledged to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation almost five years ago (https://1.usa.gov/1w3uHk9).\nAt the urging of Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez and dozens of other Congressional Representatives, the United States made a pledge to support the endowment of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, preserving the site of the Nazi death camp in Poland as a reminder to the world.\u00a0 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded in 2010 by pledging $15 million to the international effort and that money was appropriated by Congress and given to the State Department starting in 2010, but it was never transferred to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation endowment because State did not feel it had the necessary authorization from Congress to make a grant to an endowment that would then fund preservation for future generations.\u00a0\n\u201cThis month marks 70 years since the beginning of World War II,\u201d Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said in September 2009, when he first started urging Congress and the State Department to fund Auschwitz-Birkenau preservation (https://1.usa.gov/1z9tfnj).\u00a0 \u201cAnd while time is taking its toll on this rapidly deteriorating historic site, it has not diminished violent ideologies of anti-Semitism and racism that still run rampant today.\u201d\nRep. Guti\u00e9rrez was part of a delegation that visited the Auschwitz camp in August 2009 and wrote the President (LINK) and Secretary of State (LINK) urging them to prioritize funding for the international remembrance effort.\u00a0\n\u201cThe only way we can work toward the eradication of these painful and dangerous mentalities is to preserve, remember and teach others about the atrocities of the past. The United States must be a leader in the fight against hatred and bigotry by safeguarding an honest record of history, so that future generations may learn from it,\u201d Guti\u00e9rrez said at the September 17, 2009, Capitol Hill press conference he called to release the letter to Secretary Clinton signed by 45 of his colleagues (https://1.usa.gov/1z9tfnj).\nTwenty-eight nations pledged $160 million to the effort, but as of this year, the United States was the only country not to have actually made good on its pledge.\u00a0 Until now.\nQuietly and mostly behind the scenes, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez met with Members of Congress in leadership and with the committees of jurisdiction, asking them to insert the necessary language to authorize the funds and therefore empower the State Department to transfer the money.\u00a0 This included a sign-on letter to the House Appropriations Committee in 2014 signed 44 Republicans and Democrats (LINK) and an appeal was made directly to then-Majority Leader Eric Cantor, also in 2014 (LINK).\n\u201cThere was never any ill-will or resistance to fully fund Secretary Clinton\u2019s 2010 pledge,\u201d Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said.\u00a0 \u201cBut there were bureaucratic and political roadblocks that delayed the process.\u00a0 Congress has been funding the government from emergency to emergency to emergency with these short-term Continuing Resolutions to avoid government shutdowns, not budgeting to enact sensible or forward-looking policies\u2013 or addressing bureaucratic blockages like the $15 million pledge to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. \u00a0It is a byproduct of the partisan bickering and the hardline approach of the conservatives who run this place.\u00a0 So good policies \u2013 even funding that everyone agrees is a good idea \u2013 gets sidetracked.\u201d\nThe \u201cCromnibus\u201d bill that passed the House on December 11, 2014, was called a \u201cCromnibus\u201d because it combined an \u201cOmnibus\u201d bill funding almost all of the government through the end of the Fiscal Year (September 30, 2015) with a \u201cContinuing Resolution\u201d or \u201cCR,\u201d to fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels only through February 27, 2015.\u00a0 The Republican majority, prodded by the contingent that strongly opposes immigration \u2013 and especially the President\u2019s recently announced executive actions on immigration \u2013 insisted that Homeland Security be treated separately and temporarily.\u00a0 It was for this reason -- along with a few other last minute policy changes \u2013 that Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez opposed (https://1.usa.gov/1wnLcg1) the \u201cCromnibus\u201d bill and voted against its passage.\n\u201cI don\u2019t think Republicans should play games with national security just to make the anti-immigration wing of the GOP happy, but Members of Congress face these challenges all the time,\u201d Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said.\u00a0 \u201cI had to vote against the bill even though it finally fixed the Auschwitz-Birkenau preservation funding issue and I am relieved that the money will finally reach its destination.\u00a0 It should have happened a long time ago, but I am pleased it is happening now.\u201d\nThe U.S. funds pledged to the endowment for Auschwitz-Birkenau are expected to be transferred in early 2015, hopefully in time for the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp that will be commemorated on January 27, 2015.\n\u201cWhen I visited Poland and the Auschwitz-Birkenau site in 2009, I was deeply moved and it was clear that this location, where so much brutal history and inhumanity took place, must be preserved for everyone to see and feel,\u201d Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said.\u00a0 \u201cThe site cannot be allowed to disappear because it should be seared into the consciousness and conscience of every generation.\u00a0 It is more than a memorial to millions of innocent lives.\u00a0 It is a touchstone for avoiding genocide, injustice, and war.\u00a0 Remembering is the only way to \u2018never forget.\u2019\u201d\nRep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.\u00a0 He has temporarily given up his seniority on the House Committee on Financial Services in order to serve on Judiciary.\n\u00a0\nBackground Materials and Links\n\u00a0\nPress Release: Guti\u00e9rrez Calls on President, Secretary of State to Step-Up U.S. Participation in Holocaust Remembrance\nAug 13, 2009 - Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nhttps://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/Guti%C3%A9rrez-calls-president-secretary-state-step-us-participation-holocaust-remembrance\nLetter from 45 Members of Congress to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton\nSeptember 16, 2009\u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nLINK\nLetter from 45 Members of Congress to President Barack Obama\nSeptember 16, 2009\u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nLINK\nPress Release: 45 Members of Congress to Call on Secretary of State to Step-Up U.S. Participation in Holocaust Remembrance\nSep 16, 2009 \u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nhttps://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/45-members-congress-call-secretary-state-step-us-participation-holocaust-remembrance\nPress Release: U.S. State Department's $15 Million Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation in Poland Helps Make \"Never Again\" A Reality\nAugust 11, 2010 \u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nhttps://Guti\u00e9rrez.house.gov/press-release/us-state-departments-15-million-contribution-auschwitz-birkenau-foundation-poland\nChicago Sun-Times: Guti\u00e9rrez, Quigley, Schakowsky to mark Auschwitz-Birkenau grant at Illinois Holocaust Museum ceremony\nAugust 10, 2010 \u2013 Lynn Sweet\nhttps://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2010/08/Guti\u00e9rrez_quigley_schakowsky_t.html\nJewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles: Congressman pledges to end delay to U.S. gift for Auschwitz-Birkenau preservation\nDecember 26, 2013 - by Jonah Lowenfeld\nhttps://www.jewishjournal.com/bloggish/item/congressman_pledges_to_end_delay_to_u.s._gift_for_auschwitz_birkenau_preser\nLetter from Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez to Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Not Previously Released)\nJanuary 24, 2014\u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nLINK\nBipartisan Letter from Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez and 43 House Members to House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs requesting inclusion of authorizing language in FY15 appropriations bill (Not Previously Released)\nApril 4, 2014 \u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nLINK\nOrange County Register: Rep. Issa joins effort to fulfill $15 million pledge to Auschwitz\nJanuary 31, 2014 \u2013 by Matthew Fleming\nhttps://www.ocregister.com/articles/issa-599818-million-birkenau.html\nPress Release: Rep. Gutierrez Urges Colleagues to Vote Against Spending Measure\nDecember 11, 2014 \u2013 Office of Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\nhttps://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-urges-colleagues-vote-against-spending-measure\nAuthorizing language for U.S. contribution to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation for preservation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp\nSec. 7034 (e)(2) of H.R. 83 \u2013 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015:\n(2) Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0and related programs under the heading ``Economic Support\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fund'' may be made available as a contribution to establish and\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0maintain memorial sites of genocide, subject to the regular\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-delivers-bradley-university-commencement-address", "Congresswoman Kelly Delivers Bradley University Commencement Address", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nearly 40 years after her own graduation from Bradley University, Congresswoman Robin Kelly returned to her alma mater on Saturday as keynote speaker at the school\u2019s winter commencement ceremony.\u00a0\nKelly encouraged the more than 300 graduates to consider careers in public service as a way of improving the lives of others and \u201cleaving the world better than they found it.\u201d Speaking of an early job at a day care center that laid the foundation for her future success, Kelly also encouraged the graduates to take pride in every job, big or small, because they teach skills that may unexpectedly come in handy later in life.\n\u201cWhat I thought was a dead end job was really more of an on-ramp to a career path that eventually led me to Congress,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s important to do your very best in everything you do\u2014because you never know where that little job will lead you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-helps-bring-in-142-million-in-assistance-for", "CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY HELPS BRING IN $14.2 MILLION IN ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTITUENTS, COMMUNITIES", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that a total of $14.2 million in federal grants were awarded in 2014 to municipalities, public safety departments, health and housing agencies and schools within the 2nd Congressional District.\nA total of 53 grants were awarded and provided funding for a variety of community needs, including purchasing critical equipment and training for local firefighters, expanding health and housing services, making street improvements and supporting physical education and arts programs.\n\u201cThe ultimate beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of the 2nd District,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cI will continue to be pro-active in notifying municipalities, schools and community-based organizations about potential grant opportunities and supporting applications for worthy programs and services.\u201d\nFor more information about grant opportunities, visit Rep. Kelly\u2019s website at www.robinkelly.house.gov and search under the category \u201cResources.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democratic-leaders-urge-fda-action-call-for-state-attorneys-general-to-classify-e-cigarettes-under-the-master-settlement-agreement", "Democratic Leaders Urge FDA Action, Call For State Attorneys General To Classify E-Cigarettes Under The Master Settlement Agreement", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.14\n\t\t\t Democratic Leaders Urge FDA Action, Call For State Attorneys General To Classify E-Cigarettes Under The Master Settlement Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Representative Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), and Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent letters to 29 State Attorneys General applauding their ongoing efforts to press the FDA to use its enforcement discretion to prevent e-cigarette manufacturers from targeting teens. The members also called on the Attorneys General to classify e-cigarettes as cigarettes under the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) to prevent e-cigarette makers from marketing their products in ways that are appealing to youth.\r\nThe members wrote: We have admiration for your efforts to protect children from the dangers of tobacco. We want to work with you to strengthen FDA's resolve. At the same time, we hope you will consider taking this much-needed step in the ongoing battle against tobacco products. The MSA gives you a powerful tool to stop e-cigarette makers from targeting youth, and we urge you to consider using it.\r\nEarlier this year, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan was one of 29 Attorneys General to submit comments to the FDA urging the agency to strengthen its proposed regulations of electronic cigarettes to better protect children and young adults from nicotine addiction. More information is available here.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\r\nDecember 19, 2014\r\nDear Attorney General:\r\n This week, three new studies were released that documented the soaring use of electronic cigarettes by America's youth. One study showed that for the first time, more teens used e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes or any other tobacco products.[1] The two other studies indicate that more than one quarter of high school students in Connecticut and Hawaii have used e-cigarettes.[2] These findings are particularly concerning because e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, and because e-cigarette use may be a gateway to cigarette smoking, reversing the long-term decline in smoking over the past few decades.[3]\r\n The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a proposed rule that would bring e-cigarettes under its jurisdiction.[4] We applaud you and the 28 other Attorneys General who submitted comments to FDA setting forth your support for the proposal, as well as your belief that it should be strengthened in key ways, such as by prohibiting characterizing flavors in newly deemed tobacco products.[5] We share your views and those of the other co-signers and have urged FDA to use its enforcement discretion to make the final rule more protective of children.[6]\r\n We hope you will continue to press FDA to act quickly and forcefully. At the same time, we urge you to consider taking action at the state level. Specifically, we believe you could take a significant step in the battle against tobacco use by classifying e-cigarettes as cigarettes under the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the tobacco companies. That is why we are writing to you and the 28 other attorneys general who signed the August 8, 2014, letter to FDA. \r\n\r\n This action would have an immediate and much needed impact because it would stop the e-cigarette makers from marketing their products in ways that are appealing to kids. Bringing e-cigarettes under the MSA would not remove them from the market or make them unavailable to adults who may see them as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. But it would bar the manufacturers from targeting youth, using cartoons and youth-oriented sponsorships to promote their products, and advertising on outdoor billboards.\r\n\r\nBackground\r\n\r\n New evidence continues to show an emerging epidemic of e-cigarette use by children. According to the University of Michigan study, 9% of eighth graders reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, but only 4% had used a traditional cigarette; 16% of tenth graders reported using an e-cigarette, while only 7% had used a traditional cigarette; and 17% of twelfth graders had reported using an e-cigarette, while just 14% reported using a traditional cigarette.[7] Two other studies released this week revealed that 25% of high school students in Connecticut and 29% of teens in Hawaii had used e-cigarettes.[8] The authors of one of these studies said e-cigarette use is growing exponentially among kids, doubling every year since 2009.[9] \r\n\r\n One of the primary causes of the rising use of e-cigarettes by children is the lack of effective regulation. E-cigarettes are subject to none of the restrictions on advertising and marketing that apply to conventional cigarettes. E-cigarette makers are advertising their products on TV and radio. They are using cartoon imagery, sports sponsorships, and candy flavors. Their print advertisements feature celebrities and sex appeal. In fact, as we wrote FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg in August, E-cigarette companies are employing the same tactics used by big tobacco decades ago: showcasing glamorous celebrities, creating cool cartoons, and pushing their brands through sexy television and print advertisements.[10]\r\n\r\nWe support FDA's proposal to deem e-cigarettes to be tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.[11]We share your view that the proposal should be strengthened before it is finalized to more effectively curb the youth targeting by e-cigarette makers.[12] But the FDA process has been a lengthy one and it could be months before FDA finalizes the proposed rule. That is why we are writing to urge you to consider using your authority under the MSA to take immediate action against the efforts of e-cigarette companies to target children.\r\n\r\nE-Cigarettes and the Master Settlement Agreement\r\n\r\n We believe e-cigarettes meet all the criteria for the definition of cigarette (and tobacco product) in the Master Settlement Agreement. Indeed, the MSA contemplated that novel products -- like e-cigarettes -- would later meet the definition of cigarette. Inclusion of these products in the definition of cigarette is consistent with the MSA's overarching goal of protecting America's youth from the harms of tobacco use.\r\n\r\n The MSA defines tobacco products as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.[13] In turn, cigarettes are defined as follows:\r\n\r\nany product that contains nicotine, is intended to be burned or heated under ordinary conditions of use, and consists of or contains (1) any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco; or (2) tobacco, in any form, that is functional in the product, which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette; or (3) any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in clause (1) of this definition.[14]\r\n\r\n We believe e-cigarettes meet this definition. They contain nicotine. They are heated under ordinary conditions of use. They contain  tobacco, in any form because their key ingredient is nicotine, which is produced from tobacco leaves. In fact, at least one of the leading e-cigarette brands bears a label which lists tobacco-derived nicotine as the first ingredient.[15] E-cigarettes are also likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette. Often, the whole e-cigarette experience is designed to resemble cigarette use through sales of e-cigarettes in packs (like traditional cigarettes), the vapor inhalation process replicating a traditional smoking experience, and the glow of the e-cigarette tip mimicking what happens when users take a drag of a combustible cigarette.[16]\r\n\r\n Classifying e-cigarettes as cigarettes under the MSA would have immediate benefits. A principal goal of the MSA is reducing underage tobacco use by discouraging such use and by preventing [y]outh access to [t]obacco [p]roducts.[17] Tobacco companies subject to the MSA are prohibited from taking any action directly or indirectly, to target [y]outh  in the advertising, promotion or marketing of [t]obacco [p]roducts, or take any action the primary purpose of which is to initiate, maintain or increase the incidence of [y]outh smoking.[18] The MSA bans the use of cartoon images to advertise or promote tobacco products; prohibits brand-name sponsorship of youth-oriented events; restricts outdoor advertising of tobacco products; outlaws gifts without proof of age; and prohibits payments to promote tobacco products in movies and other forms of media.[19] \r\n\r\n We understand that there is a debate within the public health community about the value of e-cigarettes as an alternative to conventional cigarettes for adult smokers. But no one should be in favor of the use of these products by children. By taking action to apply the MSA to e-cigarettes, you could make a giant stride in protecting kids from a lifelong addiction to nicotine.\r\n\r\nConclusion\r\n\r\n Members of Congress first raised the idea of action under the MSA in a letter to the Attorneys General of their states earlier this year.[20] We believe the new studies add urgency to the need for action and so are writing you today.\r\n\r\n We have admiration for your efforts to protect children from the dangers of tobacco. We want to work with you to strengthen FDA's resolve. At the same time, we hope you will consider taking this much-needed step in the ongoing battle against tobacco products. The MSA gives you a powerful tool to stop e-cigarette makers from targeting youth, and we urge you to consider using it.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRep. Henry A. Waxman\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Dick Durbin\r\n\r\n\r\nRep. Frank Pallone, Jr.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n\r\n [1] University of Michigan, E-Cigarettes Surpass Tobacco Cigarettes Among Teens (Dec. 16, 2014) (online at http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pressreleases/14cigpr.pdf).\r\n\r\n\r\n [2] USA Today, Two Studies Find Big Jump in Teen Use of E-Cigarettes (Dec. 15, 2014) (online at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/15/electronic-cigarettes-teens/20314561/).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n [4] Department of Health and Human Services, Deeming Tobacco Products To Be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as Amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act; Regulations on the Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products and Required Warning Statements for Tobacco Products, 79 Fed. Reg. 23142, 23176 (Apr. 25, 2014) (proposed rule).\r\n\r\n\r\n [5] Letter from 29 State Attorneys General to FDA (Aug. 8, 2014) (online at http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/fdaletter20140808.pdf).\r\n\r\n\r\n [6] Letter from thirteen Members of Congress to Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (August 4, 2014) (online at: http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?q=news/members-of-congress-more-and-more-children-being-exposed-to-e-cigarette-marketing-are-picking-u); Letter from Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. Diana DeGette, and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. to Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (Aug. 8, 2014) (online at: http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Hamburg-Deeming-Rule-Comments-2014-8-8.pdf).\r\n\r\n\r\n [7] University of Michigan, E-Cigarettes Surpass Tobacco Cigarettes Among Teens (Dec. 16, 2014) (online at: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pressreleases/14cigpr.pdf).\r\n\r\n\r\n [8] USA Today, Two Studies Find Big Jump in Teen Use of E-Cigarettes (Dec. 15, 2014) (online at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/15/electronic-cigarettes-teens/20314561/).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n [10] Letter from thirteen Members of Congress to Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (August 4, 2014) (online at: http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?q=news/members-of-congress-more-and-more-children-being-exposed-to-e-cigarette-marketing-are-picking-u).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[13] Master Settlement Agreement (1998) (online at http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/tobacco/1msa.pdf?).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n [15] New York Times, Dire Warnings by Big Tobacco on E-Smoking (Sept. 28, 2014) (online at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/29/business/dire-warnings-by-big-tobacco-on-e-smoking-.html?_r=1).\r\n\r\n\r\n[16] blu, How it Works (online at www.blucigs.com/how-it-works-starter-pack) (accessed Jan. 12, 2014); K. Tate, Vaping: How E-cigs Work (Infographic), Life Science (Nov. 14, 2013) (online at www.livescience.com/41211-how-electronic-cigarettes-work-infographic.html).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n [20] Letter from Rep. Waxman, Sen. Harkin, and Rep. Welch to Attorneys General Harris, Miller, and Sorrell (Feb. 12, 2014) (online at http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Harris-Miller-Sorrell-Master-Settlement-Agreement-Tobacco-2014-2-12.pdf).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-to-health-secretary-more-needs-to-be-done-to-address-heroin-epidemic", "Durbin, Reed To Health Secretary: More Needs To Be Done To Address Heroin Epidemic", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.14\n\t\t\t Durbin, Reed To Health Secretary: More Needs To Be Done To Address Heroin Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t National comprehensive plan to reduce overdose deaths should include increased resources for life-saving drugs and follow up care\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)and Jack Reed (D-RI) led a group of twenty-one Senators today in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize programs that reduce heroin and other opioid overdose deaths in its national strategy to curb prescription drug abuse. In a letter to Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the Senators urged the Department to coordinate with the White House to ensure that opioid abuse prevention priorities continue to be reflected in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy and the Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal. Today's letter also highlighted the need for expanded access to overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to substance abuse treatment services and other follow-up care.\r\nDespite the life-saving capabilities of naloxone, its use in overdose prevention is not widespread, wrote the Senators. A comprehensive plan for reducing overdose deaths should include adequate financial assistance for state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to purchase and distribute naloxone to first responders, law enforcement officials, medical facilities, and trained and qualified members of at-risk individuals' communities. We know that expanding naloxone access to a broader population can reverse drug overdoses and save lives, particularly when accompanied by education and training in overdose prevention and naloxone use. \r\n\r\nToday's letter was signed by: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), U.S. Senator Bernard Sanders (D-VT), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN), U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\nNaloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers, if it is administered in a timely way. Naloxone has no side effects or potential for abuse, and is widely recognized as an important tool to help prevent drug overdose deaths. However, many communities struggle to get naloxone to those on the front lines who need it most. Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and other states have been leaders in implementing programs that distribute naloxone and other similarly effective drugs to law enforcement, first responders, providers, nonprofit organizations, family, and friends.\r\nEarlier this year, Durbin and Reed were joined by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ed Markey (D-MA) in introducing the Overdose Prevention Act, which would expand access to naloxone, as well as drug overdose prevention programs that have been proven to save lives. The Overdose Prevention Act aims to decrease the rate of drug overdose deaths by improving access to naloxone, supporting overdose prevention programs, enhancing surveillance of overdose occurrences, and establishing a coordinated federal plan of action to address the epidemic.\r\nDurbin, joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL), introduced legislation to reauthorize the National All-Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) program, which provides grants to states to maintain, improve, and expand their prescription drug monitoring programs. Prescription narcotic drugs are the number one cause of overdoses in the United States with more than 22,000 reported deaths due to prescription drug related overdoses in 2012. The program was originally signed into law in 2005. In Illinois, the number of drug overdose deaths, the majority of which are from prescription drugs, increased by nearly 50 percent between 1999 and 2010.\r\nThe full text of today's letter is available below.\r\nDecember 22, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, DC 20201\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Burwell:\r\n\r\nWe commend the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its commitment to develop a multi-pronged national strategy aimed at preventing opioid abuse. Given our shared concern about the growing rate of overdose deaths associated with heroin and prescription painkillers, we urge HHS to ensure that overdose prevention, specifically through the use of naloxone and other similarly effective drugs, figures prominently in the department's strategy. We also ask that the department coordinate with the White House to ensure that opioid abuse prevention priorities continue to be reflected in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy, as well as the Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal. We look forward to a strong focus on overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to substance abuse treatment services and other follow-up care.\r\n\r\nDespite the life-saving capabilities of naloxone, its use in overdose prevention is not widespread. A comprehensive plan for reducing overdose deaths should include adequate financial assistance for state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to purchase and distribute naloxone to first responders, law enforcement officials, medical facilities, and trained and qualified members of at-risk individuals' communities. We know that expanding naloxone access to a broader population can reverse drug overdoses and save lives, particularly when accompanied by education and training in overdose prevention and naloxone use.\r\n\r\nWe also encourage HHS to expand surveillance and data collection around opioid abuse and best practices in the field. In addition to focusing on preventing prescription drug misuse, abuse, and diversion, the national strategy HHS is developing should also explicitly focus on gaining a better understanding of how local efforts  and federal programs and policies  can prevent these unnecessary opioid overdose deaths and it is our hope that the FY2016 budget will support these efforts.\r\n\r\nThe plan should also include innovative ways to integrate naloxone into the health care delivery system. For example, HHS could establish best practices for co-prescribing naloxone with opioids for high-risk populations and ensure Medicaid coverage for all forms of naloxone. Another component of the plan should address recent price increases for commonly used formulations of naloxone by seeking to secure stable and affordable supplies of the drug.\r\n\r\nMoreover, HHS should implement measures that connect overdose survivors and others in need of treatment with broader systems of care. While demand for services has grown dramatically, provider shortages, coverage barriers, and affordability prevent many from getting treatment. Initial reforms could include removing government restrictions that prevent drug treatment centers with more than 16 beds from billing Medicaid for services provided to beneficiaries, issuing guidance to payers regarding policies for lengths of stay and treatment intensity at substance abuse treatment facilities, and addressing policies that limit healthcare professionals from treating patients in need of medication assisted therapies for addiction. While the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures higher levels of coverage for these services, the law does not provide details on duration or intensity of treatment, resulting in variable and insufficient treatment policies across payers.\r\n\r\nToo many Americans have been lost to opioid overdose. We look forward to your leadership in developing a strategy that provides resources to improve overdose education, naloxone distribution, and substance abuse treatment services. We appreciate your consideration of these proposals and look forward to your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/aurora-forum-examines-fight-to-stop-heroin-use", "Beacon-News: Aurora forum examines fight to stop heroin use", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heroin abuse, and the deaths that have happened in Kane County because of it, have made for major headlines in the Fox Valley over the past few years.\nOn Wednesday, a group of local leaders got together to talk about how the fight against heroin is going, and what can be done to finally win the battle against the addictive drug.\nThe group which met at the Aurora Public Library\u2019s Eola Road branch included U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville),\u00a0 Kane County Coroner Rob Russell, Kane County Health Department Executive Director Barbara Jeffers and two very special guests \u2014 fathers whose sons died from heroin overdoses.\nAs a former Fermilab physicist, Foster said he gravitates to the analysis of statistics, but it is the stories of heroin-related deaths that have put the issue front and center with him.\n\u201cI am a scientist so when I see the statistics are increasing and hear of the situations from constituents we know it is an area that needs action,\u201d Foster said.\nOne important change that is happening in the fight against heroin is an understanding of the nature of the addiction itself, he said.\nFoster said he\u2019s already begun to sense through his work that people are starting to believe that drug addiction is a \u201cmedical condition\u201d and not a \u201cmoral failure.\u201d\nAnother difference maker involves naxolone, a drug which can work to reverse heroin and some other drug overdoses, if administered in time. Because of that, a push has been made to make the drug available to police officers and others who respond to emergency calls of a drug overdose.\nTo help in that effort, Jeffers launched a \u201ctrain the trainer\u201d program in July to equip law enforcement officials in Kane County with naxolone.\nShe said at least one life has been saved in the county thanks to the drug.\n\u201cCollectively more than 350 officers have been trained,\u201d Jeffers said.\nFoster said, though, that it is important to build on that effort to save more lives. He said there already has been a dramatic effect by getting the drug in the hands of police officers, but if family members aware of a loved one\u2019s addiction had access to the drug, it could further help save lives.\nHe said a major concern is that some young people are beginning to abuse drugs early, and at home.\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret one of the main pathways to heroin addiction is through prescription drugs,\u201d he said.\nFoster said he\u2019s heard of start-up companies developing electronic pill dispensers with a connection to a smart phone that would require a patient speak with a nurse practitioner for the pill to be released.\n\u201cIt could be tremendous for at-risk patients and potentially be at low-cost,\u201d he said.\nThe fight against heroin is an ongoing battle, according to Russell.\nRussell said heroin-related deaths in Kane County dropped from 27 in 2012 to 22 in 2013, but so far this year the incidents of drug-related deaths are on pace to be around the same as last year.\nHe said the coroner\u2019s office is now conducting autopsies on suspected drug deaths to establish the cause of death, assist law enforcement and provide some closure to families.\nInformation about the problem, and getting it out to the public, is key, according to forum participants.\nTim Ryan, of Naperville, a self-proclaimed recovering drug addict, said that his 21-year old son died four months ago from a heroin overdose. The public needs to know the extent of the heroin problem, he said.\n\u201cThe problem is we don\u2019t have (all) the data,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-james-r-burgess-jr-post-office-building-bill-signed-into-law", "Bipartisan James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building Bill Signed Into Law", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.14\n\t\t\t Bipartisan James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building Bill Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) today announced that President Obama has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 302 East Green Street in Champaign, Illinois, as the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building.\r\nNaming a post office in Champaign is a fitting tribute to Mr. Burgess' distinguished record of service, both as part of our nation's military overseas and right here in Central Illinois, Durbin said. I am proud to join my colleagues in completing the effort undertaken by Mr. Burgess' late son, Steve, to honor this longtime public servant and trailblazing Illinoisan. I look forward to joining the Burgess family and other members of the Urbana-Champaign community in celebrating at the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office very soon.\r\nJames Burgess' contributions to our nation and state will not be forgotten, Kirk said. As leader of the first African-American armored battalion in WWII, Champaign County State's Attorney, and as a U.S. Attorney, this post office is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service.\r\nThis day has been such a long time coming, and I am so incredibly happy for the late-Steve Burgess the entire Burgess family, said Davis. I have to thank my colleagues in the House and the Senate for working hard to ensure that this bill was passed and on the president's desk before the end of the year and the president for signing it so quickly. In the coming months, we'll celebrate the life of James R. Burgess Jr. at a ceremony at the post office with the entire Champaign-Urbana community. And while his son, Steve, won't be with us, he'll be smiling and beaming with pride knowing that the legacy of his father will live on forever.\r\nJames R. Burgess Jr. was born on December 19, 1915 in Algood, Tennessee and served more than twenty years in the Army, playing a critical role in a largely unknown part of American military history as a leader of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first African-American armored unit to enter battle in World War II.\r\nAt age twenty nine, Mr. Burgess was a First Lieutenant in command of one of the six companies who served under General George Patton in Europe. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army he had reached the rank of Major.\r\nSoon after leaving the service in 1962, Burgess moved his wife and two sons to Champaign so that he could attend law school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he graduated three years later as the only African-American in his class. He was elected Champaign County State's Attorney in 1972 and is still the only African-American to be elected county-wide in Champaign County. Later, he was appointed as a U.S. Attorney for a large section of downstate Illinois.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-join-in-support-of-scott-afb-to-house-critical-new-defense-facility", "Durbin, Kirk Join In Support Of Scott AFB To House Critical New Defense Facility", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.14\n\t\t\t Durbin, Kirk Join In Support Of Scott AFB To House Critical New Defense Facility \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined together today in sending the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) a letter in support of housing a new NGA facility at Scott Air Force Base.\r\nScott Air Force Base is a cost-effective location for the facility, and situated in an incredibly strong and supportive local community in downstate Illinois, the Senators wrote.\r\nThe Department of Defense named Scott Air Force Base as a finalist to house a new facility for the NGA in July. 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, and do not meet either force protection standards or seismic safety standards. The NGA will continue its current operations at a facility in Arnold, Missouri.\r\nFunding for environmental analysis of all six candidate sites for the new facility announced today was included in both the Fiscal Year 2014 and Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations bills, and in the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill approved by Congress last week. As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Durbin oversees funding for the military and intelligence community, the nation's national security requirements and the daily needs of over two million active duty and reserve service members. All told, the Subcommittee controls more than half of the nation's annual discretionary budget.\r\nSecretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James joined Durbin, Kirk, and other elected officials at a visit to Scott Air Force Base in April of this year.They toured Scott's Air Operations Center and the 126th Air Refueling Wing and met with civic and business leaders from nearby communities to discuss the strong local and regional support for the base. Also at Durbin's invitation, in March, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh visited Scott Air Force Base for a similar tour and series of meetings with officials.\r\nThe full text of today's letter is available below.\r\nDecember 19, 2014\r\nMr. Robert Cardillo\r\nDirector\r\nNational Geospatial-Intelligence Agency\r\n7500 GEOINT Drive\r\nSpringfield, VA 22150\r\nDear Director Cardillo:\r\n We write to express our support for Scott Air Force Base as a finalist for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's West Facilities Modernization, also known as NGA West.\r\nScott Air Force Base is a cost-effective location for the facility, and situated in an incredibly strong and supportive local community in downstate Illinois. Use of this land would place NGA West closer to many of its Air Force and U.S. Transportation Command partners. It would also permit NGA to take advantage of security savings by sharing the base's existing security features, while the region's workers enjoy rapid access from the new nearby Interstate 64 interchange.\r\n We appreciate your full consideration of Scott Air Force Base as the new location for NGA West.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-says-ecmcs-push-for-mandatory-arbitration-is-straight-from-for-profit-college-industry-playbook", "Durbin Says ECMC's Push For Mandatory Arbitration Is Straight From For-Profit College Industry Playbook", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Says ECMC's Push For Mandatory Arbitration Is Straight From For-Profit College Industry Playbook \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said that the Department of Education should not allow ECMC Group to include mandatory arbitration agreements in student enrollment documents. In his letter to ECMC, Durbin called the tactic alarmingly similar to those used by the for-profit college industry to shield themselves from being held responsible for wrongdoing while preventing students from receiving relief. His letter was also sent to Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the Illinois Board of Higher Education\r\nWhile a common tactic in the for-profit playbook, use of mandatory arbitration is almost unheard of at public and private, not-for-profit institutions. In addition some states, like my home state of Illinois, prohibit these types of agreements as a condition of receiving approval for some schools to operate in that state, said Durbin. If ECMC wants to truly be a not-for-profit institution of higher education, it should follow the clear model of non-profit education.\r\nText of today's letter is below:\r\n\r\nDecember 19, 2014\r\nMr. David Hawn\r\nPresident and CEO\r\nECMC Group\r\n1 Imation Place   Building 2   Oakdale, MN 55128\r\nDear Mr. Hawn:\r\nI write today about ECMC Group's potential acquisition of 56 Corinthian Colleges, Inc., campuses, including those in my home state of Illinois. Specifically, I am deeply concerned about ECMC's reported insistence on including mandatory arbitration agreements in student enrollment documents and ask you to drop that effort immediately.\r\n Since the collapse of Corinthian, I have been adamant with the Department of Education that the victims of that company not be thrown to the wolves again by allowing another for-profit company to acquire the campuses. While I have several other concerns about ECMC Group, I am pleased that it is a not-for-profit company, in name at least. I am concerned that as negotiations continue, ECMC is signaling that it intends to operate its new education subsidiary in a manner alarmingly similar to a for-profit institution, including through the use of that industry's hallmark  mandatory arbitration agreements.\r\n These clauses, often buried in stacks of enrollment documents, limit the ability of students to hold a school accountable in a court of law when the school's misconduct has caused the students harm. The clauses have largely shielded companies like Corinthian from being held responsible for wrongdoing and prevented students whose lives have been ruined by these schools from receiving relief.\r\nWhile a common tactic in the for-profit playbook, use of mandatory arbitration is almost unheard of at public and private, not-for-profit institutions. Robyn Smith of the National Consumer Law Center and noted expert in the field says, in my over 15 years of working on student loan issues, I have never seen an enrollment agreement from a non-profit higher education institution with an arbitration clause or class action ban. According to a recent letter to Secretary Arne Duncan, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Director Richard Cordray signed by nearly 50 education, labor, consumer, veteran, and law organizations, Nonprofit colleges do not require mandatory arbitration or ban class action lawsuits as a condition of enrollment. Other organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, Association of Community College Trustees, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, have also expressed how rarely, if ever, mandatory arbitration is used in enrollment by not-for-profit institutions.\r\nIn addition some states, like my home state of Illinois, prohibit these types of agreements as a condition of receiving approval for some schools to operate in that state. According to 23 Illinois Administrative Code 1095.40:\r\nNo school may enter into an enrollment agreement in which the student waives the right to assert against the school or any assignee any claim or defense he or she may have against the school arising under the agreement. Any provisions in an enrollment agreement in which the student agrees to such a waiver shall be rendered void.\r\nI will encourage the Illinois Board of Higher Education to aggressively enforce this and any other applicable law to protect students when considering any application ECMC may make to operate in Illinois.\r\nIf ECMC wants to truly be a not-for-profit institution of higher education, it should follow the clear model of non-profit education. But regardless of ECMC's profit status, you have said publicly that with this acquisition you want to help students. You can start by not denying students' rights to bring claims of wrongdoing before the courts. As such, I urge you to immediately drop any insistence on mandatory arbitration agreements in further negotiations over the Corinthian acquisition. This voluntary action would help regain the trust of students scarred by their Corinthian experience and help assure skeptical policymakers, like me, of your commitment to students.\r\n I look forward to your prompt reply.\r\n\r\n Sincerely,\r\n Richard J. Durbin\r\n United States Senator\r\ncc: Secretary Arne Duncan\r\n Illinois Board of Higher Education\r\n\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-hosts-2nd-district-business-roundtable-with-us-trade", "Congresswoman Kelly Hosts 2nd District Business Roundtable with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Wednesday at a roundtable with more than a dozen business leaders in the 2nd District to discuss international trade issues.\u00a0\nThe roundtable, which took place at the Hazel Crest headquarters of Mi-Jack Products, focused on U.S. trade agreements and helping Illinois businesses compete in the international marketplace. Representatives with Nucor Steel, Best Diamond Plastics, Whiting Corporation, Gelita, Solvay Inc., Avatar Corporation and Landauer were also present at the roundtable.\u00a0\n\u201cThe meeting was a unique opportunity for our local business community to have an audience with the Ambassador to air their international trade concerns,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cBusiness leaders were able to share their experiences in importing materials from overseas and offered input on future trade agreements with Europe and Asia.\u201d\u00a0\n\"It was great to join Congresswoman Kelly and local businesses and manufacturers in her district today to discuss President Obama's trade agenda,\u201d Ambassador Froman said. \u201cLast year, Illinois exported $66.1 billion of Made-in-America goods to the world, supporting 339,000 jobs. Our goal is to build on that success by removing trade barriers abroad so that local businesses can sell to the world. Our discussion today also focused on how the President's trade agenda helps level the playing field for American businesses and workers by setting higher labor and environment standards with our trading partners.\"\nThe Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is the agency responsible for developing and recommending trade policy to the President of the United States. Ambassador Froman negotiates directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, and meets with business groups, legislators and public interest groups to gather input on trade issues and to discuss the President's trade policy positions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-goes-undercover-with-bittersweet-pastry-shop", "Quigley Goes Undercover With Bittersweet Pastry Shop", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHICAGO  Yesterday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) worked alongside Bittersweet Pastry Shop employees to help them prepare holiday orders by working in the cookie decorating room, mixing cake batter, finishing cupcakes and serving customers as part of his Undercover Congressman series. The series connects Rep. Quigley with constituents at their place of employment to better understand the daily challenges they face in their industry and community.\nChicago has a reputation for being unfriendly to small businesses, said Rep. Quigley. A goal of my undercover congressman visits is to better understand what I can do in Washington to change this perception and to help small businesses grow. It is things like sugar and chocolate import prices and availability of public transportation for the employees that you don't think about, but has a real impact on the success of a small business. I appreciate Judy and all of the employees at Bittersweet for welcoming me in during their busiest time of year to learn about how their business operates.\nBittersweet Pastry Shop has been in business in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago for over 20 years. Rep. Quigley started his shift by helping decorate gingerbread man cookies, one of Bittersweet's most popular holiday treats. He then moved into the kitchen, where he helped employees decorate tarts and holiday cakes. Rep. Quigley learned about the dough making process by rolling and cutting cinnamon rolls and preparing ham and cheese croissants. He wrapped up his shift by venturing to the front of the shop to greet customers and help them pay for their orders.\nRep. Quigley learns about all the details that go into running a successful small business by Judy Contino, owner of Bittersweet Pastry Shop.\nRep. Quigley decorates gingerbread man cookies alongside Bittersweet Pastry Shop employees.\nCongressman Quigley has been stopping by Bittersweet for years now, always choosing our hot chocolate as his drink of choice, said Judy Contino, owner of Bittersweet Pastry. It was a pleasure having him on the other side of the counter this time, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare for the all of the holiday orders, and overall, how we operate a successful, small business in a competitive environment.\nSince taking office in 2009, Rep. Quigley has performed a wide range of jobs as an Undercover Congressman, including cleaning animal pens as a zookeeper at the Lincoln Park Zoo, packaging beer and cleaning tanks at Half Acre Brewery, pouring metal at a local metal refinery and delivering mail with the United States Post Office.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-us-cuba-diplomatic-relations", "Rush Statement on U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHICAGO \u2014 U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement pursuant to the announcement that the United States will resume normalized diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba:\n\u201cI applaud President Obama for his decision to begin the process of restoring full diplomatic relations with Cuba. This process has been a long time coming and I look forward to its successful completion.\n\u201cSince my most recent official visit to Cuba in April 2009, I have seen the vibrancy of the Cuban people and, by lifting this embargo, the United States will be in a better position to ensure their human rights are protected.\n\u201cBeginning in the 112th Congress, I have introduced legislation to normalize our relations with Cuba. As we prepare to convene the 114th Congress I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues to ensure that whatever legislative changes are necessary can be accomplished.\n\u201cI would also like to note the significance of the State Department review of Cuba\u2019s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. It has long been my belief that this designation should be removed and I applaud the President for helping bring this to fruition.\n\u201cEnsuring the maintenance of human rights in Cuba, as in the rest of the world, is of the utmost importance to me and, as I said before, the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba will not only simplify the maintenance of these standards on a bilateral basis but will allow us to work with our international partners to expand them.\n\u201cOnce again, I congratulate President Obama and the American and Cuban peoples on the blossoming of a new, stronger, relationship.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-release-of-alan-gross-normalization-of-relations-with-cuba", "Durbin Statement On The Release Of Alan Gross, Normalization Of Relations With Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On The Release Of Alan Gross, Normalization Of Relations With Cuba \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[JOINT BASE ANDREWS] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)released the following statement while en route to welcome home Alan Phillip Gross, an American aid worker imprisoned by the Castro regime in Cuba, and regarding President Barack Obama'sannouncement on the normalization of trade and travel relations with the Republic of Cuba:\r\nI'm overjoyed to welcome Alan Gross home after five long years in a Cuban prison. Alan's supposed crime was that he provided Cuba's small Jewish community with computer equipment to help them access the internet. I have pressed the Cuban government for years to release him. I and my staff visited him in prison in 2012 and again earlier this year.\r\nOpening the door with Cuba for trade, travel, and the exchange of ideas will create a force for positive change in Cuba that more than 50 years of our current policy of exclusion could not achieve.\r\nIn 2012, Durbin met with Alan Gross during his imprisonment in Cuba. A photo of their meeting is attached. Durbin also met repeatedly with Alan's family while he was in captivity.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-stb-stands-with-illinois-communities-extends-monitoring-period-of-canadian-national", "Durbin: STB Stands with Illinois Communities, Extends Monitoring Period of Canadian National", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t Durbin: STB Stands with Illinois Communities, Extends Monitoring Period of Canadian National \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Surface Transportation Board (STB)has extended the oversight period for the Canadian National (CN) Railroad by two years until January 23, 2017. Durbin has made numerous calls for the STB to extend its oversight over the problematic rail company, most recently in a letter to the board this September. A copy of Durbin's letter to the STB is available here.\r\nIn 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB)placed CN under an unprecedented monitoring period to ensure the company fully complies with the promises it made when it acquired the EJ&E rail corridor.In that time, CN has been fined for failure to report blockages along the corridor.The current oversight period was set to expire this January 23 2015.\r\n\r\nCanadian National has claimed that track upgrades would decrease the number and duration of blocked crossings along its rail lines. Unfortunately, the experiences of thousands of suburban Chicagoans and the data  thousands of blocked rail crossing and lengthy delays  just don't support their claims, Durbin said. What the evidence of CN's performance does support is the Surface Transportation Board's decision today to extend its oversight of this rail company.\r\n\r\nIn August, Durbin convened meetings in Champaign and Chicago to discuss issues with CN's Illinois operations.In Champaign and Chicago meetings with STB Chairman Dan Elliott, Amtrak and local officials, Durbin called for renewed efforts to end rail service delays and long durations for blocked crossings. The Village of Barrington and City of Aurora in particular have been vigilant in promoting increased rail safety, especially for trains carrying crude oil and ethanol. These large unit trains, and other freight trains, are blocking crossings and increasing delays throughout the EJ&E corridor.\r\nDurbin also met with Carbondale officials to hear their concerns about Amtrak delays, caused largely by freight train interference along lines operated by CN. Canadian National has a long history of holding up Amtrak trains and holding back investments that could improve passenger and freight service in downstate Illinois. Persistent delays due largely to freight train interference have caused Amtrak trains on the Chicago-Champaign-Carbondale route to be delayed more than half the time.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-into-law-bipartisan-legislation-to-name-galesburg-va-clinic-after-lane-evans", "President Signs Into Law Bipartisan Legislation To Name Galesburg VA Clinic After Lane Evans", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t President Signs Into Law Bipartisan Legislation To Name Galesburg VA Clinic After Lane Evans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Will Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois' 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.]  Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation that will name the veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House by Bustos and in the Senate by Durbin and Kirk and was supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation.\r\nEvans  who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years  was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63.\r\nLane Evans, a proud Marine, was a special friends to veterans  not just in his district or in Illinois, but across the United States, said Durbin. By the end of his Congressional career, he had made a name for himself as their strongest champion. Naming the VA Clinic in Galesburg after Lane Evans name is the right thing to do. It will remind every veteran passing through the doorway that Lane Evans had them in his heart, and in his mind, every minute that he was in public service. Now that the President has signed this bill into law, I look forward to joining them, and walking through the doorway of the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic myself.\r\nFor 24 years, Lane Evans was a champion for our servicemen and women on the front lines and here at home, Kirk said. This Galesburg facility will serve as a reminder to Illinois veterans that Lane Evans worked tirelessly on their behalf to care for them and their families.\r\nWith this action by the President, Lane Evans's legacy of service is literally set in stone and his memory lives on in service to the veterans of Western and Central Illinois, said Bustos. I applaud the President for signing our bipartisan legislation into law and once again thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support in this important effort to honor Lane's advocacy on behalf of those who have worn the uniform of our country.\r\nA Rock Island native, Evans joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 17, just two weeks after he graduated from high school. When he returned home following his service, Evans used the GI Bill to earn a college degree, graduating magna cum laude from Augustana College in Rock Island before receiving a law degree from Georgetown.\r\nFirst elected to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District in 1982, Lane Evans went on to serve 12 terms before retiring in 2007. Evans was the first chairman of the Vietnam-era Veterans' Congressional Caucus and the first Vietnam-era veteran to serve as ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, a post he held for 10 years.\r\nIn his first term, Evans led the effort to create a pilot program establishing community-based veterans centers to help veterans with job and marriage counseling and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The program has since grown to include hundreds of veterans' centers around the country. His record on behalf of veterans earned him the praise and respect from veterans' service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.\r\nThe text of the legislation can be found here. The legislation passed the Senate on a unanimous basis on December 4, 2014 and the House on a unanimous basis on December 8, 2014.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=9f64441c-17a2-499b-ab77-31945b3d0977", "Alan Gross Arrives in the United States", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=17f18e7f-716d-4ea3-aded-5022c7e83e28", "Alan Gross Lands In The United States", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-new-chair-of-illinois-farm-service-agency", "Durbin Announces New Chair Of Illinois Farm Service Agency", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces New Chair Of Illinois Farm Service Agency \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has named Jill Appell of Altona, Illinois to be Chair of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Illinois State Committee. Ms. Appell farms in Knox County. Ms. Appell replaces Darell Sarff of Chandlerville, Illinois, a Central Illinois grain and vegetable farmer and a past board member of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Durbin first recommended both Ms. Appell and Mr. Sarff for appointment to the FSA Illinois State Committee in February 2009.\r\nJill Appell has served in a variety of roles representing Illinois' farming community, accumulating decades of experience in rural and agricultural issues, Durbin said. As Chair of the Illinois Farm Service Agency, Jill has big shoes to fill, and I commend Darell Sarff for his years of service at the helm of this committee. I am confident that Jill will shine in this new leadership position, and I look forward to our continued work together on both national and local agricultural issues.\r\nMs. Appell is currently a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, a position she has held since 2010, and the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade of Animals and Animal Products. She is also a past President of the National Pork Producers Council and the Illinois Pork Producers Association. In addition, she previously served as Illinois State Director for Rural Development for the USDA.\r\nThe Farm Service Agency aims to stabilize farm income, help farmers conserve land and water resources, provide credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and help farm operations recover from the effects of disaster. The Farm Service Agency uses a unique system under which federal farm programs are administered locally  a grassroots approach gives farmers a much-needed say in how Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-fda-to-act-as-teen-e-cigarette-use-surpasses-traditional-tobacco-products", "Durbin Calls On FDA To Act As Teen E-Cigarette Use Surpasses Traditional Tobacco Products", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Calls On FDA To Act As Teen E-Cigarette Use Surpasses Traditional Tobacco Products \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today in response to new data showing that more U.S. teenagers are using e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes:\r\nThanks to decades of strong federal regulations and effective public health efforts, like the CDC's recent Tips from Former Smokers campaign, youth tobacco use is finally on the decline. But these hard-won gains are at risk if we fail to address a gateway to tobacco addiction: e-cigarettes, Durbin said.\r\nWhile the FDA continues to drag its feet on finalizing commonsense regulations to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of e-cigarettes, more and more young people are getting hooked on this potentially deadly habit. Every day the FDA fails to move forward with federal regulation is another opportunity for Big Tobacco to peddle its newest product unchecked. The scientific evidence has never been clearer: strong regulatory action on e-cigarettes cannot wait.\r\nData showing teen use of e-cigarettes surpassing use of traditional cigarettes was released today as part of the Monitoring the Future survey, which has been conducted annually by researchers at the University of Michigan since 1975. Each year, 40,000 to 50,000 students are surveyed at about 400 secondary schools from across the country. Today's survey found that twice as many eight and tenth graders reporting using e-cigarettes as compared to traditional cigarettes. For example, among tenth graders, 16.2 percent reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, while only 7.2 percent reported using a traditional cigarette. Of primary concern is whether high levels of e-cigarette use will counteract gains from reductions in cigarette smoking. The survey found that across eight, tenth, and twelfth graders, the combined prevalence for smoking tobacco cigarettes was 8%, down from 28% in 1998. Additional information on the Monitoring the Future survey is available here.\r\nThese numbers are much higher than the latest statistics on e-cigarette use published in November by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the 2013 National Youth Tobacco Survey. That survey showed that 4.5 percent of high school students reported using e-cigarettes, a threefold increase in reported levels of use since 2011.\r\nThe August 2014 CDC report found that number of middle school and high school students in the United States who have tried e-cigarettes  but not traditional cigarettes  increased three-fold between 2011 and 2013, reaching more than 260,000 youth. Most troublingly, the report found that those youth who have used e-cigarettes are almost twice as likely to intend to smoke conventional cigarettes. Previous scientific studies have shown that intent to smoke cigarettes is a valid predictor of future tobacco use. Earlier that month, the World Health Organization also released a report calling for a ban on the use of e-cigarettes indoors, an end to flavored e-cigarettes, and immediate regulation of e-cigarette advertising aimed at youth.\r\nIn April 2014, the FDA proposed a rule that would expand the agency's regulatory authority to regulate e-cigarettes and other liquid nicotine delivery devices.The proposed rule fails to prohibit marketing to minors, the use of flavors, or online sales of e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices to minors. The FDA has not yet finalized these proposed regulations.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2446", "Reps. Lipinski and McCaul's Cybersecurity Enhancement Act Passes Congress", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Critical bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) that will increase the security of federal networks and information systems, improve the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, train a cybersecurity workforce, and coordinate and prioritize federal cybersecurity research and development efforts has passed through the Congress, and now awaits the President\u2019s signature.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cSince I first introduced this bill in 2010, cyber threats have gotten much worse,\u201d said Rep. Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cEvery day, we wake up to reports of more cyber attacks in this country and around the world.\u00a0 In the United States, these attacks have the potential to destroy our military and economic security.\u00a0 American workers have lost jobs and businesses have been damaged because of cyber espionage, and that\u2019s why it has been a priority of mine for years to get this bill onto the President\u2019s desk to help America thwart cyber attacks.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThis legislation will:\r\n\r\n\t\u2022 Improve coordination in government, providing for a strategic plan to assess cybersecurity risk and guide the overall direction of federal cyber research and development.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u2022 Update the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsibilities to develop security standards to harden our federal networks and processes for agencies to follow.\r\n\r\n\t\u2022 Recruit the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to work for federal, state, and local governments through a scholarships-for-service program.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u2022 Continue much-needed cybersecurity research and development programs at the National Science Foundation and NIST.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe first step in securing our cyber future is education, and by that, I mean everything from educating individuals, to companies, to the next generation of IT professionals,\u201d Rep. Lipinski said.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill works toward these goals by building on existing partnerships, such as the NSF-sponsored Center for System Security and Information Assurance at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois.\u00a0 This college in my district has trained hundreds of teachers and college faculty in cyber security related areas since 2003, individuals who are now teaching at community colleges and technical training programs nationwide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2452", "Reps. Lipinski and Roskam Succeed in Protecting Local Economy and Environment", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Peter Roskam (IL-6) have succeeded in blocking an attempt to add language to the annual federal spending bill \u2013 known this year as the \u201ccromnibus\u201d \u2013 that would have crippled the economically vital Illinois waterways system and put our environment at risk.\u00a0 Some members of the House had been working on including construction authorization for physical barriers that would restrict barge traffic at the Brandon Road Lock & Dam near Joliet and along the Chicago Area Waterways System.\u00a0 If approved, this would have had a disastrous impact on the current and future potential of the area waterways system, which currently moves 100 million tons of goods worth nearly $28 billion each year, and would have undermined the environmental reviews contained in the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act signed into law this year.\u00a0 But after Lipinski and Roskam led 15 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Speaker Boehner, the final language of the report accompanying the bill specifically forbids the installation of infrastructure that would effectively close the waterway \u2013 a process formally known as hydrologic separation that involves constructing physical barriers.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n\t\u201cThere is no question that we must continue to fight the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species,\u201d said Rep. Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately, some of our colleagues had proposed installing physical barriers that would have effectively closed the Illinois Waterways, and would have done so by circumventing congressional debate, proper project review, and the necessary environmental reviews for this project.\u00a0 Fortunately, House leadership responded to our concerns and included language that clearly states that the issue would need to be fully analyzed by the Corps of Engineers and that no funding has been provided in this bill for hydrologic separation.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n\t\u201cFunding is only provided for the continued construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric barrier system, which is what I have continued to fight for,\u201d continued Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cIt is clear that a full and proper review process is mandated by law, something that wasn\u2019t going to happen during this lame duck session of Congress.\u00a0 I will continue to work on protecting our region\u2019s waters from invasive species, while also fighting to preserve our local economic and environmental interests.\u00a0 Congress has an obligation to the environment and economy of our nation, and this proposal would have upturned decades of environmental law in the effort to implement a problematic solution to an issue that is being carefully considered and studied by experts.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn addition to Illinois, the bill would have also hurt the economies of Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and West Virginia by delaying shipments of coal, chemicals, and agricultural products from and to these states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2456", "Rep. Lipinski's Bill Requiring National Strategic Plan for Manufacturing Signed Into Law; Will Boost American Manufacturing and Jobs", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Lipinski\u2019s (IL-3) bipartisan legislation to boost domestic manufacturing and American jobs by requiring a National Strategic Plan for Manufacturing has been signed into law. \u00a0The bill requires that at least every four years the President work with public and private stakeholders to produce and publish a plan to promote American manufacturing.\u00a0 In addition, every year the President\u2019s budget blueprint will have to contain an explanation of how it promotes the most recent manufacturing strategy. \u00a0Lipinski\u2019s bill, which passed the House three times over the past five years, was included in legislation that passed both houses and was signed into law by the President last week.\u00a0 Sen. Mark Kirk (IL) had introduced the bill in the Senate and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) was the lead Republican co-sponsor in the House.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFrom my days growing up near Midway Airport, I have understood how important manufacturing is to good middle-class jobs, strong communities, and America\u2019s defense,\u201d said Rep. Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cSince I have been in Congress, I have been relentlessly working to bring Washington around to understanding this also, and to producing policies that promote American manufacturing.\u00a0 This bipartisan bill guarantees that Washington has to pay attention to what can be done to help manufacturers and workers.\u00a0 This law can make a real difference by leading to economic growth, increased American security, and more middle class jobs that pay hard-working Americans a family wage.\u00a0 I want to thank Mark Kirk for his leadership on this bill in the Senate and Adam Kinzinger for his help in the House.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe people of Illinois reflect the highest work ethic of the Midwest,\u201d said Senator Kirk.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s those men and women who keep me optimistic about the future of Illinois and the future of manufacturing as a pillar of the Illinois economy.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tBased on the Quadrennial Defense Review \u2013 the Pentagon's policy planning process \u2013 Lipinski\u2019s plan requires that every four years the President consults with manufacturing experts from the private and the public sectors to assess the state of American manufacturing and make recommendations for policies that will help grow American manufacturing.\u00a0 The factors that impact manufacturing that will be explored include technology transfer and commercialization activities; the adequacy of the national security base; the capabilities of the domestic manufacturing workforce; export opportunities and trade policies; financing, investment, and taxation policies and practices; emerging technologies and markets; manufacturing research and development undertaken by competing nations; and the capabilities of the manufacturing workforce of competing nations.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis a big victory for a sector of our economy that over the years has provided so many high quality jobs in my district, in our region, and across the nation, but has taken many hits over the past couple of decades, especially during the recent recession,\u201d said Rep Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cWhile manufacturing is by-and-large a private, market endeavor, few can disagree that government policy impacts manufacturing in countless ways. \u00a0It is essential that the U.S. join many of our competitors in assessing these policies in a comprehensive, coordinated approach.\u00a0 Manufacturing is the linchpin of our economy and the foundation of our middle class, and I promise to continue working to see that manufacturing in this country is strengthened and provided with the tools necessary to thrive.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislators-call-on-hhs-to-end-discriminatory-blood-ban-donation-policy", "Legislators Call on HHS to End Discriminatory Blood Ban Donation Policy, Implement Risk-Based Policies", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), led a letter with 75 of their congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell to replace the outdated and discriminatory lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) with a policy based on individual risk factors. The legislators expressed deep concerns with the recent recommendations made by the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA). The full text of the letter is available here.\nUnder current regulations, MSM are banned from donating blood for life. AABB, the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the American Medical Association all agree that the ban is no longer scientifically justified. Last month, the ACBTSA voted to replace the lifetime deferral policy with a one-year deferral policy, contingent on the implementation of a blood safety surveillance system, while dismissing a risk-based policy. The legislators raised concerns about this proposal, writing, \"A one-year deferral policy, like a lifetime ban, is a categorical exclusion based solely on the sex of an individual's sexual partner - not his actual risk of carrying a transfusion-transmittable infection.\"\nThe legislators continued, \"The ACBTSA's proposed policy change would, in practice, leave that lifetime ban in place for the vast majority of MSM, even those who are healthy and low-risk. Both policies are discriminatory, and both approaches are unacceptable. Low-risk individuals who wish to donate blood and help to save lives should not be categorically excluded because of outdated stereotypes.\"\nThe legislators also urged HHS to consider the work of implementing an infection monitoring system separately from the MSM deferral policy. The legislators wrote, \"The ACBTSA's recommendation to hinge any change in the MSM blood donation policy to the establishment of a blood safety surveillance system is an arbitrary condition that will inevitably result in further unnecessary delays. To be clear, a comprehensive surveillance system for our blood supply is a critically important initiative to protect the blood supply from Hepatitis, HIV, and emerging diseases, and is long overdue...Years of HHS inaction on this issue is problematic, but so is the fact that ACBTSA has now suddenly chosen to make such a system a precondition of revising the donation policies specific to MSM.\"\nThe bicameral letter requests additional information from HHS regarding the timeline for reversing the lifetime deferral policy, actions being taken to work towards a risk-based deferral policy, and plans for implementing the long-overdue blood safety surveillance system. \nMost recently, Rep. Quigley led a bipartisan, bicameral push, urging HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell to reevaluate the current discriminatory, inconsistent blood, organ and tissue donation policies for MSM. Previously, he worked with then-Senator John Kerry to urge HHS to examine alternative blood donor deferral criteria and has long believed the policy should match modern science and reflect risky behavior rather than sexual orientation. He is a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and a tireless advocate for the LGBT community.\nRead the full letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-now-is-the-time-to-confirm-dr-vivek-murthy-as-surgeon-general", "Durbin: Now Is The Time To Confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy As Surgeon General", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC].  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) took to the Senate Floor today in support of the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General. Durbin praised Dr. Murthy for his dedication to fighting obesity, tobacco related diseases, and other chronic diseases that account for 7 out of the top 10 causes for death in America and make up for 84 percent of America's health care costs. Dr. Murthy's nomination is supported by over 100 public health and medical organizations including the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association.\r\nThis past year, Americans have battled public health crises on all fronts. Here at home, parents watched while a severe strain of enterovirus spread from state to state, threatening the lives of young children. Abroad, we still face the worst Ebola epidemic in history. With over 6,300 deaths, and many more diagnosed with this devastating disease, now, more than ever, Americans need a top doctor. Dr. Vivek Murthy is that doctor, Durbin said.\r\n\r\nI know that the Indian-American community is very proud of Dr. Murthy's accomplishments, as all of us should be. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this outstanding nominee to be our next Surgeon General. There's a lot of work to do, and I can think of no better doctor to do it.\r\nDurbin's full speech, as prepared for delivery can be found below.\r\nVideo of Durbin's speech is available here.\r\n\r\nAudio of Durbin's speech is available here.\r\n\r\nFootage of Durbin's full speech is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here.\r\nSurgeon General Nominee Dr. Vivek Murthy\r\nSenator Dick Durbin\r\nDecember 15, 2014\r\n\r\nThis past year, Americans have battled public health crises on all fronts.\r\nHere at home, parents watched while a severe strain of enterovirus spread from state to state, threatening the lives of young children.\r\nIllinois was one of the hardest hit. I heard from doctors across my state that the minute they discharged one child with respiratory symptoms from the emergency room, another one came in.\r\nAbroad, we still face the worst Ebola epidemic in history.\r\nWith over 6,300 deaths, and many more diagnosed with this devastating disease, now, more than ever, Americans need a top doctor.\r\nDr. Vivek Murthy is that doctor, and I am proud to vote for him as the next U.S. Surgeon General.\r\nI hope that you will do the same.\r\nDr. Murthy is an attending physician at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and an instructor at Harvard Medical School.\r\nPart of what's extraordinary about him is that as well as treating his patients individually, he also thinks about the systemic issues affecting the health of his patients and strives to tackle those too.\r\nHe is a leading voice in public health, publishing his research on the participation of women and minorities in cancer clinical trials in top journals including Science, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.\r\nDr. Murthy also co-founded and chairs Trial Networks, a software company that helps clinical researchers collaborate more effectively and efficiently with drug developers to speed up drug discovery.\r\nIn 2011, Murthy was appointed to the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health.\r\nOver 100 national, state and local public health organizations have endorsed Dr. Murthy's nomination, describing him as a well-qualified, forward-thinking and innovative leader with a strong commitment to public health.\r\nThe organizations that support Dr. Murthy's nomination include the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and many more.\r\nIn his confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee last February, Dr. Murthy stated that, if confirmed, he would prioritize his efforts on obesity and tobacco-related disease, and make prevention and health promotion the backbone of our communities.\r\nThis is something Dr. Murthy and I have in common.\r\nFor the past thirty years, I've fought to reduce youth smoking, implement programs to help people quit, and rein in the most insidious practices of the tobacco industry.\r\nMoreover, as co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I've become intimately familiar with the complexand arguably unjustway food is distributed and consumed with our countryleaving communities, including many in Illinois, simultaneously facing high levels of food insecurity and high rates of obesity.\r\nObesity and tobacco-related diseases are a part of a growing trend of chronic diseases that account for 7 out of the top 10 causes of death in America and make up 84 percent of America's health care costs.\r\nThis is unacceptable.\r\nI believe Dr. Murthy understands the importance of the national crises before him, and feel confident that his experiences, his training, and his tenacity have provided him the qualifications he needs to tackle these issues, and the many more he's sure to face, head-on.\r\nNot only is Dr. Murthy an outstanding doctor and public health expert, but he also remains closely connected to his community and family.\r\nDr. Murthy was born to parents who are originally from South India. He came to the United States when he was three years old and grew up in Miami, Florida.\r\nHe did pretty well at school- he was valedictorian of his high school, and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in just three years. He then got a combined medical and business degree from Yale.\r\nFrom a very early age, Dr. Murthy has focused on giving back.\r\nIn 1995, he co-founded Visions Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that conducts and supports HIV/AIDS education and empowerment programs in India. Until 2003, he served as its President, followed by Board chair.\r\nHe's a dedicated uncle and friend, consistently described by those who know him as humble, soft-spoken, and a tireless worker.\r\nI know that the Indian-American community is very proud of Dr. Murthy's accomplishments, as all of us should be.\r\nI hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this outstanding nominee to be our next Surgeon General.\r\nThere's a lot of work to do, and I can think of no better doctor to do it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-sponsored-ukraine-freedom-act-of-2014-heading-to-presidents-desk", "Durbin-Sponsored Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 Heading To President's Desk", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.14\n\t\t\t Durbin-Sponsored Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 Heading To President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Measure Includes Sanctions on Russia, Assistance for Ukraine\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [CHICAGO]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives have passed the Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014, legislation he co-sponsored that imposes additional sanctions against the Russian defense, energy and financial sectors and also authorizes military and non-military assistance to Ukraine. The measure now heads to President Obama's desk to be signed into law.\r\nCongress has come together to send a strong rebuke to Russian leaders for their interference in Ukraine, Durbin said. These sanctions build on President Obama's actions and the assistance to Ukraine included in the measure demonstrates the friendship between Ukraine and the United States.\r\nThe Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 supplements existing U.S. and European Union sanctions, with a focus on defense firms, energy providers and financial institutions. The bill also provides an additional $350 million in military assistance for Ukraine while designating Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova major non-NATO allies. The U.S Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Agency for International Development would be required to work with the Ukrainian government to develop plans on how to address an anticipated energy and gas shortage this winter.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Durbin voted in favor of the bill when it unanimously passed the committee earlier this year. More information on the Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 can be found here on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.\r\nIn March, Durbin helped lead a congressional delegation to Kiev for meetings with the interim Ukrainian government, Ukrainian political party leaders, democracy activists, civil society groups and U.S. embassy officials. Durbin previously traveled to Ukraine in 2012.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-durbin-corker-water-for-the-world-act", "Senate Passes Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.14\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill to improve access to clean drinking water without spending new money or creating new bureaucracy heads to President Obama for signature\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The Senate today unanimously passed The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), and cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ). The bill was passed earlier this month by the House of Representatives, where it is sponsored by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX).  \r\nInadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe, Durbin said. But this is no longer simply a global health and development issueit's a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Senate agreed unanimously and passed this legislation today and I hope the President will quickly sign it before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point.\r\nI'm pleased lawmakers from both chambers agree that investing in water can make the most of existing foreign aid resources. These programs bring life-saving water and sanitation to vulnerable people around the globe, helping to support improved health and stability in these communities, said Corker.\r\nNearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitationmany living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mortality, and economic growth.\r\nThe Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 made access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of the United States Foreign Assistance Program. The Act was named after the late Senator Paul Simon, who more than a decade ago wrote the book, Tapped Out, which warned of the world's looming clean water crisis.\r\nThe Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014 will make better use of existing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) funds, strengthen WASH programming, and ensure the greatest impact on communities worldwide, without spending new money or creating new bureaucracy.\r\nWith the goal of increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, the bill would:\r\n \r\nRatify the existing capacity in the U.S. government to ensure WASH remains a policy priority, and that expertise is available at USAID and State Department headquarters, and in country-level USAID missions, to guide implementation of effective and sustainable WASH programs;\r\n \r\n \r\nSharpen the criteria for choosing high-priority countries to ensure that limited funds are directed to the countries and communities most in need, recognizing evidence that the poorest people benefit most from receiving WASH services;\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease integration of WASH programs with other critical interventions, including child survival, global health, food security and nutrition, and gender equality, to increase their efficiency and impact;\r\n \r\n \r\nAdvance best practices of effective aid, such as improved monitoring and evaluation and a focus on leveraging non-Federal partnerships and funds;\r\n \r\nImprove the strategic approach to international safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and to water resource management, by providing guidance that builds on USAID's own Water and Development Strategy (May 2013), such as by requiring transparency in country priorities, the results of field programs, and regular reviews of progress using recognized metrics.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-priorities-included-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill-passed-by-congress", "Durbin Announces Priorities Included In Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Congress", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces Priorities Included In Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act of 2015 was passed by the Senate. The bill was passed by the House earlier this week and next heads to President Obama for his signature. \r\nI'm disappointed Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans felt compelled to give what amounts to a taxpayer handout to Wall Street just in time for the holidays, said Durbin. By attaching odious provisions that undo important financial reforms, Speaker Boehner gave us all a preview of the special treatment Republicans plan to give their special interest friends next year.Instead of allowing these 11th hour riders to sink a funding bill that otherwise reflected months of bipartisan negotiations, I voted today in favor of the dozens of job-creating Illinois projects this bill will fund.From important research at our national laboratories to highway construction projects throughout our state, this bill keeps America's economic growth on track.\r\nThe following projects, programs, and provisionslisted with the cities, towns or regions they primarily impactwill benefit Illinois:\r\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations\r\n\r\nDepartment of Transportation\r\n\r\n \r\nTIGER Grant Program, Statewide / Nationwide: $500 million in nationwide funding for the Transportation Infrastructure Grants and Economic Reinvestment (TIGER) grant program allows local communities to apply directly to the DOT for funding of nationally significant transportation projects. This program is especially helpful to communities engaged in multimodal projects that improve connections to different transportation networks. Several projects have been funded under the TIGER grant program in Illinois including: The Normal Multimodal Transportation Center, the Peoria Warehouse District, the CREATE project and the Tri-City Port in Madison County Illinois.\r\n \r\n \r\nAmtrak, Statewide / Nationwide: $1.4 billion in nationwide funding for Amtrak. By providing adequate funding to Amtrak, more than 500 communities in 46 states across the country will continue to see improved passenger rail service.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHighway Investments, Statewide / Nationwide: $40.3 billion in nationwide funding for the Federal Highway program. This funding is at the MAP-21 fully authorized level. Federal funding comprises over 50% of the funds included in the Illinois Department of Transportation's multi-year highway improvement program.\r\n \r\n \r\nTransit Investments, Statewide / Nationwide: $8.8 billion in nationwide funding for formula funded accounts. This funding is at the MAP-21 fully authorized level.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCore Capacity Program, Chicago / Nationwide: $120 million for a competitive grant program Senator Durbin created as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) which was signed into law in 2012. This program establishes a new category for capital investment projects by authorizing core capacity projects, like the planned rebuilding of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)'s Red and Purple Lines.\r\n \r\n \r\nAirport Investments, Statewide / Nationwide: $3.35 billion in nationwide funding for capital investments grants at airports around the country. Federal aid funding supports airport improvement projects around the state of Illinois including the O'Hare Modernization Program at O'Hare International Airport, noise mitigation measures at Midway International Airport, runway improvements at Chicago / Rockford International Airport and Quad City International Airport and safety improvements at Peoria International Airport.\r\n \r\n \r\nEssential Air Service, Marion / Decatur / Quincy / Nationwide: $261 million in nationwide funding for the Essential Air Service program which was established by Congress in 1978 to ensure communities with commercial air service before airline deregulation could continue scheduled flights. Without this program many rural communities would have no commercial air service at all, and residents of smaller cities would have to travel significant distances for flights. In Illinois, Marion, Decatur and Quincy will be able to continue in the Essential Air Service program under this appropriation level and under the reforms that were included in the FAA Reauthorization bill. All three Illinois communities have shown steady increases in ridership and subsequently, steady decreases in the subsidy levels over the past three years.\r\n \r\n \r\nFAA Contract Towers, Statewide / Nationwide: The omnibus fully funds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s contract tower program, and includes bill language that protects the program against cuts. Under a year-long continuing resolution, the contract tower program would be vulnerable. This past year, in order to live within the budget constraints of a full-year continuing resolution and sequestration, the FAA imposed drastic cuts to its contract tower program and tried to shut down 149 towers across the country. These cuts would have potentially shut down air traffic control towers at Bloomington-Normal, Marion and Carbondale and other airports.\r\n \r\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\r\n \r\nFair Housing Initiatives Program, Statewide / Nationwide: $40.1 million in nationwide funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program which aims to assist people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination. In 2013, six organizations and service centers in Illinois received funds to assist individuals and families facing housing discrimination.\r\n \r\n \r\nHomeless Assistance Grants, Statewide / Nationwide: $2.1 billion in nationwide funding to maintain services for those currently receiving homeless assistance and to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.\r\n \r\n \r\nHousing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, Statewide / Nationwide: $330 million in nationwide funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program which provides housing assistance and related supportive services to local units of government, States and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. In Fiscal Year 2014, Illinois communities received more than $11 million in HOPWA funds.\r\n \r\n \r\nCommunity Development Block Grant, Statewide / Nationwide: $3 billion in nationwide funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which provides annual grants to states and local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate income persons. CDBG funding is an important tool for helping local governments to tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The $150 million Illinois communities received in Fiscal Year 2014 went towards helping organizations like Skokie's Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center plan for a facility to provide social services to the homeless.\r\n \r\n \r\nHOME Program, Statewide / Nationwide: $900 million in nationwide funding for the HOME program which helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low-income and very low-income families by providing grants to state and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. In Fiscal Year 2014, Illinois communities received more than $43 million. The HOME program helped fund Chicago's first LGBT-friendly senior housing development, Town Hall Apartments, which opened in October 2014.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecurity for Public Housing Authorities, East St. Louis: Report language setting aside $23 million for emergency capital needs including safety and security measures necessary to address crime and drug-related activity at public housing authorities. The report language stresses the importance of using funds to protect housing authority residents. Durbin requested this language to ensure funding is available to housing authorities facing high rates of violent crime like the East St. Louis Housing Authority.\r\n \r\nEnergy and Water Appropriations\r\n\r\nArmy Corps of Engineers\r\n\r\n \r\nMetro East Levees, Metro East: Report language was included to establish third party oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers while they work to fix the portions of the Wood River Levee that have been negatively impacted by a design deficiency in the construction of the Melvin Price Dam.\r\n \r\n \r\nWood River Levee, Wood River: $50,000 in funding to continue design and potentially construction of levee improvements to provide the authorized level of protection it provides during a flood. The project is located in the Mississippi River floodplain of Madison County, upstream of the city of East St. Louis.\r\n \r\n \r\nEast St. Louis Levees, East St. Louis: $50,000 in funding for the design, construction and rehabilitation of levees that provide flood protection to 200,000 residents and over $1 billion in economic value.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalumet Harbor and River, Chicago: $2.523 million in funding for operations and maintenance of the Calumet Harbor breakwaters. Repairs to the navigation structures are critical for the safe towing of river barges between Calumet Harbor and three Indiana ports. An additional $200,000 was included for construction work at the Harbor.\r\n \r\n \r\nCarlyle Lake, Carlyle: $5.680 million in funding for operations and maintenance at Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois, with over 26,000 acres of water and 11,000 acres of public land. Funding is needed to provide flood control, water quality control, and water supply to nearby communities as well as recreation and fish and wildlife conservation. The lake was critical to maintaining water levels on the Mississippi River during recent historic low water events. This project is situated in Clinton, Fayette, Bond, and Marion Counties.\r\n \r\n \r\nChicago Harbor, Chicago: $2.675 million in funding for operation and maintenance of the Chicago Lock, used by commercial towboat and deep draft barges and well as government, passenger and recreational vessels.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nChicago Ship and Sanitary Canal Aquatic Nuisance Species Barrier System, Chicago: $29 million in funding to continue operation of the barrier system to eliminate invasive aquatic nuisance species such as the Asian carp and to continue construction of permanent barriers.\r\n \r\n \r\nFarm Creek Reservoirs, East Peoria: $370,000 in funding for continued operation of two dry reservoirs along tributary streams of the Illinois River. This system provides necessary flood control for East Peoria.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIllinois River Basin Restoration, Peoria: $400,000 in funding to continue planning and construction to restore and conserve the ecological integrity of the Illinois River, including the reduction of sediment delivery, restoring side channels and backwaters, restoring floodplain riparian and aquatic habitat and function, and improving water and sediment quality.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nInterbasin Control of Great Lakes-Mississippi River Aquatic Nuisance Species, Chicago: $500,000 in funding to continue a study, including consultations with appropriate Federal, State, local and non-governmental agencies, on the range of options and technologies to prevent the inter-basin transfer of aquatic nuisance species.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nKaskaskia River Navigation, Central Illinois: $1.988 million in funding to ensure operation of the lock and dam. This project serves navigation, recreation, fish and wildlife and habitat restoration functions.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nLake Shelbyville, Shelbyville: $5.658 million in funding to provide dam maintenance, flood control, water supply, recreation, conservation of fish and wildlife, and water quality control and augment navigation flows downstream on the Kaskaskia River.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nMcCook and Thornton Reservoirs, Chicago: $18.5 million in funding for continued construction of the McCook Reservoir in the Chicago Underflow Plan. This project benefits the City of Chicago and 36 suburban communities by reducing untreated sewage back flow into Lake Michigan and reducing basement flooding by protecting nearly 150,000 structures.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRend Lake, Rend Lake: $6.072 million in funding to provide flood control, water supply, recreation, conservation of fish and wildlife, and area redevelopment. This project is located near Benton, Illinois, in Franklin and Jefferson Counties.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nUpper Mississippi River Restoration, Western Illinois: $33.170 million in funding for continued ecosystem restoration along the Upper Mississippi River.\r\n \r\nDepartment of Energy\r\n\r\n \r\nBasic Energy Science, Argonne / Nationwide: $1.6 billion in nationwide funding for the Office of Science's Basic Energy Science account which is Argonne National Laboratory's largest single-source funding source, and accounts for approximately 40% of the lab's funding;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nEnergy Innovation Hub for Batteries and Energy Storage: $24.2 million for the Energy Innovation Hub for Batteries and Energy Storage. In November 2012, Argonne National Laboratory was selected to receive an award of up to $120 million over five years to create the Hub, also known as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), which is a partnership including University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and private firms and townships in Illinois. The project will establish Illinois as a leader in a multi-billion dollar, developing industry that has potential to stimulate substantial employment and economic growth.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAdvanced Scientific Computing Research: $541 million in funding for the Office of Science's Advanced Scientific Computing Research account, which supports Argonne's National Laboratory's supercomputer initiatives;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nLeadership Computing Facility: $80.3 million for the operations of Argonne's Leadership Computing Facility;\r\n \r\n \r\nExascale Computing Initiative: $141 million for the DOE's Exascale Computing Initiative. Durbin is a lead sponsor of the ExaSCALE Computing Leadership Act of 2013, which would speed the development of computers that are faster than 50 million laptops combined. The new technology would be useful in computation-intensive research areas such as physics, earth science, national security, biology, engineering, climate modeling, aerospace and energy.\r\n \r\n \r\nHigh Energy Physics: $766 million in funding for the Office of Science's High Energy Physics account which is the primary source of funding for Fermilab, and accounts for approximately 90 percent of the lab's funding;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nLong Baseline Neutrino Experiment: $22 million in funding is included for the Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment, a primary focus at Fermilab.Research in neutrinos represents the next frontier of particle physics.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Muon to Electron Experiment: $25 million in funding is included for the Muon to Electron Experiment which could result in the development of a revolutionary technology in the field.\r\n \r\n \r\nSuperconducting Radio-Frequency (SRF) Accelerator Research: $23 million is included to develop new technologies that will be used across the DOE national laboratory system to build more-powerful detection tools and instruments\r\n \r\n \r\nUranium & Thorium Cleanup, West Chicago: $10 million for the Department of Energy's Title X program, which pays contractors to clean up legacy defense sites across the country, including the site in West Chicago. The Committee has also included language that directs the Department of Energy to provide funding for the program in future budgets.\r\n \r\nMilitary Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations\r\n\r\nDepartment of the Army\r\n\r\n \r\nArmy Family Housing, Rock Island Arsenal: $19.5 million to construct 33 single family housing units at Rock Island Arsenal. These units will replace family housing units that have exceeded their useful and economic life. Without these new homes, service members relocating to the Arsenal would not be able to find adequate, affordable units within the housing market area.\r\n \r\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs \r\n\r\n \r\nCaregivers Initiative: $306 million to expand benefits and services for caregivers to include health care and mental health services, training adapted to the veterans' individual care needs, and a direct stipend payment. These initiatives are leading to retention of better trained and more qualified caregivers, thus enhancing long-term care provided to veterans. The Family Caregiver Program was created by a Durbin-authored provision in the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 which was enacted May 5, 2010 and directed the VA to begin providing caregiver support by January 30, 2011.\r\n \r\nLabor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations \r\n\r\nDepartment of Health and Human Services\r\n\r\n \r\nChildren's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education, Chicago / Nationwide: $265 million in nationwide funding to children's hospitals for residency programs that train the pediatric workforce. Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois has previously benefitted from this program.\r\n \r\n \r\nCommunity Health Centers, Statewide / Nationwide: $$1.492 billion for Community Health Centers, that when combined with mandatory funding included in the Affordable Care Act, results in a total of $5.092 billion in nationwide funding for the Community Health Centers grant program.\r\n \r\nDepartment of Education\r\n \r\nHead Start, Statewide / Nationwide: $8.6 billion in nationwide funding for Head Start to promote school readiness of children from low-income families. Of that funding, $500 million will be set aside to expand the Early Head Start program and for new discretionary grants for high quality infant and toddler care.\r\n \r\n \r\nImpact Aid, North Chicago / Nationwide: $1.3 billion in nationwide funding for Impact Aid, including $66.8 million for Federal property payments. This program provides assistance to school districts that have lost tax revenue due to tax-exempt federal properties or that experience increased expenditures due to the enrollment of federally connected children, such as those living on military installations. This funding is critical for school districts in Illinois such as the North Shore School District who enroll hundreds of children from nearby military installations.\r\n \r\n \r\nPell Grant, Statewide / Nationwide: With funding under the bill, the maximum Pell grant for 2014-2015 is estimated to be $5,830. That is an increase of $100 over the previous year. Pell Grants help keep college within reach for millions of low income students each year, including nearly 400,000 Illinois students in 2011-12.\r\n \r\nAgriculture Appropriations\r\nDepartment of Agriculture\r\n\r\n \r\nPlant Health, Tree and Wood Pests, Statewide / Nationwide: $54 million to help identify and contain wood-boring pests threatening tree health across the country, 19 of which have been detected in the past decade, including the Emerald Ash Borer. Included in the funding are resources to identify and contain Emerald Ash Borer infestations and to increase public awareness of the threat in Illinois and 14 other states.  \r\n \r\n\r\nFood and Drug Administration\r\n \r\nFood Safety Modernization Act Implementation, Nationwide: an increase of $27 million for implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. This funding increase will allow FDA to improve compliance and inspection programs and allow FDA to invest in tools to significantly cut the time it takes to respond to complex food safety issues. Senator Durbin's Food Safety Modernization Act was first introduced in 2008 and the bill was signed into law in January 2011. When the bill was introduced, 48 million Americans suffer from preventable foodborne illness each year. FDA is still in the process of implementing the improved requirements included in the bill.\r\n \r\nFinancial Services and General Government Appropriations \r\n \r\nConsumer Product Safety Commission, Nationwide: $123 million in nationwide funding for the nation's leading consumer protection watchdog in its work to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products. The bill also directs the Commission to ensure any future upholstered furniture flammability standard does not require or result in increased use of flame retardant chemicals. In 2012, the Commission released a study that indicates that flame retardant chemicals, as currently used in upholstered furniture foam, have no practical impact on flammability. In July 2012, Durbin chaired a hearing on the safety and effectiveness of flame retardant chemicals, following a Chicago Tribune four-part investigative report on flame retardant chemicals and furniture flammability standards which explored the role of Big Tobacco and their attempt to shift the focus from cigarettes as the cause of fire deaths. Chemical companies, which sought to preserve a lucrative market for their products, teamed with the tobacco industry and state fire marshals to steer policymakers away from developing fire-safe cigarette standards and toward rules requiring furniture flammability standards.\r\n \r\n\r\nCommerce, Justice and Science Appropriations\r\n\r\nDepartment of Justice \r\n\r\n \r\nThomson Prison: Includes the full amount of capital and operating needs to continue the opening of the prison. BOP given the funding necessary to allocate $43.7 million for equipment and staffing as well as $15 million for modernization and repairs for the building.\r\n \r\n \r\nPreventing Gun Violence, Chicago / Statewide / Nationwide: $1.1 billion, an increase of $53 million, in nationwide funding to enhance efforts to protect our communities from gun violence. This includes $798 million, an increase of $22 million, for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to enforce gun laws, trace crime guns, investigate illegal gun trafficking and keep schools safe. The bill also provides $142 million, an increase of $13 million, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to run instant criminal background checks for gun purchases; provides $73 million in grants for states to improve submission of criminal and mental health records to the background check database; and provides $75 million for a comprehensive school safety initiative to help schools conduct safety assessments. \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAddressing the Heroin Crisis, Statewide / Nationwide: $7 million for a new program within the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office for competitive grants to anti-heroin task forces.\r\n \r\nSecond Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Programs, Chicago / Statewide / Nationwide: $68 million for prisoner reentry programs pursuant to the Second Chance Act of 2007, in addition to$27.5 million for criminal justice reform and recidivism reduction efforts.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/academic-spotlight-naperville-north-senior-wins-app-contest", "Academic Spotlight: Naperville North senior wins app contest", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yasha Mostofi, a senior at Naperville North High School, was named the inaugural winner of the 11th Congressional District House App Challenge, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) academic competition.\n\u201cI think it\u2019s great that the House of Representatives is taking initiatives to promote STEM at the high school level,\u201d said Mostofi, 17. \u201cFurthermore, winning this contest, and participating in it, has helped me realize that computer science and programming are what I want to do in the future.\u201d\nEstablished by members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the nationwide contest allows high school students from across the country to compete with other students who reside in their congressional district. The challenge: to create and exhibit their software application, or \u201capp,\u201d for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.\nMostofi said he learned about the contest through Facebook, and was encouraged by his robotics mentor and computer science teacher at North, Geoffrey Schmit. His design, a scouting app, was not only the contest winner in the 11th Congressional District, but a helpful resource.\n\u201cI wrote the scouting app for our FIRST robotics team,\u201d Mostofi said. \u201cThe basic principle is that it allowed us to collect crucial data regarding other robots that we are competing against, so that when we are with or against them in a match, we can use the data we collected to create a strategy for that match.\u201d\nMostofi said the data included points scored, speed of robot, weight of robot, starting position of robot, and any failures that occurred during the match.\nCongressman Bill Foster paid a visit to Naperville North on Nov. 11 to personally congratulate him and present him with a certificate of excellence. In addition, his app will be featured on House.gov.\n\u201cThe House App Challenge was judged by three experts who scored each app on presentation, innovation, production quality, and coding and technical skills,\u201d Foster said. \u201cYasha\u2019s app not only showed off his programming ability, but also his ability to apply his knowledge to solve complex problems.\u201d\nFoster, a scientist and businessman, said he knows firsthand how valuable STEM skills are.\n\u201cI enjoyed math competitions when I was in high school, and when I was 19, my younger brother and I started a company that now makes most of the theater lighting equipment in the United States,\u201d Foster said.\nFoster said competitions like the House App Challenge are important for several reasons.\n\u201c(Competitions like this) help young people learn new STEM skills and get them excited about bringing their ideas to life,\u201d Foster said. \u201cAs we move increasingly towards a STEM-based economy, it is important that our students get the education and training they will need to succeed. Programs like this help get students excited about STEM fields and help them build the skills they will need for careers in the modern economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-to-avoid-costly-shutdown-fund-the-government-for-2015", "Foster Votes To Avoid Costly Shutdown, Fund The Government For 2015", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today Congressman Bill Foster voted for the FY 15 Omnibus Appropriations bill.\n\u201cWhile there were some provisions in this package that I do not support, I voted for the final bill because we cannot continue to govern from crisis to crisis,\u201d said Foster. \u201cI am pleased that this bill preserves most essential funding for scientific research and development, increases funding to combat Ebola, increases funding for the National Institutes of Health, and preserves funding for Head Start and other essential programs.\u201d\nThe bill includes level funding for the DOE Office of Science at $5.071 billion, 2.7 billion for emergency funding related to the Ebola outbreak, $30.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and 8.6 billion for Head Start.\n\u201cOne provision which I strongly oppose is the change in campaign finance law that will drastically increase the contribution limit to national parties. This is a dangerous step which will only deepen the partisan divide causing gridlock in Washington,\u201d added Foster.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-passes-foster-provision-to-save-argonne-millions", "House Passes Foster Provision To Save Argonne Millions", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today the House passed a provision, championed by Congressman Bill Foster, that would enable Argonne National Laboratory to save millions of dollars by finally removing on-site nuclear waste.\u00a0\n\u201cThis commonsense provision will save taxpayer dollars and allow Argonne to devote more funding to research and development,\u201d said Foster. \u201cResearch done at Argonne, and all of our national labs, is critical to maintaining our innovative edge in the global economy.\u201d\nToday the House passed the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which includes language that would enable Argonne to remove nuclear waste currently being housed on-site.\nEvery year, Argonne spends approximately $3.8 million to maintain and house nuclear waste. The language championed by Foster would instruct the Department of Energy to provide additional funding to sites with small amounts of nuclear waste, like Argonne, to allow them to properly dispose of such waste.\u00a0 Eliminating this waste would save Argonne $3.8 million every year, allowing them to better use the funds for other priorities, including research and staff.\nThe legislation will now advance to the Senate for a vote.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-urges-colleagues-vote-against-spending-measure", "REP. GUTIRREZ URGES COLLEAGUES TO VOTE AGAINST SPENDING MEASURE", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On GOP Approach to Border Security, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez says: \u201cIt is an absurd and dangerous stunt.\u201d\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL) called on his fellow Democrats to oppose the funding bill being considered in the House.\u00a0 The so-called \u201cCROmnibus\u201d that combines a Continuing Resolution (CR) and Omnibus spending bill funds most of the government through September 30, 2015 but only funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 27, 2015.\u00a0 Keeping DHS funding levels flat for now -- and ambiguous after February -- hampers the agency\u2019s ability to plan, expand, or modernize its activities.\nRep. Guti\u00e9rrez pointed to four specific reasons why he opposes the bill and is urging his colleagues to vote against it.\u00a0 1) The Department of Homeland Security is funded at last year\u2019s levels for two and a half months in order to symbolically and cynically stand against immigrants and the President\u2019s executive actions on immigration; 2) CROmnibus cuts Pell Grants 3) It guts important Dodd-Frank financial reforms Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez fought for as a Member of the Financial Services Committee; and 4) It cuts multi-employer pension programs.\nOn funding for Homeland Security, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said: \u201cRepublicans are willing to play political games with border security so they can say to the anti-immigration wing of their base that they are being tough on border security.\u00a0 It is an absurd and dangerous stunt.\u00a0 When the nation needs responsible leadership, Republicans are undermining homeland security.\u00a0 They are having a tantrum because the President chose to take targeted actions that help the country by prioritizing the deportation of criminals and leaving American families alone.\u201d\u00a0\nOn cuts to Pell Grants, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said: \u201cWhen the American economy needs new energy, new leaders, and new ideas, the Republicans want to make it harder for young Americans to attend college.\u00a0 That is the definition of un-American in my book. And to cut Pell grants for strivers and young leaders while rewarding bankers by changing Dodd-Frank is unconscionable.\u201d\nOn changes to the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said: \u201cI am appalled that Republicans are caving to Wall Street banks to remove oversight and regulations we enacted to ensure that future taxpayers never again have to bail out big banks for their risky bets.\u00a0 I stand behind the Dodd-Frank bill I worked so hard to pass and the taxpayer protections in that law.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see us go back to reckless swaps that threaten our nation\u2019s financial security and could harm millions of Americans.\u201d\nOn changes to multi-employer pension systems, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez said: \u201cPeople who work hard should know that when they paid into the pension plan, it will be there when they retire. Don\u2019t tinker around with workers\u2019 retirement.\u00a0 Don\u2019t rob retirees and the working family of its investment and security in their older years.\u00a0 Keep your hands off of people\u2019s pensions.\u201d\nRep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.\u00a0 He has temporarily given up his seniority on the House Committee on Financial Services in order to serve on Judiciary.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=2b83b073-41e6-40c1-8a6d-3afa958d2cfb", "Restoring Confidence in the Criminal Justice System", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-deutch-continue-efforts-to-end-immigrant-detention-bed-mandate", "Foster, Deutch Continue Efforts To End Immigrant Detention Bed Mandate", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) continued efforts to end the costly and inhumane practice of imposing arbitrary immigrant detention requirements by introducing an amendment to strike the detention bed mandate in the FY 15 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.\nThe Foster-Deutch amendment would strike language in the appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to have at least 34,000 immigrants in detention at all times.\n\u201cMandatory detention comes at a high cost both for taxpayers and families who are torn apart,\u201d said Foster. \u201cNot only is this quota fiscally irresponsible, but it makes it impossible for DHS to make rational decisions about detention based on enforcement priorities and needs. It is time to end this costly and unjust practice.\u201d\n\u201cArbitrary quotas that dictate how many people to keep in jail each day have no place in law enforcement,\u201d said Congressman Deutch. \u201cThe detention bed mandate forces immigration enforcement officials to focus on filling beds in expensive private detention facilities at the expense of taxpayers and hardworking, decent families.\u201d\nImmigration detention costs the United States $2 billion a year, which equates to $5.05 million a day, or $159 a day per detainee. ICE has continued to use detention as the primary method for immigrants facing deportation, despite other proven and less costly and more humane methods, like ankle bracelets and supervised release, that cost the federal government anywhere from 70 cents to $17 a day.\nMoreover, immigration detention is not used to jail immigrants for criminal offenses, but instead is used to detain immigrants with civil charges related to their immigration status. If an immigrant commits a crime, their crimes are prosecuted through the criminal court system and they serve time in jail for their offenses.\nThis amendment would simply strike this language from the FY15 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which wastes taxpayer money and incentivizes the government to needlessly tear families apart.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-no-for-fy2015-omnibus-appropriations-bill", "Rush Votes NO for FY2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted \u201cNO\u201d tonight on H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015. Rush expressed the following concerns regarding the FY15 Appropriations and Continuing Resolution:\nThe bill funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), informally known as food stamps, at $81.8 billion, which is $332.4 million less than fiscal year 2014. The bill funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the largest discretionary program in the bill, at $6.62 billion, which is $92.8 million less than fiscal year 2014. While the Administration seeks to point out that the reduced SNAP and WIC funding is the result of less people receiving assistance because they are now unemployed and therefore no longer eligible for assistance, Rush is not satisfied that the savings resulting from less enrollees could not have been reallocated in total or in part to sufficiently cover the significantly higher costs of food in FY15 for eligible enrollees.\nThe bill allows trustees of certain multiemployer pension plans to cut the benefits of retirees. Specifically, the legislation permits deep pension cuts to retirees in certain financially-troubled multiemployer plans. While retirees who are age 80 or over, or are receiving a disability pension, are not subject to benefit cuts, retirees ages 75\u201379 are subject to smaller cuts than retirees under age 75. Additionally, retirees who are harmed cannot challenge the trustees\u2019 actions in court, even if those actions are arbitrary and capricious, or contrary to the interests of plan participants and there is no provision for automatic restoration of lost benefits if a plan\u2019s funding status improves.\nThe bill also includes a provision to repeal important taxpayer protections against reckless bank activity enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.\nThe fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill totals $1.014 trillion in discretionary spending. The bill funds the U.S. government through September 30, 2015. In addition, it includes: $5.4 billion of emergency funding to prepare for and respond to the Ebola outbreak, $73.7 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations and $6.5 billion of disaster aid.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/foster-kinzinger-amendment-to-save-money-for-taxpayers-in-will-county", "Foster-Kinzinger Amendment to save Money for Taxpayers in Will County", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015 in the House of Representatives. The bill included a provision crafted by Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Foster, which allows Will County to continue using the Prairie View Landfill through 2041.\nLocated south of Joliet and operated by Waste Management, the Prairie View Landfill accepts waste from Will County homes and businesses as well as debris from the Army\u2019s remediation activities at the Joliet Arsenal.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has passed this legislation with our amendment intact and thankful to Congressman Kinzinger and Members of the Armed Services Committee for working with us on this issue,\u201d said Foster. \u201cThis will save taxpayers in Will County from having to pay for a new landfill site for 15 additional years and help keep garbage removal fees low.\u201d\n\u201cThis is a great example of what can happen when both sides of the aisle come together to help our constituents,\u201d said Kinzinger. \u201cI\u2019m proud of this legislation that saves money and takes advantage of the resources we already have.\u201d\nIn 1996, President Clinton signed a law that decommissioned the Joliet Arsenal, allowing much of that land to be repurposed for local use. In 1999, Congress enacted a law that put limits on how long a specific parcel of land that had been transferred from the Joliet Arsenal site could be used as a landfill. Because of advances in waste management practices and increased recycling rates in Will County, the landfill is not filling up as quickly as projected.\n\u201cWhen Will County Executive Larry Walsh brought this to my attention, I knew there must be something Adam and I could do about it,\u201d said Foster.\nThe National Defense Authorization Act governs defense programs for Fiscal Year 2015. Before it becomes law, it still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-highlights-efforts-of-aurora-faa-workers-on-house-floor", "Foster Highlights Efforts Of Aurora FAA Workers On House Floor", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the House floor about the efforts of workers to restore service at the Chicago Air-Route-Traffic Control Center in Aurora after the facility was disabled in an act of sabotage.\nVideo of Foster\u2019s speech is available here.\nText of Foster\u2019s remarks is below:\nThank you Mr. Speaker. \nIt is far too common for Members of Congress to come to the floor of this chamber to weave their narrative of incompetent federal bureaucracies, lazy and unresponsive members of the unionized federal work force, and greedy and irresponsible federal contractors. I rise today to tell a very different story. \nOn September 26, 2014, commercial flights in nearly every airport around this country were delayed or cancelled after the Chicago Air-Route-Traffic Control Center, also known as \u201cChicago-Center,\u201d in Aurora, Illinois was disabled in an act of sabotage by a disturbed individual. \nA fire destroyed the communications equipment that processes flight plan data and enables air traffic controllers at the facility to communicate with pilots in the 91,000 square miles of airspace for which they are responsible.\nThis could have led to a tragic loss of life. However, due to the efforts of controllers at Chicago-Center and adjacent air traffic control facilities, all planes in the air when Chicago-Center lost communications were landed safely.\nNearly 200 of the controllers at Chicago-Center then traveled to twelve air traffic control towers and terminal radar approach controls throughout the Midwest to help direct air traffic.\nAt the same time, technicians, mechanics, and electricians were working around the clock to replace the damaged equipment and restore the Chicago-Center facilities. \nIn total, they replaced 10 miles of cable, dozens of racks of computers and 835 communications circuits to restore the Center\u2019s voice communications, radar, flight planning and weather capabilities. \nAs a scientist who has installed giant experiments and accelerators on tight time scales, I respect what they accomplished. \nProfessional restoration crews also removed fire, soot, smoke and water damage from the affected areas.\nAll of this was accomplished in just over two weeks.\nDespite significant challenges, Chicago airports were able to operate at more than 90 percent capacity within days of the fire.\nOne week after the fire, Administrator Huerta visited Chicago-Center with me and my colleagues in the Senate to assess the progress of the restoration. \nWhile it was clear that the damage had been extensive, I drew confidence from what I saw. Everyone understood what they needed to do for the sake of the traveling public. They set an aggressive schedule for repairs and they kept it. \nThe air traffic controllers, FAA employees, and contractors who responded to this crisis performed admirably and deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation.\nUnder difficult circumstances, members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association from throughout the Midwest rose to the challenge and kept the flying public safe.\nWithin four days of the fire, O\u2019Hare Airport regained its title as the \"Busiest Airport in the World.\"\u00a0 \nI would like to say a special thank you to:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Toby Hauck - Chicago Center NATCA Facility Representative\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gerry Waloszyk\u00a0 - Chicago Center PASS Facility Representative\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bill Cound - Chicago Center Air Traffic Manager \n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mike Paulsen - Chicago-Center Technical Operations Group Manager\u00a0\u00a0 \nAnd everyone else who worked to restore Chicago-Center.\nBecause of all of you, by October 13th, repairs were completed and Chicago-Center returned to full capacity, but important lessons have been learned.\nThe fire that crippled Chicago-Center not only affected flights departing and arriving in the Midwest, but also those flying throughout Chicago\u2019s airspace to reach their destinations.\nBetween Friday and Sunday, more than 3,000 flights were cancelled at O\u2019Hare alone.\nThe estimated cost to the airlines has been reported to be more than 350 million dollars in total.\nHowever, what made this crisis unique wasn\u2019t the number of delays or cancelled flights. It was that just one person was able to disrupt the travel plans of so many thousands of people. \nThe systems that protect the flying public must be made more robust. \nAlthough the fundamental redundancy had been built into the system, the ability for nearby radar systems to see into the Chicago airspace, the FAA must and is improving contingency plans to restore service much faster than it was able to. \nIn the long term, the best way to ensure the safety and reliability of the national airspace system is to facilitate the transition to the NextGen Air Traffic Transportation System. \nCurrently, the ground-based radar system is the foundation of national airspace systems. \nNextGen will rely on GPS satellites which are more accurate than ground-based radar. It will also include a transition from radio voice communications to a digital network that is similar to mobile phone service. \nThis transition to NextGen will enable air traffic controllers to re-establish air traffic control services much more quickly after this type of disaster.\u00a0 \nI urge my colleagues to join me in commending the FAA\u2019s response team on a job well done and to support the President\u2019s request for full funding for implementing Next Gen in the 114th Congress. \nThank you, and I yield back.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-increase-internet-access-for-low-income", "Foster Introduces Legislation To Increase Internet Access For Low Income Students", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act. This legislation would help low-income children compete at a high level with their peers by providing internet access for students living in poverty.\nText of the legislation is available here.\n\u201cIn today\u2019s economy, access to the Internet is essential to success. Unfortunately, for many students living in poverty, it\u2019s a luxury that they have limited or no access to,\u201d said Foster. \u201cI\u2019ve introduced this legislation to close the digital divide and ensure that students living in poverty have the tools they need to compete with their peers and work towards a brighter future.\u201d\nInternet access is expensive, especially for low-income families. Additionally, while students may have access to the Internet in their schools or public libraries, there may be a time limit for usage, if there is a computer available at all.\u00a0 Students may also have difficulty obtaining transportation home even if their school does provide lab time after school. High school students whose work involves long research projects often need additional time to complete their assignments. A lack of broadband access also makes it difficult for young people to obtain jobs and internships where they can learn the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.\nPresently, families who live in public housing receive assistance for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Broadband Internet access is not included in permitted utilities. This legislation would provide families with students that qualify for free or reduced lunch who live in public housing with broadband Internet access. Families would be required to use the broadband provider in their area at the lowest possible rate. They would also pay for the installation. Neither cable nor satellite television would be covered.\u00a0 Finally, a protective filter would be included with the service that an adult in the household could regulate.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/chicago-challenges-other-cities-register-more-immigration-action", "Chicago challenges other cities to register more for Immigration Action", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chicago challenges other cities to register more for Immigration Action \nRep. Luis Gutierrez speech on the House Floor\n\tDecember 10, 2014\nAs the New York Times said in an editorial last week, there is an immigration crisis looming next year, but it has nothing to do with the border.\nRather, it is the huge effort that will be needed to fulfill the President\u2019s executive actions and to get millions of American families out of harm\u2019s way by protecting them from deportation and destruction.\nSure, we are celebrating the series of executive actions taken by the President, but we are also rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.\u00a0\nSo, I want to talk just a little bit about what we are doing in the City of Chicago and what I am hoping my colleagues here in Congress and my colleagues across the country in community-based organizations, the legal community, and in immigrant and Latino neighborhoods in every state \u2013 will help with \u2013 getting people ready to sign-up when the window to submit applications opens and the Government\u2019s review of cases begins.\nThis coming Saturday, the 13th at 9:30 in the morning, I will be at the Reba\u00f1o Church on the North Side of Chicago and more than 500 people have pre-registered for an orientation.\u00a0\nWe will go over what the President\u2019s announcements mean for individual immigrants and their families.\u00a0 Then, those who have pre-registered will have an opportunity for a one-on-one preliminary evaluation of their eligibility \u00a0from people we are calling \u201cfamily defenders.\u201d\nWe are already scheduling follow-up events this month and into the New Year \u2013 we will be ready to accommodate the huge demand for accurate and trustworthy information.\u00a0\nMayor Rahm Emanuel has been my consistent, outstanding partner in the effort and we are both committed to making Chicago the model for the rest of the country.\u00a0 And the advocates, the legal community, the business community, and the public sector are all working together to make that a reality.\nThat\u2019s right, New York!\u00a0 Listen up, Los Angeles! Get ready Miami, Houston, and Dallas.\u00a0 We are going to work to protect as many families as we possibly can in the City of Chicago and we are challenging you to try to keep up.\nBut it is not just the major immigrant gateway cities where we need to organize to protect American families.\u00a0 As the President showed us yesterday, cities in the South like Nashville are leading the way to integrate and assimilate immigrant populations.\u00a0 This spirit of inclusion is of utmost importance as we help families come forward, register with the government, submit their paperwork and fingerprints, and get in the system.\nI have told my House colleagues that I plan to be on the road a lot at the start of next year, traveling anywhere they need me to travel to help them conduct outreach and educate immigrant communities where they live.\nAnd it is not just in the Blue Districts where we must support our immigrant communities and make sure they register; it will be necessary in the Red Districts too.\u00a0 States like South Carolina, Arizona and Alabama \u2013 \u2013 states that tried unsuccessfully to push their immigrant communities farther underground -- I will accept invitations from those states, too, to get the word out and educate the community in whatever way I can.\nI can\u2019t tell you how many people have come up to me and said \u201cCongressman, I don\u2019t know if this will help my family -- or my dad -- or my neighbor -- or my parishioner \u2013 I hope they will not still have to live in fear of deportation.\u201d\u00a0\nAnd there are millions who will not be able to come forward and sign up because their cases cannot be reviewed under the President\u2019s guidelines.\nAnd I tell them that what the President announced is bold, it is broad, and it is extremely helpful to the United States and her immigrants who have no other way to get in the system and on-the-books.\u00a0 But it cannot go as far and it does not replace the need for Congressional action and legislation.\nBut let us all remember that by the end of this week the clock is going to have run out on the best chance the House has had in decades to address immigration in a bipartisan and measured manner.\u00a0\nThe Senate did half the work by giving us more than a year to craft a bipartisan answer to their proposal and we tried in many, many different ways to help this House rise to the occasion, to get the House out of the partisan ditch we have dug for ourselves, and to put the country on a path to a safe, legal, and orderly immigration system that protects the country and its people while welcoming the strivers and the innovators from around the world.\nIn the end, the House was asleep at the switch and let down the country.\u00a0 But even as I work with people across the country to protect as many American families as possible, I pledge to my colleagues in both parties in the most sincere way possible, please work with us to solve the immigration issue so that we can move forward as a nation.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-marks-second-anniversary-of-newtown-shootings", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Marks Second Anniversary of Newtown Shootings", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) today urged Congress to honor the memories of the victims of the Newtown school shootings and gun violence nationwide by passing common sense gun reform.\nStanding with families from Chicago at a press conference marking the second anniversary of the Newtown, CT shootings, Kelly said that no matter where you live gun violence affects us all.\n\u201cNo community is immune to gun violence. Gun violence isn\u2019t an urban issue, it\u2019s an American public health epidemic,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I linked my Chicago families of victims of gun violence with Newtown families to work together on gun reform. Ending this epidemic requires all of us coming together to stop the bloodshed.\u201d\nKelly added that while she is proud of the work of the Chicago and Newtown families in promoting gun reform, they need help from Congress. She urged her colleagues to address gun reform next year. \u00a0\n\u201cAmerica can strike the right balance between protecting the Second Amendment and promoting public safety by keeping guns out of the wrong hands. And we must strike this balance. American lives hang in this balance,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cIt\u2019s time that Congress put saving American lives at the top of the national agenda by passing common sense gun legislation to make our country safer from gun violence.\u201d\nEarlier this year, Kelly released the 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation\u2019s gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis. The Kelly Report brought together members of Congress, academics and gun reform advocates to examine the root causes and impact of gun violence in America and provide a comprehensive set of legislative and policy recommendations to stop it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/statement-of-congressman-bobby-l-rush-on-the-passing-of-illinois", "Statement of Congressman Bobby L. Rush on the Passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement regarding the death of Illinois Comptroller, The Honorable Judy Baar Topinka:\n\u201cToday is a sad day for Illinois and all those who had the privilege to know Judy. From her service in the General Assembly, her role as Illinois\u2019 first female Treasurer and ultimately her service as Illinois Comptroller, Judy was a fierce and dedicated public servant who always put the interests of Illinois and Illinoisans before her own.\n\u201cThis loss is personal for me and my family as well. We were proud to call Judy a friend and, in my wife Carolyn\u2019s case, boss.\n\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with Judy\u2019s son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra and all of her family, friends and devoted staff.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2444", "Rep. Lipinski Issues Statement on the Passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Official statement from Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) on the death this morning of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, the first woman in Illinois to serve in two state constitutional offices:\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Judy Baar Topinka.\u00a0 She was a great public servant with unlimited fight in her, not only for issues, but for people she believed in.\u00a0 Judy knew how to get things done and was willing to do what it takes to get them done.\u00a0 She was one-of-a-kind and will be dearly missed.\u00a0 My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, of whom she had many.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-the-passing-of-judy-baar-topinka", "Quigley Statement on the Passing of Judy Baar Topinka", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHICAGO  Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement upon hearing the news of the passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka:  \n\t  \n\tIllinois has lost one of its most colorful and dedicated elected leaders. Judy Baar Topinka left everyone she met laughing, her signature sense of humor preceding her. I look back on the times I shared with her, like reading books to children at a Lakeview library and walking together in the Chicago Pride Parade, with fondness and will treasure those memories for a lifetime. Her inclusivity and devotion to her community is inspirational, for she was a force of nature and left her mark on the state she called home her entire life. Her dedication to Illinois' LGBT community, bipartisan efforts and overall leadership for Illinois will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with her son, Joseph, and her many friends.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-alan-jdixon-legacy-to-be-honored-at-scott-air-force-base", "Durbin: Alan J.Dixon Legacy To Be Honored At Scott Air Force Base", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Durbin: Alan J.Dixon Legacy To Be Honored At Scott Air Force Base \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations Bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives includes a provision to honor the legacy and public service achievements of former U.S. Senator from Illinois Alan J. Dixon by directing the Secretary of the Air Force to designate a facility located on Scott Air Force Base in his honor.\r\nAs Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Durbin originally inserted the provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill which was included in the bill that was introduced yesterday.\r\nScott Air Force Base was always one of Alan Dixon's highest priorities both as a United States Senator and member of the Base Closing Commission, Durbin said. It is fitting that Senator Dixon will be honored for his work on behalf of Scott.\r\nShortly after Dixon passed away in July at the age of 86, Durbin paid tribute to his life and legacy on the United States Senate floor. Additionally, the United States Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Durbin and Mark Kirk (R-IL) honoring Dixon. A copy of the resolution is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-congress-agrees-to-fund-great-lakes-restoration-initiative-at-300-million-", "Durbin: Congress Agrees To Fund Great Lakes Restoration Initiative At $300 Million", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Durbin: Congress Agrees To Fund Great Lakes Restoration Initiative At $300 Million  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding included in Omnibus Appropriations bill agreement that now goes to the House and Senate for a vote\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the inclusion of $300 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015 will support ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes including: combating invasive species, particularly Asian Carp; reducing and removing pollution, waste run-off and toxic chemicals; and restoring wetlands and other lakefront assets. The bill, which was filed in the House last night, must now be voted on by both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama.\r\nIn Illinois, we treasure Lake Michigan  from the drinking water it provides to millions of people, to the commerce and tourism it brings to the Chicago area, said Durbin. The federal government, through programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, invested millions of dollars to clean up decade's worth of industrial pollution dumped into the harbor. This summer I celebrated a moment that was decades in the making: the end of the Waukegan Harbor cleanup. Today's bill will provide adequate funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to take on new projects and continue their work protecting the lakes for generations to come.\r\nInitially funded with a $475 million appropriation in Fiscal Year 2010, the GLRI received $300 million in both Fiscal Years 2011, 2012 and 2014. Sequestration cut funding for the GLRI to $285 million in Fiscal Year 2013. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Durbin has consistently worked to fully fund the GLRI.\r\nThe GLRI, an inter-agency effort led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was created in 2009 to support ecological projects in the region. It has invested more than $70 million in 75 Illinois initiatives including the removal of toxic chemicals from Waukegan Harbor, green infrastructure projects like the Millennium Reserve near the Calumet River, and the restoration of 40 acres of land at Northerly Island.\r\nThe GLRI also provides Illinois with $7 million per year to combat Asian carp through electronic barriers and commercial fishing. Several organizations, municipalities and universities in Illinois have received funding from the GLRI to survey beaches and coordinate electronic recycling efforts.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-passing-of-comptroller-judy-baar-topinka", "Durbin Statement On The Passing Of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after learning of the death of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.\r\nThe Illinois political scene lost its Polka Queen last night and I lost a friend. Judy Barr Topinka was one of a kind, said Durbin. In a political world of cocker spaniels she could be a bulldog taking a bite out of both Democrats and right-wing Republicans without missing a beat. She was a blue-collar, immigrants' kid who lit up the room with her quick wit and boundless energy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=b8e039fc-3624-45cd-b25e-b9ed50e285d7", "Dr. Paul Farmer", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/local-agency-outlines-how-policy-of-administration-relief-can-help", "Local agency outlines how policy of Administration Relief can help immigrants", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The news regarding President Barack Obama\u2019s executive action on immigration reform sent a whirlwind of emotions and charges across the states, but also left questions on what the move really means for undocumented immigrants.\n\tOrganizers of the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project set up informational meetings days after the announcement, hoping to quell any misinformation.\n\tExecutive Director Jose Vera and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, during the initial viewing of President Obama\u2019s announcement, warned individuals to seek out qualified agencies or licensed attorneys for information, and advised individuals to learn the facts before taking any action as a means to protect themselves.\n\tThe group wants to guide undocumented immigrants on how to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous immigration consultants, who will take every opportunity for financial gain.\n\tThe SSIP held an informational meeting Dec. 3 in Bolingbrook to inform the immigrant community about President Obama\u2019s administrative relief to undocumented immigrants. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Truth Foundation Ministries, a church with many Ghanaian immigrants, in Romeoville.\n\tVera explained that administrative relief is based on prosecutorial discretion\u2014the power to make decisions about an immigrant\u2019s ability to remain in the U.S. without congressional action.\n\t\u201cAdministrative relief is not a law, but is administrative policy that can be changed or terminated at any time and it does not provide lawful immigration status,\u201d explained Vera, hoping to clarify some information out in the public. \u201cIt is not a pathway to legal permanent residency or citizenship. Administrative relief, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can defer deportation (removal) for several years (with possibility of renewal). However, it can grant work authorization, and it can lead to a valid Social Security number.\u201d\n\tOne of the main points emphasized is that there is no application yet. The government will not start accepting applications until Feb. 18, 2015, under the new criteria. Attorneys advise not to pay anyone to submit an application.\n\tAdministrative relief has now expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to eliminate the age cap. DACA is extended to every qualified person who entered the U.S. before his or her 16th birthday, meaning there is no longer an upper age limit. And the employment authorizations received under this program will be valid for three years instead of two.\n\tDeferred action for young people will be available to qualified applicants who entered the U.S. before Jan. 1, 2010. To be eligible, applicants must be 15 to apply, in school, have a high school diploma or GED, no felony convictions or significant misdemeanors.\n\tIn addition, certain parents will be able to apply for deferred action (DAPA), if they had a child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) as of Nov. 20, 2014; entered the U.S. before Jan. 1, 2010; were present in the U.S. and out of status on Nov. 20, 2014; and do not fall within ICE enforcement priorities.\n\tDAPA would be valid for three years and recipients could get work permits and apply to travel outside the U.S. DAPA will cost $465 (same as DACA). The application period does not start until May 19, 2015.\n\tVera explained that the benefits of administration relief allow for protection from deportation for a three-year period, work authorization, a Social Security number, a regular driver\u2019s license in Illinois; and the ability to request permission to travel abroad. However, the action does not provide a Green Card or Visa and is not a permanent solution, said Vera.\n\tFor more information, Visite www.ilestalisto.org, Env\u00eda la palabra LISTO por mensaje de texto al 630-524-4106.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-testifies-senate-subcommittee-civil-and-human-rights", "REP. GUTIRREZ TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cToo many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit\u2026and\u2026 \npotentially dangerous when the profiler \nhas a badge and a gun,\u201d said Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL) testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.\u00a0 The hearing, \u201cThe State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States (link to streaming video),\u201d also included testimony from Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota on the panel with Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez.\u00a0 A second panel included Dr. Cedric Alexander, President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and Public Safety Director of DeKalb County, Georgia; Wade Henderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; and Laura Murphy, Director of Washington Legislative Office of the ACLU.\nIn Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez\u2019 testimony, he discussed racial profiling and the \u201cvicious cycle\u201d that has played out on a national stage where people, especially young people of color, are killed by the police, but the judicial system does not appear to respond adequately.\u00a0 He said, \u201cToo many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit, annoying, and yes, potentially dangerous when the profiler has a badge and a gun.\u201d\nThe Congressman also commented on newly released Department of Justice guidelines on racial profiling saying \u201cI am disappointed they did not close significant loopholes, especially as they pertain to the Department of Homeland Security\u2026 also perplexed and disheartened that the new guidance applies only to federal agents, but exempts local, county, and state law enforcement.\u201d\nThe Congressman\u2019s complete testimony as prepared for delivery follows.\nRep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.\n\u00a0\nTESTIMONY\n\tCONGRESSMAN LUIS V. GUTI\u00c9RREZ\n\u00a0\nThank you, Chairman Durbin, for inviting me to testify at this hearing regarding the current state of civil and human rights in the United States, and thank you for advocating for justice and equality.\u00a0 I have always valued your advice and counsel.\u00a0 Your leadership on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of this Subcommittee has contributed greatly to our nation and to protecting the civil rights of all of us.\u00a0\nBefore I begin, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.\u00a0 I think we can all agree that the loss of life is a grave tragedy.\u00a0 As a parent, I especially want to say to the parents, that I am so sorry for your loss.\nIn the wake of the grand jury decisions to not indict the officers involved in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, communities throughout the country have taken to the streets to protest.\u00a0 Many are deeply dissatisfied with the decisions not to prosecute the police officers in Ferguson and Staten Island and transparently examine their actions and the circumstances that lead to the deaths of two unarmed black men.\u00a0 The protests also expose an equally disturbing issue\u2014that the killings of Brown and Garner are not isolated incidents.\nI believe the visceral reaction around the country is because these cases represent the countless young men who are treated unjustly by the police and many question their ability to receive justice through the courts.\u00a0 These deaths exposed gaps in our criminal justice system, in particular, the grand jury process and the inherent conflict in bringing charges against law enforcement.\u00a0 Clearly we have more work to do to build trust between communities and law enforcement and our system of justice.\u00a0\nAfrican Americans and Latinos are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system overall.\u00a0 Racial profiling, condoned officially and unofficially by some in law enforcement, forces blacks and Latinos to contend with the criminal justice system more frequently and in a completely different way than many others in society.\u00a0 Minority communities have a higher prosecution rate, and at the post-conviction stage sentencing orders tend to be harsher among minority defendants.\u00a0 All too often, Latinos and blacks are victims of excessive use of force at the hands of rogue police officers. The issue is only exacerbated when local and state police departments are equipped with military equipment, as was the case in Ferguson, Missouri this past summer.\u00a0\nThe cycle continues, as we saw just last week, when Grand Juries, guided by prosecutors who work on a daily basis with the police, fail to even call for a trial in open court.\u00a0 It is not surprising that the system breeds mistrust.\u00a0\nThis vicious cycle not only affects individuals but also harms our African-American and Latino communities as a whole.\u00a0 When we see children like Michael Brown and Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin, we see our own families and loved ones.\u00a0 Ask any Latino or African-American parent \u2013 whether they live in a suburb or in a housing project \u2013 and they will tell you they fear for their children\u2019s safety every time they leave the house.\u00a0 Rather than thinking of the police as public servants who will protect the safety of their children, too often they think of the local police as one of the hazards their children face.\nI think of when my daughter was stopped because she was driving in \u201ctoo nice a car\u201d with her friends in her own neighborhood or when I was stopped coming into the Capitol complex earlier in my career because I didn\u2019t \u201clook like a Congressman.\u201d\u00a0 Too many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit, annoying, -- and yes, potentially dangerous -- when the profiler has a badge and a gun.\nI respect and appreciate the hard work that law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe.\u00a0 We have worked to get more cops on the streets, to invest in violence reduction programs, to reduce the number of guns in our communities that often target cops and to make sure we honor and pay police officers for the dangerous and often thankless work they do.\u00a0\nI am also a proud original cosponsor of the End Racial Profiling Act, which I think is clearly and sorely needed.\u00a0\nWith regard to the revised profiling guidelines issued yesterday by the Department of Justice, I am disappointed they did not close significant loopholes, especially as they pertain to the Department of Homeland Security, which will allow whole sections of America\u2019s largest law enforcement entities, including Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration, to continue to profile many innocent Americans.\u00a0 I am also perplexed and disheartened that the new guidance applies only to federal agents, but exempts local, county, and state law enforcement.\nCivil and human rights today in America continues to be a work in progress.\u00a0 Thanks to the leadership of Chairman Durbin and many of my colleagues, including those seated with me today, we are able to celebrate the strides we have made to create a more equal and just nation for all, and chart the course for continued progress in the future, but it is tempered by knowing that we cannot rest in the pursuit of justice and fairness, especially in the face of the tragic and needless loss of life.\u00a0\u00a0 Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/testimony-senate-judiciary-committee%E2%80%99s-subcommittee-constitution-civil-rights-and-human-rights", "Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights\n\u201cThe State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States\"\nDecember 9, 2014\nThank you, Chairman Durbin, for inviting me to testify at this hearing regarding the current state of civil and human rights in the United States, and thank you for advocating for justice and equality.\u00a0 I have always valued your advice and counsel.\u00a0 Your leadership on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of this Subcommittee has contributed greatly to our nation and to protecting the civil rights of all of us.\u00a0\nBefore I begin, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.\u00a0 I think we can all agree that the loss of life is a grave tragedy.\u00a0 As a parent, I especially want to say to the parents, that I am so sorry for your loss.\nIn the wake of the grand jury decisions to not indict the officers involved in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, communities throughout the country have taken to the streets to protest.\u00a0 Many are deeply dissatisfied with the decisions not to prosecute the police officers in Ferguson and Staten Island and transparently examine their actions and the circumstances that lead to the deaths of two unarmed black men.\u00a0 The protests also expose an equally disturbing issue\u2014that the killings of Brown and Garner are not isolated incidents.\nI believe the visceral reaction around the country is because these cases represent the countless young men who are treated unjustly by the police and many question their ability to receive justice through the courts.\u00a0 These deaths exposed gaps in our criminal justice system, in particular, the grand jury process and the inherent conflict in bringing charges against law enforcement.\u00a0 Clearly we have more work to do to build trust between communities and law enforcement and our system of justice.\u00a0\nAfrican Americans and Latinos are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system overall.\u00a0 Racial profiling, condoned officially and unofficially by some in law enforcement, forces blacks and Latinos to contend with the criminal justice system more frequently and in a completely different way than many others in society.\u00a0 Minority communities have a higher prosecution rate, and at the post-conviction stage sentencing orders tend to be harsher among minority defendants.\u00a0 All too often, Latinos and blacks are victims of excessive use of force at the hands of rogue police officers. The issue is only exacerbated when local and state police departments are equipped with military equipment, as was the case in Ferguson, Missouri this past summer.\u00a0\nThe cycle continues, as we saw just last week, when Grand Juries, guided by prosecutors who work on a daily basis with the police, fail to even call for a trial in open court.\u00a0 It is not surprising that the system breeds mistrust.\u00a0\nThis vicious cycle not only affects individuals but also harms our African-American and Latino communities as a whole.\u00a0 When we see children like Michael Brown and Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin, we see our own families and loved ones.\u00a0 Ask any Latino or African-American parent \u2013 whether they live in a suburb or in a housing project \u2013 and they will tell you they fear for their children\u2019s safety every time they leave the house.\u00a0 Rather than thinking of the police as public servants who will protect the safety of their children, too often they think of the local police as one of the hazards their children face.\nI think of when my daughter was stopped because she was driving in \u201ctoo nice a car\u201d with her friends in her own neighborhood or when I was stopped coming into the Capitol complex earlier in my career because I didn\u2019t \u201clook like a Congressman.\u201d\u00a0 Too many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit, annoying, -- and yes, potentially dangerous -- when the profiler has a badge and a gun.\nI respect and appreciate the hard work that law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe.\u00a0 We have worked to get more cops on the streets, to invest in violence reduction programs, to reduce the number of guns in our communities that often target cops and to make sure we honor and pay police officers for the dangerous and often thankless work they do.\u00a0\nI am also a proud original cosponsor of the End Racial Profiling Act, which I think is clearly and sorely needed.\u00a0\nWith regard to the revised profiling guidelines issued yesterday by the Department of Justice, I am disappointed they did not close significant loopholes, especially as they pertain to the Department of Homeland Security, which will allow whole sections of America\u2019s largest law enforcement entities, including Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration, to continue to profile many innocent Americans.\u00a0 I am also perplexed and disheartened that the new guidance applies only to federal agents, but exempts local, county, and state law enforcement.\nCivil and human rights today in America continues to be a work in progress.\u00a0 Thanks to the leadership of Chairman Durbin and many of my colleagues, including those seated with me today, we are able to celebrate the strides we have made to create a more equal and just nation for all, and chart the course for continued progress in the future, but it is tempered by knowing that we cannot rest in the pursuit of justice and fairness, especially in the face of the tragic and needless loss of life.\u00a0\u00a0 Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-and-house-colleagues-send-letter-to-secretary-castro-regarding", "Quigley and House Colleagues Send Letter to Secretary Castro Regarding the Moving to Work Program", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHICAGO  Today, Rep. Mike Quigley, joined by Reps. Luis Gutirrez, Bobby Rush, John Yarmuth, Jan Schakowsky and Robin Kelly, sent a letter to HUD Secretary Julian Castro asking for a more open and transparent process in drafting the next Moving to Work (MTW) contract. MTW incentivizes local housing authorities to implement innovative strategies to increase housing choices for low-income families and help residents find employment opportunities that will allow them to move out of public housing. The Chicago Housing Authority and dozens of other public housing authorities currently have MTW contracts.\nMany residents, public housing advocates, and outside experts have raised concerns about current MTW contracts and proposed changes. Among those issues is the more flexible use of MTW funds, which allows housing authorities to move funds meant to expand public housing options into other accounts that do not directly support housing. The Representatives want to make sure advocates and residents, who have requested a meeting to discuss and weigh in on the parameters of the next round of MTW contracts, are fully engaged in the process.\nAs you undertake the assessment of MTW and prepare to draft language for possible extension of contracts, we urge HUD to take immediate action to create an open, inclusive, and transparent process, wrote the members. We hope that can begin with an initial discussion with advocates to solicit their views and recommendations, so that their experiences and expertise can be included in the process. We also urge you to ensure that there is adequate opportunity for public comment and discussion throughout the process in order to allow input from resident and community advocates on the conditions for MTW extensions and the terms of the Agreements.\nThe full text of the letter is below.\nDear Secretary Castro:\nWe are eager to work closely with you to make sure that we do everything possible to provide every American with access to safe, affordable housing. In keeping with that goal, we are writing to request that you work closely with housing advocates, public housing residents, and community members in analyzing the Moving to Work (MTW) program and framing the additional criteria for its extension.\nIt is our understanding that, although current MTW Agreements do not expire until 2018, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) is engaged in discussions now about an extension of those contracts. We are aware that a number of organizations have written to you to request an open and inclusive discussion as part of that process, and we join them in that request. In order to enhance the effectiveness of MTW and to make sure that every dollar is used effectively and efficiently, it is extremely important to us that the views and experiences of our constituents be used to inform and craft these critical housing policies.\nAs you undertake the assessment of MTW and prepare to draft language for possible extension of contracts, we urge HUD to take immediate action to create an open, inclusive and transparent process. We hope that can begin with an initial discussion with advocates to solicit their views and recommendations, so that their experiences and expertise can be included in the process. We also urge you to ensure that there is adequate opportunity for public comment and discussion throughout the process in order to allow input from resident and community advocates on the conditions for MTW extensions and the terms of the Agreements.\nWe have heard from many of our constituents, raising concerns that we believe need to be addressed. Among those are:\n Measures to guarantee that funds are used for the purpose of providing affordable housing, not diverted out of housing programs and into unrestricted cash reserves or uses such as excessive executive compensation;\n\tEvaluations of how proposed or existing policy changes  including time limits, work requirements and rent changes  impact MTW's goal of helping families achieve economic self-sufficiency and increasing housing options;\n\tEnforcement of the 90% voucher utilization standard and the requirement to maintain or increase the number of assisted families served; and\n\tAdditional requirements that will increase the on-the-ground effectiveness of MTW, providing increased housing choices and mobility to the maximum number of families.\n Again, we strongly encourage you to implement a process that allows public housing residents, community members and housing advocates to participate fully in these discussions. Working together through an open process, we are confident that we can work together to make MTW work effectively: expanding housing options, increasing cost effectiveness, and giving families self-sufficiency.\nWe look forward to working closely with you and your staff to meet our nation's housing goals, and we thank you for consider our request.\nSincerely,\nU.S. Representative Mike Quigley  \n\tU.S. Representative Luis Gutirrez  \n\tU.S. Representative Bobby Rush  \n\tU.S. Representative John Yarmuth  \n\tU.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky  \n\tU.S. Representative Robin Kelly\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-honor-lane-evans-by-renaming-galesburg-va-clinic-heads-to-president-obama", "Bill To Honor Lane Evans By Renaming Galesburg VA Clinic Heads To President Obama", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Bill To Honor Lane Evans By Renaming Galesburg VA Clinic Heads To President Obama \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Legislation Would Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois? 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed their bill to rename the veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The legislation was passed by the Senate last week and is now headed to President Obama to be signed into law.\r\nEvans  who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years  was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63.\r\nFrom the beginning, Lane Evans was a special friends to veterans  not just in his district or in Illinois, but across the United States, said Durbin. By the end of his Congressional career, he had made a name for himself as their strongest champion. Naming the VA Clinic in Galesburg after Lane Evans name is the right thing to do. It will remind every veteran passing through the doorway that Lane Evans had them in his heart, and in his mind, every minute that he was in public service.\r\nFor more than two decades, Lane Evans dedicated his life to improving care for veterans across Illinois, said Kirk. Renaming this Galesburg clinic in his honor will serve as a reminder to us all that we must continue to care for our servicemen and women in the best ways possible.\r\nThe dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve, said Bustos. I applaud the Senate for moving quickly to name the Galesburg VA Clinic after Lane and am thrilled that the House's action has moved it one step closer to law. I thank my colleagues for their support in this effort. Now it's up to the President to ensure Lane's legacy of service is literally set in stone and his memory lives on in service to the veterans of Western and Central Illinois.\r\nA Rock Island native, Evans joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 17, just two weeks after he graduated from high school. When he returned home following his service, Evans used the GI Bill to earn a college degree, graduating magna cum laude from Augustana College in Rock Island before receiving a law degree from Georgetown.\r\nFirst elected to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District in 1982, Lane Evans went on to serve 12 terms before retiring in 2007. Evans was the first chairman of the Vietnam-era Veterans' Congressional Caucus and the first Vietnam-era veteran to serve as ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, a post he held for 10 years.\r\nIn his first term, Evans led the effort to create a pilot program establishing community-based veterans centers to help veterans with job and marriage counseling and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The program has since grown to include hundreds of veterans' centers around the country. His record on behalf of veterans earned him the praise and respect from veterans' service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.\r\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-bustos-omnibus-approriations-bill-and-national-defense-authorization-act-invest-in-the-future-of-rock-island-arsenal", "Durbin, Bustos: Omnibus Approriations Bill & National Defense Authorization Act Invest In The Future Of Rock Island Arsenal", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Durbin, Bustos: Omnibus Approriations Bill & National Defense Authorization Act Invest In The Future Of Rock Island Arsenal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015  which was introduced in the House of Representatives today  and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  which was passed by the House last week  include multiple provisions that will help solidify the future of Rock Island Arsenal and ensure its long-term health. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill must now be voted on by both chambers of Congress and the NDAA must be passed by the Senate before each bill can be signed into law by President Obama.\r\nThe provisions included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act will help provide the kind of thoughtful, engaged approach we need to ensure the long-term health of the Rock Island Arsenal, Durbin said. Time and again, the Arsenal has been there for state, our country, and our men and women in uniform. My colleague in the House of Representatives, Cheri Bustos, and I are committed to making sure that remains the case.\r\nThe Rock Island Arsenal and its workers not only manufacture equipment that arms and protects our troops, but it is also the engine that drives our region's economy, Bustos said. This critical investment will bolster the Arsenal's competitiveness and help guarantee a steady workload for years to come. I'll continue to partner with Senator Durbin and leaders in our bi-state region to ensure the Arsenal and our local economy remain strong in peacetime as well as wartime.\r\nImproving Rock Island Arsenal's Competitiveness: The Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 includes $225 million in funding for Industrial Mobilization Capacity (IMC) to help arsenals keep their work rates competitive. This funding helps Rock Island Arsenal and other arsenals compete more effectively for public-private partnerships and other business to help sustain capacity, cost efficiency and technical competence in peacetime, while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations and other emergent requirements.\r\nDurbin included a similar provision in the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2014, which was funded in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2014. Under this provision, the Rock Island Arsenal was allocated $110 million through the Arsenal Sustainment Initiative to help ensure that the Arsenal remains competitive as it bids on additional workload through its partnerships with the private sector.\r\nEnsuring a Steady, Higher Level Workload: The compromise NDAA includes a provision that directs the Secretary of the Army to maintain a minimum workload at Rock Island Arsenal (and the arsenals in New York and Arkansas). This is similar to a provision Durbin originally authored as part of his Defense Appropriation Bill for Fiscal Year 2014 to require the Secretary of the Army to maintain a minimum workload at arsenals as calculated by the Army Organic Industrial Base Strategy Report.\r\nDurbin also included a similar directive in the Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015, and this appropriator-authorizer consensus  for the first time this year  sends a strong signal of Congressional support for arsenals.\r\nThe Army Organic Industrial Base Strategy Report was first proposed by Durbin and U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) as part of the Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012. The study was authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 which directed the Secretary of Defense to create a strategic plan to ensure arsenals, including Rock Island, receive the workload they need to keep workers' skills sharp. Up until that point, the Army had not conducted this type of systematic support for arsenals.\r\nPutting Arsenals on a Level Playing Field with Other Military Installations: The NDAA compromise legislation also includes a provision that eliminates the Secretary of the Army's current authority to close an arsenal if he deems it necessary. This provision puts arsenals on a level playing field with other military installations, and ensures that any change in status can only be made through a standard process.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-davis-bipartisan-legislation-to-honor-james-r-burgess-jr-heads-to-the-presidents-desk", "Durbin, Kirk, Davis: Bipartisan Legislation To Honor James R. Burgess, Jr. Heads To The President's Desk", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Durbin, Kirk, Davis: Bipartisan Legislation To Honor James R. Burgess, Jr. Heads To The President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) today celebrated Congressional approval of their bipartisan legislation to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 302 East Green Street in Champaign, as the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building. The bill  which was passed by the Senate unanimously last night  now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nNaming a post office in Champaign is a fitting tribute to Mr. Burgess' distinguished record of service, both as part of our nation's military overseas and right here in Central Illinois, Durbin said. I am proud to join my colleagues in completing the effort undertaken by Mr. Burgess' late son, Steve, and family to honor this longtime public servant and trailblazing Illinoisan.\r\nJames Burgess made history as a leader of the first African-American armored battalion in WWII, and he served our country and the people of Illinois as Champaign County State's Attorney and as a U.S. Attorney, Senator Kirk said. The renamed post office in Champaign will recognize his contributions to central Illinois and honor his life and commitment to public service.\r\nSince Mr. Burgess' passing in 1997, constituents in my district and especially his son, Steve, have been looking for a way to commemorate the achievements of his life, said Davis, the chief sponsor of the House bill. When I was first elected two years ago, Steve approached me, seeking my help to honor the life and legacy of his father. It's taken a lot of time and work and while I'm proud that this bill is headed to the president's desk, I have a heavy heart. More than one year ago, Steve Burgess passed away suddenly. Steve worked tirelessly over the years to get this project to the finish line, and it's heartbreaking that he won't be able to see it through to completion. Naming this building after Mr. James R. Burgess is both a small token of our gratitude for his service and an opportunity to honor his son, Steve.\r\nJames R. Burgess Jr. was born on December 19, 1915 in Algood, Tennessee and served more than twenty years in the Army, playing a critical role in a largely unknown part of American military history as a leader of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first African-American armored unit to enter battle in World War II.\r\nAt age twenty nine, Mr. Burgess was a First Lieutenant in command of one of the six companies who served under General George Patton in Europe. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army he had reached the rank of Major.\r\nSoon after leaving the service in 1962, Burgess moved his wife and two sons to Champaign so that he could attend law school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he graduated three years later as the only African-American in his class. He was elected Champaign County State's Attorney in 1972 and is still the only African-American to be elected county-wide in Champaign County. Later, he was appointed as a U.S. Attorney for a large section of downstate Illinois.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-release-of-senate-intelligence-committee-report-on-cia-interrogation-practices", "Durbin Statement On Release Of Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On Release Of Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)released the following statement on the report by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence detailing the Central Intelligence Agency's interrogation practices following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:\r\nIn a democracy, where the people govern, this kind of honest report must not be concealed. \r\nThe interrogation practices detailed in this report are troubling. That our own intelligence agencies refused to disclose the truth even to the highest levels of government is equally disturbing. The report makes it clear that the CIA misled and impeded critical oversight by Congress and even the President of the United States.\r\nMoreover, these often brutal interrogation techniques were ineffective and counter-productive. A program claiming to make Americans safer did the opposite, placing more American lives in danger and rallying our enemies.\r\nFor the safety of our troops and overseas personnel, and for the sake of the rule of law that underpins our Constitution, I hope the release of this historic report will lead to reform consistent with our most basic American values.\r\nDurbin is the Chairman of the Senate's Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the CIA and the intelligence community, and Chairman of the Senate's Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights Subcommittee.\r\nFor more than a decade, Durbin has been highly critical of the CIA's use of abusive interrogation techniques.\r\nTen years ago, Durbin authored the first legislation to prohibit cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of detainees.Durbin's amendment was adopted by Senator John McCain, which subsequently was enacted as the McCain Torture Amendment.\r\nUnder questioning from Senator Durbin in January 2005, Alberto Gonzales was the first Bush Administration official to publicly acknowledge the Bush Administration's position that the Torture Convention's bar on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment did not apply to interrogations of non-U.S. citizens overseas. This paved the way for the passage of the McCain Torture Amendment, which overturned this Bush Administration position.\r\nIn October 2007, Senator Durbin was the first Senator to ask Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey to condemn waterboarding as torture, which Mukasey refused to do.\r\nIn December 2007, Senator Durbin was the first member of Congress to call for the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes.\r\nIn March 2014, Senator Durbin sent the attached letter to CIA Director John Brennan raising serious concerns about the CIA's hacking of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence computers and urging declassification of the SSCI report.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-we-have-more-work-to-do", "Durbin: \"We Have More Work To Do\"", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Durbin: \"We Have More Work To Do\" \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senator chairs hearing examining the state of civil rights in America; says Congress can?t let up on push for bipartisan reform legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.]  During his final hearing as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said that, though we have come a long way, there is still a problem with racism in America and we have more work to do. Today's hearing - entitled The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States - examined the status of key civil and human rights issues, including criminal justice reform, voting rights, and police-community relations.\r\nAs Chairman, Durbin has made an effort to understand the human impact of the issues the Subcommittee debates by hearing directly from the people who are most affected. A video highlighting their testimony can be found at this link.\r\nOver the last four years, I have tried to give a platform to voices that are not often heard in the halls of Congress and force this Subcommittee to examine what more needs to be done to protect civil and human rights in our country, said Durbin. Our responsibility in Congress is to focus on legislation, not lamentation. We have taken, and must continue to take, the words of our witnesses and translate them into action.\r\n\r\nFollowing enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. Racial disparities persist at many stages of the criminal justice system. Many states have enacted voting laws making it harder for minority and other voters to cast their ballots. And this year's events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued need to reevaluate and reform police practices, including the militarization of state and local law enforcement.\r\nMembers of Congress testifying at today's hearing include: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL-4) and U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN-5). Additional witnesses testifying today include: Dr. Cedric Alexander President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and Public Safety Director in DeKalb County, Georgia; Wade Henderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; and Laura W. Murphy Director of the American Civil Liberties Union Washington Legislative Office.\r\nDurbin is Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.The Ranking Member of the Subcommittee is Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).\r\nVideo of Durbin's remarks will be available shortly HERE.\r\n\r\nAudio of Durbin's remarks is available HERE.\r\n\r\nFootage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and standard definition here\r\nSenator Durbin's Chairmanship and Efforts to Advance Civil Rights and Human Rights\r\n110th Congress (2007-2008): Durbin served as Chairman of the U.S. Senate's first subcommittee on human rights. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee, Durbin held the first-ever Congressional hearings on genocide law, child soldiers, crimes against humanity, U.S. human rights enforcement, sexual violence in conflict, and the human rights responsibilities of oil, gas and mining companies.\r\nWhile Chairman, he authored landmark human rights legislation that was enacted into law, including the Genocide Accountability Act, which makes it a crime to commit genocide anywhere in the world; the Child Soldiers Accountability Act, which makes it a crime and violation of immigration law to recruit or use child soldiers; and the Trafficking in Persons Accountability Act, which makes it a crime to engage in human trafficking anywhere in the world. Durbin also worked across the aisle with U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) - Ranking Member of the Subcommittee - to pass four laws that give the government more power to prosecute human rights abusers. In 2012, the Obama Administration used this authority to deport Liberian warlord George Boley for using child soldiers.\r\n111th Congress (2009-2010): Durbin was named the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Crime and Drugs Subcommittee. After hearing the powerful testimony of Cedric Parker in 2009, Durbin worked with U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and other members of the full Senate Judiciary Committee to pass the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which significantly reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and repealed a mandatory minimum sentence for the first time since the Nixon Administration.\r\n112th Congress (2011 - 2012): Durbin was named Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, which was formed by merging the Constitution Subcommittee and the Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee, which he had previously chaired. After Durbin held the first-ever Congressional hearing on solitary confinement in June 2012  where Anthony Graves, the 12th death row inmate in Texas to be exonerated, testified  the federal Bureau of Prisons agreed to Durbin's request to submit to the first independent assessment of its solitary confinement policies and practices.\r\nFollowing the brave testimony of Harpreet Singh Saini at a 2012 hearing on hate crimes and the threat of domestic extremism after the mass shooting by a white supremacist at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Durbin successfully pushed the Justice Department to begin tracking hate crimes against Sikh Americans, Arab Americans, and Hindu Americans.\r\n113th Congress (2013 - 2014): Durbin was renamed Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights. Following testimony in 2013 by Sybrina Fulton - mother of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was shot and killed while walking through a residential neighborhood in Sanford, Florida - Durbin called for state stand your ground laws to be carefully reconsidered.\r\nDurbin worked across the aisle with U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on the bipartisan Smarter Sentencing Act, which will modernize federal drug sentencing polices by giving federal judges more discretion in sentencing those convicted of non-violent offenses. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in January 2014. In a second hearing on solitary confinement, which he convened in February 2014, Durbin called for an end to the use of solitary confinement for juveniles, pregnant women and those with serious and persistent mental illness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durrbin-bustos-continued-funding-for-prison-activation-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill-is-more-good-news-for-jobs-economic-development-in-northern-illinois", "Durrbin, Bustos: Continued Funding For Prison Activation In Omnibus Appropriations Bill is More Good News For Jobs, Economic Development in Northern Illinois", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Durrbin, Bustos: Continued Funding For Prison Activation In Omnibus Appropriations Bill is More Good News For Jobs, Economic Development in Northern Illinois \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which was introduced in the House today, includes continued funding for the activation of the Thomson correctional facility in Thomson, Illinois. The bill must now be voted on in both chambers and signed into law by President Obama.\r\nThough today's bill does not detail how this funding will be spent, Durbin and Bustos expressed confidence that the funding for the Thomson facility's activation remains a top priority for the Obama Administration. In June, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Durbin is a member, approved $58.7 million in funding to continue the activation of Thomson Prison, indicating strong Congressional support for the prison. The Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill  which was passed on a bipartisan vote  included $43.7 million for equipment and staffing as well as $15 million in funding for modernizations and repairs at the prison in Thomson, Illinois.\r\nA warden has been appointed and hiring has finally begun at Thomson prison. It looks like the long-awaited activation of this prison will finally become a reality. Today's spending bill, expected to be voted on later this week, is further proof of both Congress and the Administration's commitment to opening Thomson Prison as soon as possible, Durbin said. This is another significant investment in the economic future of Northern Illinois that will create good-paying jobs and help relieve overcrowding in our prison system. We have made real progress in moving this project forward, I will continue working with Representative Bustos and the entire Illinois Delegation to see it through to the finish.\r\nThe opening of Thomson prison will be an economic boon for our region of Illinois and help alleviate overcrowding in our nation's prison system, Bustos said. Full activation of this this job-creating facility is on the horizon, and with a vote later this week can be set in motion. I'll continue to work closely with Senator Durbin and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure that Thomson Prison remains on track to open.\r\nIn March 2014, Durbin and Bustos announced that the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons has committed $53.7 million in funding to the activation of Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois. The funding was approved by Congress in January 2014 as part of the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014. Of this funding, $10 million is designated for renovation while $43.7 million will be used for staffing and equipment purchases and upgrades. The full activation of Thomson prison is expected to cost $25 million for upgrades and renovations and approximately $170 million for equipment and staffing.\r\nIn November 2013, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Charles Samuels, reiterated his intention to fully activate the Thomson facility. Citing the challenges due to overcrowding at high-security Bureau of Prisons facilities that ultimately put staff, inmates and communities at risk, Samuels said the agency desperately needs the beds at Thomson to alleviate the problem.\r\nIn July 2013, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Durbin is a member, approved funding for the activation of the Thomson correctional facility at the level that was requested by President Obama in his Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal which was delivered to Congress last April. The President's plan included $166.3 million to begin the activation of Thomson prison and two other prisons, acquire 1,000 private contract beds and to expand a program to reduce recidivism rates. The federal government's operation of Thomson is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy and create more than 1,100 jobs.\r\nOn October 2, 2012, Durbin and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced that the federal government had purchased Thomson Correctional Center for use as a maximum-security federal prison to alleviate overcrowding in the federal prison system. The federal government's operation of Thomson is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy and create more than 1,100 jobs. Annual operation of the facility is expected to generate more than $122 million in operating expenditures (including salaries), $19 million in labor income, and $61 million in local business sales.\r\nThe Thomson facility was built in 2001 by the State of Illinois as a state-of-the-art, maximum-security prison to house the most serious criminal offenders. The bulk of the facility was never occupied, however, and is sitting vacant. The facility was constructed on a 146-acre piece of land and has 1,600 beds with eight compartmentalized units designed for maximum inmate supervision and control. The facility is enclosed by a 12-foot exterior fence and 15-foot interior fence, which includes a dual sided electric stun fence.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summary-defense-portion-of-fy15-omnibus", "Summary: Defense Portion of FY15 Omnibus", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Summary: Defense Portion of FY15 Omnibus \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] The Defense portion of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Omnibus, or Cromnibus in some circles) provides $554.2 billion in base and overseas contingency operation funding, compared to $572 billion enacted in fiscal year 2014 and $554.3 billion in the President's budget request. The base budget appropriation is $490.2 billion with $64 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) of the Departments of Defense and State, compared to $85.2 billion for DoD OCO enacted in 2014. The bill also contains $112 million in emergency funds to respond to the Ebola crisis.\r\nIn compliance with the earmark moratorium, the bill contains no congressionally directed spending items.\r\nThe Defense portion of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 emphasizes the following priorities:\r\n(1) Supporting our Troops, Veterans, and their Families\r\n(2) Investing in Innovation to Maintain our Technological Edge\r\n(3) Restoring Readiness and Supporting High Priority Programs\r\n(4) Instituting Reforms\r\n\r\nSupporting our Troops, Veterans and their Families\r\nThe three million active duty, reserve, and civilian employees are the Department of Defense's most valuable resource. The bill protects investments in, and makes targeted increases for, the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense. Major initiatives include:\r\n \r\nFunding the 1% pay raise for military and civilian personnel, as requested by the Department and authorized by the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nProvides $88 million for 1% out-of-pocket costs for the Basic Allowance for Housing.\r\nProviding an additional $25 million for continuation and expansion of the Special Victims' Counsel Program to provide victims of sexual assault with legal assistance and support. Congress is committed to addressing this epidemic in the military. With this additional funding, sexual assault prevention funding will have nearly tripled over the past three years.\r\nTransferring $24.1 million to fully fund the National Guard's Military Burial Honors program in order to fulfill our nation's commitment to those who served.\r\n$3.6 million for Health Artifacts and Imaging Management Systems to support ongoing efforts between DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs to better manage veterans' health information and improve care.\r\n$3 million for the Healthy Base Initiative, which promotes wellness practices for troops and their families living on base.\r\nAdding $190 million to maintain operations at commissaries, pending the commission on compensation report due next year.\r\n$13 million for an initiative to provide pre-kindergarten through 12th grade Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education activities for military children.\r\n \r\nInvesting in Innovation to Maintain our Technological Edge\r\nInvesting in basic and advanced research has been a critical factor in the strength of the U.S. economy and our dominance on the battlefield. There are numerous examples of DoD-initiated research efforts that have had significant impacts across society. It is imperative that we continue to invest in medical breakthroughs and technological advancements that keep us at the forefront of innovation, improve the health and safety of our troops and contribute to our overall national security. The bill does this by making significant investments in research. Major initiatives include:\r\n \r\nIncreasing DoD's core medical research budget as well as Congressionally-directed medical research funding by $1.26 billion, an 11% increase from fiscal year 2014, including the emergency Ebola funding. These increases will be focused in the competitively awarded Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program and Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program.\r\nAdding $257 million to basic (non-medical) research for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), equating to a 5% increase over fiscal year 2014 levels.\r\n$220 million to fund a competition to develop a new rocket propulsion system: the Competitive Rocket Innovation  Motor/Engine Arrangement.\r\n \r\nRestoring Readiness and Supporting High Priority Programs\r\nSequestration in fiscal year 2013 had a major impact on the operations of the Department of Defense. Restoring readiness remains a top priority of all the service chiefs, particularly regarding depot and facility maintenance. The bill eliminates billions in wasteful, unnecessary and duplicative funding across all branches. Instead of indiscriminate across-the-board sequestration cuts, the bill proposes 745 specific cuts to programs and redirects some of those funds to higher priorities. The targeted reductions break down as follows:\r\n \r\nImproving Funds Management: Updated cost estimates and excess carryover of prior year funds result in billions of dollars that are not needed for defense programs this year.\r\nRestoring Acquisition Accountability: Detailed oversight of acquisition programs and practices show savings that are due to schedule delays, unit cost growth, troubled acquisition strategies, or concurrency in test and production.\r\nMaintaining Program Affordability: Re-evaluation of defense strategies reveal unjustified growth in lower priority defense programs.\r\nReducing Duplication: Cuts are proposed due to redundant programs, disparities found in budget justifications, or programs that have been terminated since the budget submission.\r\n \r\nThe bill provides a balanced approach to limit further risk to our forces in targeted areas. Significant items include:\r\n \r\nIncrease of $2.3 billion for readiness shortfalls, including $900 million for facility sustainment, a top service priority, and an additional $202.5 million for depot maintenance. The bill also includes an additional $1 billion readiness transfer fund to address other readiness shortfalls.\r\n$848.5 million for the modernization of CVN 73, the USS George Washington.\r\nFull funding for 3 Littoral Combat Ships, plus an additional $80 million for long-lead parts to purchase the final ship of the block buy next year, at this year's pricing.\r\n$337.1 million to maintain the A-10 fleet. The bill also contains $90.5 million to continue operations of the full fleet of 31 E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACs) radar aircraft.\r\n$1.46 billion to purchase 15 EA-18G Growlers.\r\n$224 million for 2 additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the Air Force and $255 million for 2 additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the Navy. In all, 38 F-35 aircraft are funded in the bill  an increase of 9 aircraft over fiscal year 2014.\r\n$125 million for an additional competitive space launch.\r\nStabilizing the ground vehicle industrial base by adding $72 million for the Improved Recovery Vehicle, $28.5 million for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, $120 million for the Abrams tank and $79 million for Stryker vehicle development and production.\r\nSupporting the Israeli Government request for $347 million for Israeli missile defense programs, including $175 million for Iron Dome. In all, $619.8 million for Israeli programs.\r\nAdds $341 million to modernize up to 12 Apache helicopters and 9 Black Hawk helicopters, and includes a bill provision limiting the transfer of Apache helicopters out of the National Guard in 2015 until enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2015.\r\n \r\nInstituting Reforms\r\nIn addition, reforms aimed at improving efficiency, saving money, and improving resource management are made across the Department. Major initiatives include:\r\n \r\nDirecting a $15 million reduction to management headquarters for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This is a reduction in personnel funding to ensure that the Office of the Secretary of Defense be included in the targeted savings goal of 20% of management headquarters funding by 2019.\r\nEliminating the 5% discount for tobacco and tobacco-related products sold at military exchanges.\r\nTransferring funding to a new defense agency to take over the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) mission, consistent with the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2015. The Government Accountability Office's 2014 annual report on opportunities to reduce overlap and duplication identified the personnel accounting mission as an area of high risk.\r\nReducing civilian workforce targets by $662 million due to overestimation.\r\nAllowing a pay freeze for general and flag officers and slowing the growth of the basic allowance for housing (BAH), saving $8.8 billion in personnel costs over the next five years.\r\nDirecting the Department to report on the feasibility and cost of the Department of Defense assuming responsibility for conducting security clearance investigations for DoD personnel. The bill also encourages the Secretary of Defense to consider measures to streamline data sharing for continuous personnel security evaluations and threat analysis.\r\nCutting $270 million, or 2%, from the operation and maintenance information technology (IT) budget request. Trimming IT funding will help prioritize and better target non-cyber IT investments in an era of fiscal constraint.\r\nDirecting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to improve acquisition strategies for two major new acquisition programs to avoid repeating previous mistakes where the system was rushed to fielding without being properly tested.\r\n \r\nDetailed Bill Summary\r\nMilitary Personnel\r\nThe bill provides $128 billion in the base for military personnel. The recommended level fully supports the authorized end strength and includes a 1% pay raise. It follows through on Congress' reversal of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reduction by adding $215.3 million to fully fund military retirement benefits. The bill also includes $88 million for Basic Allowance for Housing to allow the authorized 1% reduction in fiscal year 2015.\r\nOperation and Maintenance\r\nThe bill provides a total of $161.7 billion in base funding for the operation and maintenance accounts, which represents 1% growth in operation and maintenance funding over the fiscal year 2014 enacted amount in order to restore readiness levels affected by sequestration cuts. This growth enables the Department to begin establishing a new readiness posture and transition from a force focused largely on current operations to one capable of meeting a broader mission portfolio.\r\nThe bill includes a 1% pay raise for the civilian workforce and supports requested personnel increases for intelligence and cyber mission areas and decreases based on a 20% management headquarters reduction over the next five years. The bill also maintains a strong commitment to taking care of the troops and their families and includes an additional $8.25 million for expanded access to mental and behavioral health care and an additional $25 million for the continued implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special Victim's Counsel Program.\r\nProcurement\r\nThe bill provides $93.8 billion for procurement and grants new start procurement authority for programs to fill critical capability shortfalls. Additional significant items include:\r\n \r\n$100 million to the Combat Rescue Helicopter to help pay down the Air Force identified shortfall in fiscal years 2016-2017.\r\n$200 million for an additional Joint High Speed Vessel.\r\n$1 billion to incrementally fund an LPD-28, as authorized.\r\n$102 million for an additional MC-130J.\r\n$11 million in procurement and $27.4 million in Operations and Maintenance funding for the Civil Air Patrol.\r\n$81.7 million to continue Tomahawk missile production.\r\n \r\nResearch, Development, Test and Evaluation\r\n\r\nThe bill provides $63.7 billion for research and development. The bill also provides new start authority for needed programs, which would not be allowed to proceed under a full-year CR. Significant items include:\r\n \r\nFull funding for the Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program, allowing it to proceed on schedule. The bill also dedicates $4 million within Army studies to analyze whether the Stryker or any other vehicle can compete in a follow-on to the current AMPV program.\r\n \r\n \r\nAdding $50 million to MDA Ground-Based Midcourse Defense program to improve system reliability and maintainability.\r\n \r\n \r\nProviding an additional $31 million for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) basic research.\r\n$10 million for research opportunities at the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.\r\n\r\n$225 million for the Rapid Innovation Fund, which supports small businesses around the country in their efforts to provide leap-ahead technologies to meet our national security needs. \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nFull funding for the Air Force's Long Range Strike Bomber and the KC-46 tanker program.\r\n \r\n \r\nFull funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter development and test program.\r\n \r\n \r\nFull funding for the Navy's Ohio-class replacement submarine and the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike development programs.\r\n \r\n\r\nOverseas Contingency Operations\r\nThe bill provides $64 billion for DoD Overseas Contingency Operations. Significant items include:\r\n \r\n$1.3 billion for the new Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund (CTPF) account to increase U.S. counterterrorism cooperation with countries such as Yemen, Libya, and Somalia.\r\n$5 billion for anti-ISIL operations, including $1.6 billion for training of Iraqi and Kurdish security forces.\r\nAuthorizes a DoD-led program to train and equip vetted elements of the Syrian opposition through September 30, 2015, and allows for up to $500 million in funding for the program.\r\n$810 million for the European Reassurance Initiative, part of the President's OCO request to support the rotation of the U.S. Armed Forces through Europe and to increase train and equip programs for European countries. The bill requires that not less than $175 million be spent in support of Ukraine and the Baltic nations, a substantial increase to current plans.\r\n$4.1 billion for the training and sustainment of Afghanistan's security forces.\r\n$250 million to dispose of unexploded ordinance on U.S. bases in Afghanistan over the next two years, which will ensure that all remaining U.S. bases will be clean prior to their transition to Afghani control.\r\n$1.2 billion for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account.\r\n \r\nOther\r\n\r\n \r\nGuantanamo: Maintained the prohibition on transferring detainees to the United States as well as prohibiting the construction, modification or acquisition of facilities to house detainees within the US. The bill includes a provision that will allow for the transfer of detainees overseas to their country of origin or another country.\r\nEbola: The bill provides $112 million for Ebola response and preparedness. Of these funds, $45 million is directed to DARPA long-range research programs, $50 million to nearer-term research programs of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and $12 million to procurement of necessary equipment.\r\nClimate Change: The bill addresses climate change by adding $20 million each for the Army, Navy and Air Force for alternative energy research that is contributing to reduced emissions. In addition, report language further encourages DoD to continue aggressively planning for the effects of climate change, particularly in regard to the Arctic, adding $5 million to Arctic Domain Awareness programs at DARPA.\r\n \r\nArsenal Sustainment: The bill adds $225 million to further stabilize rates at the three manufacturing arsenals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b0309cea-2498-4413-948a-7bb669b33849", "Durbin: \"We Have More Work To Do\"", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=15a50e7c-ae62-4f6d-ad97-eb7fe8efab96", "Sen. Cory Booker's (D-NJ) Testimony at the State of Civil and Human Rights Hearing", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=698a626b-1f2a-418e-b720-e12868978f90", "U.S. Rep Kieth Ellison Testimony at the State of Civil and Human Rights Hearing", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=a7901d57-341e-4999-b684-73cc6d46b9e3", "Perspectives on the State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/pyke-do-tax-breaks-encourage-driving-over-transit", "Pyke: Do tax breaks encourage driving over transit?", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Winter 2015. Commuter A nips out of her garage in the suburbs, turns onto I-88 and then crawls along the tollway and the Eisenhower Expressway, eventually arriving at work in the Loop where parking costs about $290 a month.\nCommuter B drives to her local Metra station, parks, then hops on the UP West Line into Chicago. Her monthly pass and local parking is about $245.\nConventional wisdom holds that Commuter B is doing the right thing taking public transit, reducing pollution and traffic.\nBut while Commuter B gets a $130 tax credit toward her fare, Commuter A, who drives to work, receives a $250 credit for parking costs.\nGiven that gas prices are low and Metra fares will rise in 2015, that's a recipe for increased cars and gridlock, some local congressmen think.\n\"You don't want different incentives for driving versus taking mass transit,\" said congressman Bill Foster, a Naperville Democrat.\n\"It clearly is a problem if you're discouraging people to take public transportation and encouraging them to drive,\" Democratic congressman Dan Lipinski of Western Springs said.\nAnd, if you thought this was just an issue for Democrats, Republican congressman Randy Hultgren of Winfield, whose district includes thousands of Metra and Pace commuters, said, \"it doesn't make sense (giving) half the benefit to people taking the train.\"\nIn 2013, tax credits for the two modes of travel were at par but congressional dysfunction cut the transit credit in half, lawmakers said.\nLast week, the House of Representatives voted to extend a package of tax breaks. In an only-those-inside-the-Beltway-can-understand maneuver, lawmakers retroactively increased the transit benefit to $245.\nBut for 2015, amounts still remain at $130 and $250.\n\"It's a mess,\" Lipinski said.\nNext year, Foster plans to reintroduce a bill seeking to make the transit tax benefit permanent, indexed to inflation and equal to the parking credit.\nHultgren intends to \"do a better job of explaining this,\" he said. \"It may not sound like a lot of money, but it impacts families.\"\nI asked congressman Peter Roskam, who sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee that authors the tax extender bill, for a comment, but he's been elusive on this one. The Senate is expected to vote on the tax extension package this week. Sen. Dick Durbin said he backs making the tax credit permanent and equal with parking.\nMeanwhile, Pace CEO T.J. Ross offers a different perspective.\n\"Illinois is a 'donor state' that sends more money to Washington in taxes than we receive in federal spending,\" he said. \"The pretax transit benefits program helps to level that playing field, reduces the taxable income for workers and businesses, and encourages the use of transit.\"\n\"The parking subsidy actually creates congestion,\" Metra Director John Plante of Wilmette said. \"If you did it the other way, you'd have a lot more people on public transportation and have less congestion.\"\nFor more on transit tax relief, check out the RTA's website, mytransitbenefit.com/index.php/employees/benefits.html.\nAnd if you've got an opinion on the tax credit issue or any other transportation topic, drop me an email at mpyke@dailyherald.com.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2438", "Rep. Lipinski's Bill Renaming Mount Greenwood Post Office for Fallen Firefighter Capt. Herbie Johnson Clears Congress, Sent to President", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Senate has passed Congressman Dan Lipinski\u2019s (IL-3) bill renaming Chicago\u2019s Mount Greenwood Post Office as the Captain Herbert Johnson Memorial Post Office Building.\u00a0 Captain Herbert \u201cHerbie\u201d Johnson died on November 2, 2012, at the age of 54, while battling flames in the attic of a two-story home on Chicago\u2019s South Side.\u00a0 The bill passed the House earlier this year and now awaits the President\u2019s signature.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThis morning, Rep. Lipinski was joined by members of Herbie Johnson\u2019s family, local firefighters, and Ald. Matt O\u2019Shea at the Mount Greenwood Post Office, located at 3349 West 111th Street, to celebrate passage of the bill.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cCaptain Johnson heroically served area residents for over 32 years, paying the ultimate price while protecting his city\u2019s residents,\u201d Rep. Lipinski said.\u00a0 \u201cWhile his duties took him to almost every part of Chicago, his heart belonged to the Southwest Side, especially to the close-knit community of Mount Greenwood.\u00a0 Herbie\u2019s wife of 28 years, Susan, his two sons, Thomas and Michael, and his daughter, Laurie, as well as all of Herbie\u2019s family, continue to be in my prayers and the prayers of so many other people in the surrounding area who knew him well, not only as a courageous and dedicated public servant, but also as an outgoing and caring neighbor and friend.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCaptain Johnson learned public service from his family.\u00a0 Three of his brothers are Chicago police officers, a sister is a retired Chicago police officer, and another brother is a Chicago firefighter.\r\n\r\n\tOver the years, Johnson taught over one thousand recruits as an instructor at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy, and is fondly remembered by those he taught.\u00a0 After the terrorist attacks on 9-11, he volunteered with the rescue efforts in New York City.\u00a0 In 2007, he received the state\u2019s highest award for firefighters, the Illinois Medal of Honor, for rescuing several children from a burning apartment.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNaming a postal facility honoring Captain Johnson is not just a tribute to him and his family, but all first responders who bravely put their lives on the line every day, often for people they don\u2019t even know,\u201d said Congressman Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cThis post office naming will ensure that Captain Herbie Johnson, his family, and the sacrifices of all heroic first responders will always be remembered and appreciated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-witnesses-for-hearing-on-state-of-civil-and-human-rights-in-the-united-states", "Durbin Announces Witnesses For Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces Witnesses For Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Tuesday, December 9th at 2:30pm in the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights , today announced witnesses for his upcoming hearing entitled, The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, and will examine the status of key civil and human rights issues, including police-community relations, criminal justice reform, and voting rights.\r\n\r\nPanel I\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Cory Booker\r\nUnited States Senator\r\nState of New Jersey\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Luis Gutirrez\r\nUnited States Representative\r\nState of Illinois, 4th District\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Keith Ellison\r\nUnited States Representative\r\nState of Minnesota, 5th District\r\n\r\nPanel II \r\n\r\nDr. Cedric Alexander\r\nPresident, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives\r\nPublic Safety Director, DeKalb County\r\nDeKalb County, GA\r\n\r\nWade Henderson\r\nPresident and CEO\r\nThe Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights\r\nWashington, DC\r\n\r\nLaura W. Murphy\r\nDirector, Washington Legislative Office\r\nAmerican Civil Liberties Union\r\nWashington, DC\r\nWHAT: Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights hearing on The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States\r\n\r\nWHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 2:30pm\r\n\r\nWHERE: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\nFollowing enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. This year's events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued need to reevaluate and reform police practices, including the militarization of state and local law enforcement. Racial disparities persist at many stages of the criminal justice system. Many states have enacted voting laws making it harder for minority and other voters to cast their ballots. This hearing will explore how Congress and the Executive Branch can build on recent successes and address ongoing civil and human rights challenges.\r\nDurbin is Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.The Ranking Member of the Subcommittee is Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-kinzinger-amendment-to-save-money-for-the-taxpayers-in-will", "Foster-Kinzinger Amendment to Save Money for the Taxpayers in Will County Passes House", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015 in the House of Representatives. The bill included a provision crafted by Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Foster which allows Will County to continue using the Prairie View Landfill through 2041.\u00a0\u00a0\nLocated south of Joliet and operated by Waste Management, the Prairie View Landfill accepts waste from Will County homes and businesses as well as debris from the Army\u2019s remediation activities at the Joliet Arsenal.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has passed this legislation with our amendment intact and thankful to Congressman Kinzinger and Members of the Armed Services Committee for working with us on this issue,\u201d said Foster. \u201cThis will save taxpayers in Will County from having to pay for a new landfill site for 15 additional years and help keep garbage removal fees low.\u201d\n\u201cThis is a great example of what can happen when both sides of the aisle come together to help our constituents,\u201d said Kinzinger. \u201cI\u2019m proud of this legislation that saves money and takes advantage of the resources we already have.\u201d\nIn 1996, President Clinton signed a law that decommissioned the Joliet Arsenal, allowing much of that land to be repurposed for local use. In 1999, Congress enacted a law that put limits on how long a specific parcel of land that had been transferred from the Joliet Arsenal site could be used as a landfill. Because of advances in waste management practices and increased recycling rates in Will County, the landfill is not filling up as quickly as projected.\n\u201cWhen Will County Executive Larry Walsh brought this to my attention, I knew there must be something Adam and I could do about it,\u201d said Foster.\nThe National Defense Authorization Act governs defense programs for Fiscal Year 2015. Before it becomes law, it still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-rules-committee-immigration-%E2%80%9C-republican-majority-planting-its-flag", "REP. GUTIRREZ TO RULES COMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION: THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IS PLANTING ITS FLAG FIRMLY ON A MYTH", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As House Prepares To Attack President Obama, Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez Discusses \u201cMyth\u2026That The United States Should, Would Or Could Deport 11 Million\u201d Immigrants\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Rep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL) testified before the House Rules Committee this evening as the Committee debated a bill to attack the lawful executive actions President Obama has announced in terms of immigration, deportation and enforcement priorities.\u00a0 The so-called \u201cExecutive Amnesty Protection Act of 2014\u201d is scheduled to come to the floor of the U.S. House as soon as Thursday, but Rep. Guti\u00e9rrez suggested the 113th Congress could use its last few hours in a more constructive manner.\n\u201cLook, if you [Republicans in the House] are serious about the rule of law, then we should have spent yesterday\u2019s Judiciary [Committee] hearing marking-up an immigration reform bill and we should have spent today\u2019s Rules Committee hearing determining which amendments would be in order,\u201d Rep. Gutierrez said.\u00a0 That is what is going to give us border security.\u00a0 That is what is going to establish E-Verify in every workplace.\nA video of the Congressman\u2019s testimony is here:\u00a0\nHis remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow below.\nRep. Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.\nTestimony, before the Rules Committee, as prepared for delivery:\nThis is the second time in the last 3 or 4 months that I have testified before the Rules Committee because the subject of immigrants is being brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.\nNot immigration reform, not expanding border security or making sure people who come to this country come with visas and not smugglers, not E-Verify or temporary worker visas, not making sure every undocumented immigrant is registered with the government.\nNo, what we are sending to the floor of the United States Congress is yet another symbolic and superficial bill supporting the fantasy that every single undocumented immigrant should be deported.\nThe Republican majority is planting its flag firmly on a myth.\u00a0\nThe myth is that the United States should, would or could deport 11 million people.\u00a0 And that it would be a good idea for our economy, our security, and our sense of humanity as a leader among all the other civilized nations of the world.\u00a0 Imagine the consequences of this fantasy...\nFirst, let\u2019s round up 11 million people -- roughly a population the size of Georgia or Pennsylvania or Ohio -- and let\u2019s round up their children too.\u00a0 The children who are U.S. citizens -- that\u2019s about 5 million American children -- let\u2019s put them in foster care or hope some relative will treat them well.\u00a0\nNext, when hundreds of thousands of homes come on the market all at once, the US government would cope with massive bankruptcies and cries to bail out the U.S. farmers whose crops are rotting in the fields of this nation from coast to coast.\nThen, let\u2019s detain and house all of those people we arrest before they are deported and let\u2019s just assume for the sake of argument that we have court cases for all 11 million.\u00a0 That means our immigration court system does nothing else for probably decades.\u00a0\nSorry murderers and rapists, you have to wait your turn for deportation because we want to arbitrarily round up and kick out all the moms and dads who were working at the car wash and playing ball with their children, and now the courts are full, so you will just have to chill.\nOh and don\u2019t forget we will have to hire and buy fuel for 55,000 airplanes, pack them with 200 immigrants each and fly them out.\nLet\u2019s just consider the impact that would have on the Tea Party and the Birthers who oppose everything the President is for. . .\u00a0\nWhen the economy takes a severe hit because the government is removing roughly 5 percent of the American workforce - that\u2019s 1 out of 20 working and consuming and taxpaying people in the U.S. economy \u2013 how is the Tea Party going to feel about a government bail out?\nHow much is the Republican majority willing to raise taxes to pay for deporting 11 million people?\u00a0\nYes, the Republican Party is betting the farm on the idea that the American people think deporting all 11 million people is not only realistic, but desirable.\nAnd in this case, when I say betting the farm, I mean it quite literally \u2013 the entire American farm and agricultural industry and millions of farm workers, grocery stores and families at kitchen tables are going to be turned upside down because the Republican majority is suggesting that the status quo and doing nothing is somehow upholding the Rule of Law.\nBut when the Republicans insist that we cannot fix our immigration system and restore the rule of law legislatively the alternative they leave is chaos.\nThat is what we are left with when every effort to address the problems and the hardship that our broken immigration system causes for American citizens is rejected.\u00a0 Even something as sensible as when the Department of Homeland Security says we will make the deportation of the parents of U.S. citizens our lowest priority if they pay for and pass a criminal background check at their own expense.\nLook, if you are serious about the rule of law, then we should have spent yesterday\u2019s Judiciary hearing marking-up an immigration reform bill and we should have spent today\u2019s Rules Committee hearing determining which amendments would be in order.\nThat is what is going to give us border security.\u00a0\nThat is what is going to establish E-Verify in every workplace.\nThat is what is going to defend the American worker from the current system with two separate but unequal labor markets where only some of the American workforce is covered by American labor laws.\nThat is what is going to get millions of our neighbors and friends who have lived here for years to come forward and register with the government, give up their finger-prints, prove they are not a threat, and prove that they will support their families and pay their taxes.\nThat is the way forward and all the rest of this is incredibly wasteful theater that makes the American people say \u201cWhat are those people in Washington doing because they sure are not taking action to help Americans and their families?\u201d\nI urge you to schedule the Rules Committee hearing on immigration reform -- for real this time -- and invite me back when you are serious.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-announces-grants-for-arts-programs", "Congresswoman Kelly Announces Grants for Arts Programs", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Kelly Announces Grants for Arts Programs\nCongresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that Governors State University and the South Chicago Art Center each received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).\n\u201cOne grant will expand arts programs for schoolchildren on Chicago\u2019s South Side. The other will bring some of the world\u2019s greatest dancers and choreographers to the south suburbs,\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cI support the arts because they bring beauty into our lives and strengthen our ties as people.\u201d\nGovernors State University\u2019s $10,000 grant will fund a local performance by the Philadelphia Dance Company as well as new dances by a diverse set of international choreographers.\n\u201cWe are honored that the NEA has recognized GSU's commitment to art. All students, no matter what their majors, benefit from integrating the visual and performing arts into their daily lives,\u201d said GSU President Elaine Maimon.\nMeanwhile, the South Chicago Art Center received $20,000 to provide free art instruction by professional art educators in a variety of mediums during school hours, after-school and on weekends at local community centers, libraries and schools. The programs will target inner-city, low-income youth, in addition to the out-of-school and in-school programs such as Street SmARTs and School SmARTs.\n\u201cThe South Chicago Art Center is thrilled to receive $20,000 to support free arts programming to young people.\u00a0In addition to the financial support, this grant is also a\u00a0significant endorsement of the vital work we do every day in the South Chicago neighborhood,\u201d said Sarah Ward, executive director of the South Chicago Art Center.\nNEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, it has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004811/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=dd699741-2cbd-4399-a58e-cb361e09ea22", "Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously advanced The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX) in the House of Representatives.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cInadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe,\u201d Senator Durbin said. \u201cBut this is no longer simply a global health and development issue\u2014it\u2019s a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Foreign Relations Committee agreed unanimously today, and I hope the full Senate will quickly pass this legislation before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\"We need to make every dollar of our limited foreign aid resources count by addressing problems where we can have a real impact on people's lives. By focusing our efforts on clean water and sanitation, we can save lives, improve public health and provide stability in vulnerable communities throughout the world,\" said Senator Corker.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitation\u2014many living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mortality, and economic growth.\n\u00a0\nThe Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 made access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of the United States Foreign Assistance Program. The Act was named after the late Senator Paul Simon, who more than a decade ago wrote the book, Tapped Out, which warned of the world\u2019s looming clean water crisis.\n\u00a0\nThe Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014 will make better use of existing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) funds, strengthen WASH programming, and ensure the greatest impact on communities worldwide, without spending new money or creating new bureaucracy.\n\u00a0\nWith the goal of increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, the bill would:\n\u00a0\n \nRatify the existing capacity in the U.S. government to ensure WASH remains a policy priority, and that expertise is available at USAID and State Department headquarters, and in country-level USAID missions, to guide implementation of effective and sustainable WASH programs;\n \n\u00a0\n \nSharpen the criteria for choosing high-priority countries to ensure that limited funds are directed to the countries and communities most in need, recognizing evidence that the poorest people benefit most from receiving WASH services;\n \n\u00a0\n \nIncrease integration of WASH programs with other critical interventions, including child survival, global health, food security and nutrition, and gender equality, to increase their efficiency and impact;\u00a0\n \n\u00a0\n \nAdvance best practices of effective aid, such as improved monitoring and evaluation and a focus on leveraging non-Federal partnerships and funds;\n \n\u00a0\n \nImprove the strategic approach to international safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and to water resource management, by providing guidance that builds on USAID\u2019s own Water and Development Strategy (May 2013), such as by requiring transparency in country priorities, the results of field programs, and regular reviews of progress using recognized metrics.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004815/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b0b89aa8-cc23-4f5d-90e8-565b91bb35c1", "Durbin Statement On Illinois Delegation Reception With Governor-Elect Rauner", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today attended an Illinois Congressional Delegation reception with Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner.\u00a0 A photo of today\u2019s meeting is available HERE.\u00a0 Earlier today, Durbin met with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen it comes to Illinois, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have always come together to tackle the toughest issues.\u00a0 I am confident that tradition will continue next year in the new Congress, which will see the introduction of two new member of the Illinois Delegation.\u00a0 I look forward to working with them and Governor-elect Rauner who joined us for a meeting this afternoon.\u00a0 We had a good discussion about the issues facing Illinois including jobs, infrastructure and state budget challenges.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004829/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=b92f03c4-2dc6-4a8c-8f1b-f0da2ea799ad", "Lunch with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Delegation", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Main Menu\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout Dick Durbin\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIllinois Info Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tConstituent Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIssues and Legislation\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLegislative Agenda\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Office\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMultimedia Archives\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIllinois Investments\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Your Community\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tToday in the Senate\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Dick Durbin\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n    \tOffice Locations\n\t\t \n    \t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.711 Hart Senate Bldg.\n    \t\tWashington, DC 20510\n    \t\t9 am to 6 pm ET\n    \t\t(202) 224-2152 - phone\n    \t\t(202) 228-0400 - fax\n    \t\tCHICAGO\n    \t\t230 S Dearborn St.\n    \t\tSuite 3892\n    \t\tChicago, IL 60604\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(312) 353-4952 - phone\n    \t\t(312) 353-0150 - fax\n    \t\tSPRINGFIELD\n    \t\t525 South 8th St.\n    \t\tSpringfield, IL 62703\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(217) 492-4062 - phone\n    \t\t(217) 492-4382 - fax\n\t\n    \t\tCARBONDALE\n    \t\t250 W. Cherry Street\n    \t\tSuite 115-D\n    \t\tCarbondale, IL 62901\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(618) 351-1122 - phone\n    \t\t(618) 351-1124 - fax\n    \t\n\t\n    \t\tROCK ISLAND\n    \t\t1504 Third Avenue\n    \t\tSuite 227\n    \t\tRock Island, IL 61201\n    \t\t8:30 am to 4:30 pm\n    \t\t(309) 786-5173 - phone\n(309) 786-5404 - fax", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004836/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2867fe6a-4fb0-4441-a0fd-7d855b513819", "Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus. Teasley \u2013 who was featured in a Chicago Tribune article earlier this week \u2013 is part of a growing number of health care workers who are being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in West Africa. She has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year. Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus,\u201d Durbin said. \n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some. One doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy. But once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her.\u00a0 I share that admiration.\u201d\n\u00a0\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\u00a0\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\u00a0\nFootage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here.\n\u00a0\nSenator Durbin\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are available below:\n\u00a0\nStatement of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin\nAssistant Majority Leader\nChicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia\nDecember 4, 2014\n\u00a0\nThe holiday rush is underway and millions of Americans are decorating, shopping, and preparing to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with their loved ones.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year.\n\u00a0\nJanet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWhen Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nOne doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nBut once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her.\u00a0 I share that admiration.\n\u00a0\nThe United States Agency for International Development \u2013 U.S.A.I.D. \u2013 estimates that nearly 16,000 people have contracted the Ebola virus.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNearly 6,000 people have died from it.\n\u00a0\nToday, it is estimated that 7,000 people in Liberia, where Nurse Teasley is volunteering, have Ebola.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nShe is helping some of the neediest patients in the country hardest hit by the disease.\n\u00a0\nAlthough Ebola has been contained so far here in the United States, the outbreak is still raging in parts of West Africa.\n\u00a0\nTeasley is part of a wave of U.S. health care workers being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and now Mali.\n\u00a0\nTeasley got involved through AmeriCares, which is one of about 150 non-profits working with the federal government to recruit workers nationwide.\n\u00a0\nTeasley has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.\n\u00a0\nNow, she is spending eight weeks in Buchanan, Liberia, training and then treating patients. She explains, \u201cI came here for a purpose, and I want to see that through\u2026 I honestly believe no man is an island; each man\u2019s death diminishes me. That\u2019s why I became a nurse.\u201d\n\u00a0\nTeasley\u2019s daughter, Danica Miller, was not surprised by her mother\u2019s plan.\u00a0 She says for leisure, her mother does not read novels but pores over books on infectious diseases.\n\u00a0\nDespite her family\u2019s support, Teasley is conscious of the increased risk she faces. In fact, many of those who have fallen ill have been health care workers themselves.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTeasley says she will not be one of them.\n\u00a0\nShe said she is confident in herself and her team and that she\u2019ll be able to come home safely.\n\u00a0\nThe Need for Health Care Workers\n\u00a0\nTo stop this epidemic, we need more people like Nurse Teasley.\n\u00a0\nThe federal government is seeking medical professionals to work in the 23 Ebola treatment units being established in Liberia.\n\u00a0\nWhile the number of volunteers increased steadily this fall, it did drop off a bit when there was confusion over quarantine policies for returning medical workers.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith time and perspective, this confusion seems to be settling.\n\u00a0\nIllinois has brought its quarantine policy in line with that of the Centers for Disease Control.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith a scientifically grounded and careful, measured approach, the hope is that health care workers with the same passion and dedication as Nurse Teasley will volunteer to help those in need.\n\u00a0\nI met with Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control, two weeks ago.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHe and members of the international public health community maintain that the way to control spread of Ebola is to contain the virus at its source.\n\u00a0\nTo prepare for the possibility of Ebola patients here at home \u2013 and to help with containment overseas \u2013 the Obama Administration has requested $6.18 billion in emergency funding, including $1.83 billion specifically for the CDC.\n\u00a0\nI support this request.\n\u00a0\nJanet Teasley is a valuable and commendable part of this effort.\n\u00a0\nI hope people will hear Teasley\u2019s story and the stories of people like her and get behind the United States\u2019 operation in Liberia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004841/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=fb40c347-a716-4843-87c3-b787a31aad03", "Chicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004846/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=656aefc0-0e75-4f71-9e69-cfe4325fd93f", "Nominee to be Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Main Menu\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout Dick Durbin\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIllinois Info Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tConstituent Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIssues and Legislation\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLegislative Agenda\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Office\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMultimedia Archives\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIllinois Investments\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Your Community\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tToday in the Senate\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Dick Durbin\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n    \tOffice Locations\n\t\t \n    \t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.711 Hart Senate Bldg.\n    \t\tWashington, DC 20510\n    \t\t9 am to 6 pm ET\n    \t\t(202) 224-2152 - phone\n    \t\t(202) 228-0400 - fax\n    \t\tCHICAGO\n    \t\t230 S Dearborn St.\n    \t\tSuite 3892\n    \t\tChicago, IL 60604\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(312) 353-4952 - phone\n    \t\t(312) 353-0150 - fax\n    \t\tSPRINGFIELD\n    \t\t525 South 8th St.\n    \t\tSpringfield, IL 62703\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(217) 492-4062 - phone\n    \t\t(217) 492-4382 - fax\n\t\n    \t\tCARBONDALE\n    \t\t250 W. Cherry Street\n    \t\tSuite 115-D\n    \t\tCarbondale, IL 62901\n    \t\t8:30 am to 5 pm\n    \t\t(618) 351-1122 - phone\n    \t\t(618) 351-1124 - fax\n    \t\n\t\n    \t\tROCK ISLAND\n    \t\t1504 Third Avenue\n    \t\tSuite 227\n    \t\tRock Island, IL 61201\n    \t\t8:30 am to 4:30 pm\n    \t\t(309) 786-5173 - phone\n(309) 786-5404 - fax", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004903/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8708919c-f148-4a64-a938-c6390005c0cb", "Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced that the Senate unanimously approved legislation that would name a veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the \u201cLane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic.\u201d U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) has led the effort in the House of Representatives to honor the legacy and public service achievements of the former Congressman from Western Illinois. The bipartisan legislation is supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation.\n\u00a0\nEvans \u2013 who represented Illinois\u2019 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years \u2013 was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans\u2019 issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson\u2019s disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe best way we can honor the memory of Lane Evans is to continue his work on behalf of America\u2019s veterans,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cGiven his lifetime of service, it is a fitting tribute to remember our great champion of veterans by naming the VA medical center in Galesburg, Illinois in Lane Evans\u2019 honor.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs a veteran, Lane Evans saw firsthand the need for better community-based care for our nation's servicemen and women,\u201d Kirk said. \u201cRenaming the Galesburg facility in his honor will serve as a fitting tribute to a man who spent more than two decades giving a voice to veterans throughout Illinois and the nation.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve,\u201d said Bustos. \u201cI applaud the Senate for passing legislation today to name the Galesburg VA Clinic after Lane and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done in the House and signed into law.\u201d\n\u00a0\nA Rock Island native, Evans joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 17, just two weeks after he graduated from high school. When he returned home following his service, Evans used the GI Bill to earn a college degree, graduating magna cum laude from Augustana College in Rock Island before receiving a law degree from Georgetown.\n\u00a0\nFirst elected to represent Illinois\u2019 17th Congressional District in 1982, Lane Evans went on to serve 12 terms before retiring in 2007. Evans was the first chairman of the Vietnam-era Veterans\u2019 Congressional Caucus and the first Vietnam-era veteran to serve as ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, a post he held for 10 years.\n\u00a0\nIn his first term, Evans led the effort to create a pilot program establishing community-based veterans centers to help veterans with job and marriage counseling and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The program has since grown to include hundreds of veterans\u2019 centers around the country. His record on behalf of veterans earned him the praise and respect from veterans\u2019 service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.\n\u00a0\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-applauds-chicago-nurse-treating-ebola-patients-in-liberia-durbin-holiday-season", "Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus. Teasley  who was featured in a Chicago Tribune article earlier this week  is part of a growing number of health care workers who are being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in West Africa. She has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.\r\nI want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year. Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus, Durbin said.\r\nWhen Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some. One doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy. But once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her. I share that admiration.\r\nVideo of Durbin's remarks is available here.\r\nAudio of Durbin's remarks is available here.\r\nFootage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here.\r\nSenator Durbin's remarks as prepared for delivery are available below:\r\n\r\nStatement of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin\r\nAssistant Majority Leader\r\nChicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia\r\nDecember 4, 2014\r\nThe holiday rush is underway and millions of Americans are decorating, shopping, and preparing to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with their loved ones.\r\nI want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year.\r\nJanet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus.\r\nWhen Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some.\r\nOne doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy.\r\nBut once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her. I share that admiration.\r\nThe United States Agency for International Development  U.S.A.I.D.  estimates that nearly 16,000 people have contracted the Ebola virus.\r\nNearly 6,000 people have died from it.\r\nToday, it is estimated that 7,000 people in Liberia, where Nurse Teasley is volunteering, have Ebola.\r\nShe is helping some of the neediest patients in the country hardest hit by the disease.\r\nAlthough Ebola has been contained so far here in the United States, the outbreak is still raging in parts of West Africa.\r\nTeasley is part of a wave of U.S. health care workers being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and now Mali.\r\nTeasley got involved through AmeriCares, which is one of about 150 non-profits working with the federal government to recruit workers nationwide.\r\nTeasley has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.\r\nNow, she is spending eight weeks in Buchanan, Liberia, training and then treating patients. She explains, I came here for a purpose, and I want to see that through I honestly believe no man is an island; each man's death diminishes me. That's why I became a nurse.\r\nTeasley's daughter, Danica Miller, was not surprised by her mother's plan. She says for leisure, her mother does not read novels but pores over books on infectious diseases.\r\nDespite her family's support, Teasley is conscious of the increased risk she faces. In fact, many of those who have fallen ill have been health care workers themselves.\r\nTeasley says she will not be one of them.\r\nShe said she is confident in herself and her team and that she'll be able to come home safely.\r\nThe Need for Health Care Workers\r\nTo stop this epidemic, we need more people like Nurse Teasley.\r\nThe federal government is seeking medical professionals to work in the 23 Ebola treatment units being established in Liberia.\r\nWhile the number of volunteers increased steadily this fall, it did drop off a bit when there was confusion over quarantine policies for returning medical workers.\r\nWith time and perspective, this confusion seems to be settling.\r\nIllinois has brought its quarantine policy in line with that of the Centers for Disease Control.\r\nWith a scientifically grounded and careful, measured approach, the hope is that health care workers with the same passion and dedication as Nurse Teasley will volunteer to help those in need.\r\nI met with Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control, two weeks ago.\r\nHe and members of the international public health community maintain that the way to control spread of Ebola is to contain the virus at its source.\r\nTo prepare for the possibility of Ebola patients here at home  and to help with containment overseas  the Obama Administration has requested $6.18 billion in emergency funding, including $1.83 billion specifically for the CDC.\r\nI support this request.\r\nJanet Teasley is a valuable and commendable part of this effort.\r\nI hope people will hear Teasley's story and the stories of people like her and get behind the United States' operation in Liberia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-corker-water-for-the-world-act-clears-committee", "Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.14\n\t\t\t Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t SFRC unanimously passes bill to improve access to clean drinking water without spending new Money or Creating New Bureaucracy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.]  The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously advanced The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX) in the House of Representatives. \r\nInadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe, Senator Durbin said. But this is no longer simply a global health and development issueit's a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Foreign Relations Committee agreed unanimously today, and I hope the full Senate will quickly pass this legislation before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point.\r\n\"We need to make every dollar of our limited foreign aid resources count by addressing problems where we can have a real impact on people's lives. By focusing our efforts on clean water and sanitation, we can save lives, improve public health and provide stability in vulnerable communities throughout the world,\" said Senator Corker.\r\nNearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitationmany living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mortality, and economic growth.\r\nThe Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 made access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of the United States Foreign Assistance Program. The Act was named after the late Senator Paul Simon, who more than a decade ago wrote the book, Tapped Out, which warned of the world's looming clean water crisis.\r\nThe Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014 will make better use of existing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) funds, strengthen WASH programming, and ensure the greatest impact on communities worldwide, without spending new money or creating new bureaucracy.\r\nWith the goal of increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, the bill would:\r\n \r\nRatify the existing capacity in the U.S. government to ensure WASH remains a policy priority, and that expertise is available at USAID and State Department headquarters, and in country-level USAID missions, to guide implementation of effective and sustainable WASH programs;\r\n \r\n \r\nSharpen the criteria for choosing high-priority countries to ensure that limited funds are directed to the countries and communities most in need, recognizing evidence that the poorest people benefit most from receiving WASH services;\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease integration of WASH programs with other critical interventions, including child survival, global health, food security and nutrition, and gender equality, to increase their efficiency and impact;\r\n \r\n \r\nAdvance best practices of effective aid, such as improved monitoring and evaluation and a focus on leveraging non-Federal partnerships and funds;\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove the strategic approach to international safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and to water resource management, by providing guidance that builds on USAID's own Water and Development Strategy (May 2013), such as by requiring transparency in country priorities, the results of field programs, and regular reviews of progress using recognized metrics.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-illinois-delegation-reception-with-governor-elect-rauner", "Durbin Statement On Illinois Delegation Reception With Governor-Elect Rauner", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today attended an Illinois Congressional Delegation reception with Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner. A photo of today's meeting is available HERE. Earlier today, Durbin met with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.\r\nWhen it comes to Illinois, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have always come together to tackle the toughest issues. I am confident that tradition will continue next year in the new Congress, which will see the introduction of two new member of the Illinois Delegation. I look forward to working with them and Governor-elect Rauner who joined us for a meeting this afternoon. We had a good discussion about the issues facing Illinois including jobs, infrastructure and state budget challenges.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-bipartisan-legislation-to-name-va-clinic-after-lane-evans", "Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.14\n\t\t\t Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Legislation Would Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois? 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t [WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced that the Senate unanimously approved legislation that would name a veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) has led the effort in the House of Representatives to honor the legacy and public service achievements of the former Congressman from Western Illinois. The bipartisan legislation is supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation.\r\nEvans  who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years  was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63.\r\nThe best way we can honor the memory of Lane Evans is to continue his work on behalf of America's veterans, Durbin said. Given his lifetime of service, it is a fitting tribute to remember our great champion of veterans by naming the VA medical center in Galesburg, Illinois in Lane Evans' honor.\r\nAs a veteran, Lane Evans saw firsthand the need for better community-based care for our nation's servicemen and women, Kirk said. Renaming the Galesburg facility in his honor will serve as a fitting tribute to a man who spent more than two decades giving a voice to veterans throughout Illinois and the nation.\r\nThe dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve, said Bustos. I applaud the Senate for passing legislation today to name the Galesburg VA Clinic after Lane and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done in the House and signed into law.\r\nA Rock Island native, Evans joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 17, just two weeks after he graduated from high school. When he returned home following his service, Evans used the GI Bill to earn a college degree, graduating magna cum laude from Augustana College in Rock Island before receiving a law degree from Georgetown.\r\nFirst elected to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District in 1982, Lane Evans went on to serve 12 terms before retiring in 2007. Evans was the first chairman of the Vietnam-era Veterans' Congressional Caucus and the first Vietnam-era veteran to serve as ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, a post he held for 10 years.\r\nIn his first term, Evans led the effort to create a pilot program establishing community-based veterans centers to help veterans with job and marriage counseling and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The program has since grown to include hundreds of veterans' centers around the country. His record on behalf of veterans earned him the praise and respect from veterans' service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.\r\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-takano-introduce-legislation-to-establish-national-3d-printing", "Foster, Takano Introduce Legislation To Establish National 3D Printing Day", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) and Mark Takano (CA-41) introduced a House resolution to establish the 3rd of December as national 3D Printing Day.\nText of the resolution is available here.\n\u201cAdvances in 3D printing are creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and manufactures to develop new products and bring ideas to life.\u00a0 From bio-technology, to food production, to advanced manufacturing, 3D printing is creating endless opportunities for innovation.\u00a0 It\u2019s critical that we continue to develop this technology and recognize its importance in the modern economy,\u201d said Foster.\n\u201cDevelopments in the 3D printing industry are being led by American entrepreneurs, and we\u2019re just beginning to realize the impact this technology will have on our lives. Soon we\u2019ll see 3D printers in classrooms, at the office and in our homes, completely altering how we interact with the global supply chain. We should promote this technology widely to increase opportunities for innovation,\u201d said Takano.\nBy enabling rapid production of previously impossible, innovative products, 3D printing has the potential to spawn thousands of new businesses in the U.S. and give domestic companies an edge in global markets. The Department of Energy estimates that 3D printing can save 50% of energy use compared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Foster and Takano introduced this resolution to honor innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, that have the potential to jump-start advanced manufacturing in the United States. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-for-tax-relief-for-working-families-and-businesses", "Foster Votes For Tax Relief for Working Families and Businesses", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0-\u00a0Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted for H.R.5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act, a one-year extension of a number of tax relief provisions that are set to expire.\n\u201cAs a scientist and businessman who started a manufacturing company that provides hundreds of good-paying jobs here in the Midwest, I know firsthand how important it is to provide this relief to working families and small businesses,\u201d said Foster.\n\u201cI would have preferred a long-term agreement on tax reform, and I was disappointed that this legislation does not include an extension of the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit, which have historically received bipartisan support and are critical for working families. It is, however,\u00a0 important that we provide this relief for millions of small businesses and individuals as they prepare for the 2014 tax filing season, and I would urge the House Republican Leadership to use this opportunity to begin consideration of a comprehensive tax reform package,\u201d added Foster.\nH.R.5771 provides a number of tax relief measures for individuals and families, including deductions for teachers\u2019 out-of-pocket classroom expenses, deductions for expenses paid for higher education, the ability for employers to provide transit benefits to their employees tax-free, and keeps mortgage forgiveness of the home a tax-free event.\u00a0\nThe bill also extends tax relief to businesses by extending the research and development credit; extending the work opportunity tax credit, which provides tax credits to employers who hire and retain veterans and individuals with significant barriers to employment; and preserves\u00a0businesses\u2019 ability to deduct certain large costs. H.R.5771 also extends important deductions for ethanol, charitable contributions of food, and state and local sales taxes.\nText of the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-and-colleagues-introduce-ukraine-freedom-support-act", "Quigley and Colleagues Introduce Ukraine Freedom Support Act", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), along with a group of 10 bipartisan colleagues introduced HR. 5782 the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, the House companion bill to S. 2828, to provide for additional assistance to Ukraine, in the forms of humanitarian, energy and defense, while imposing additional sanctions on the Russian Federation.\nUkraine is facing an existential threat from Russian aggression. The people of Ukraine are fighting for democracy and the United States stands behind them in their efforts,\" said Rep. Quigley. \"I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, and continuing to aid the government of Ukraine as it works to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity.\nAs co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, my colleagues and I have continued to witness Russia' aggression towards Ukraine, which not only disregards Ukraine's right to independence and territorial integrity, but destabilizes all of Europe and in turn, creates a grim national security situation for the United States,\" saidRep. Kaptur.\"Unlike other measures, our bill aims to directly assist Ukraine's military to defend her homeland, a right Ukraine is entitled to. Without serious efforts like this one, Russia will continue to push the boundaries of freedom, literally and metaphorically.\nIt's critical we continue to increase pressure on Mr. Putin while deterring future Russian aggression in Ukraine, said Rep. Pascrell. The people of Ukraine have suffered for too long at the hands of pro-Russian separatists, who continue to threaten stability and security in the region. This legislation is an important step towards reaffirming the United States' commitment to helping the people of Ukraine defend themselves and preserve their territorial integrity.  \n\t  \n\tThe Ukrainian people have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of hostility by Russia, and they should know that these actions to sow chaos, destruction, and instability in Eastern Ukraine and in the wider Eastern European region have not gone unnoticed by the U.S. Congress, said Rep. Keating, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats. This bill is an expression of our support for the freedom and prosperity of the Ukrainian people as they defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to determine their own future. It includes additional sanctions and assistance as well as provisions to strengthen Ukrainian civil society, support independent media, and reduce corruption. The United States will continue to stand with the government and people of Ukraine.  \n\t  \n\tOriginal cosponsors include: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH),Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX), Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004917/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1b2cff24-3625-4e2d-871a-7dc221391574", "Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that eliminates the military\u2019s price discount for tobacco products. Durbin authored a similar provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year. Almost one-quarter of U.S. servicemembers smoke, and more than one in three military smokers began doing so after enlisting. The NDAA \u2013 the final result of negotiations between the House and Senate Armed Services committees \u2013 was filed in the House of Representatives earlier today.\n\u00a0\n\u201cSmoking rates among servicemembers are 20 percent higher than the rest of America and use of spit tobacco is more than 450 percent higher,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cDiscounting tobacco products lures even more servicemen and women into this unhealthy and deadly addiction. Ending this price subsidy is a commonsense reform that will protect the health of our nation\u2019s troops. I look forward to reviewing the Defense Department\u2019s upcoming evaluation of tobacco use in the military, and to working with the Department to tackle this culture of tobacco use head on.\u201d\n\u00a0\nStudies show that a ten percent increase in cigarette prices reduces consumption by 3 to 5 percent among adults. Yet, tobacco sold at military exchanges is subject to a 5 percent discount compared to prices in the local community, and because of lax enforcement and ill-defined community comparisons, discounts can be as high as 25 percent off or more. \u00a0The provision included in the NDAA and the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fully eliminates these price discounts on tobacco products sold on military installations.\n\u00a0\nIn July, Durbin wrote Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging the Department to eliminate the military\u2019s price discount for tobacco products and to act aggressively to reduce the risks tobacco poses to our service members. A copy of that letter is available here.\n\u00a0\nIn June, Durbin chaired a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Fiscal Year 2015 funding requests for the Department of Defense (DOD).\u00a0During the hearing, Durbin questioned both Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, regarding the practice of discounting tobacco products for servicemembers. Video of Durbin\u2019s remarks at that hearing are available here.\n\u00a0\nDurbin\u2019s provision is supported by the Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Public Health Association, and the Commissioned Officers Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-provision-to-reduce-risks-of-tobacco-related-illness-among-servicemembers-included-in-defense-authorization-bill", "Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that eliminates the military's price discount for tobacco products. Durbin authored a similar provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year. Almost one-quarter of U.S. servicemembers smoke, and more than one in three military smokers began doing so after enlisting. The NDAA  the final result of negotiations between the House and Senate Armed Services committees  was filed in the House of Representatives earlier today.\r\nSmoking rates among servicemembers are 20 percent higher than the rest of America and use of spit tobacco is more than 450 percent higher, Durbin said. Discounting tobacco products lures even more servicemen and women into this unhealthy and deadly addiction. Ending this price subsidy is a commonsense reform that will protect the health of our nation's troops. I look forward to reviewing the Defense Department's upcoming evaluation of tobacco use in the military, and to working with the Department to tackle this culture of tobacco use head on.\r\nStudies show that a ten percent increase in cigarette prices reduces consumption by 3 to 5 percent among adults. Yet, tobacco sold at military exchanges is subject to a 5 percent discount compared to prices in the local community, and because of lax enforcement and ill-defined community comparisons, discounts can be as high as 25 percent off or more. The provision included in the NDAA and the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fully eliminates these price discounts on tobacco products sold on military installations.\r\nIn July, Durbin wrote Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging the Department to eliminate the military's price discount for tobacco products and to act aggressively to reduce the risks tobacco poses to our service members. A copy of that letter is available here.\r\nIn June, Durbin chaired a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Fiscal Year 2015 funding requests for the Department of Defense (DOD).During the hearing, Durbin questioned both Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, regarding the practice of discounting tobacco products for servicemembers. Video of Durbin's remarks at that hearing are available here.\r\nDurbin's provision is supported by the Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Public Health Association, and the Commissioned Officers Association.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=cb4e3f59-7916-4bce-adb8-720af88aaa6c", "Leadership of Greater Chicago", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004936/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=d6d3a56a-0e2e-44b9-ba87-154ab23b21db", "Durbin Meets with Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met today with President Obama\u2019s nominee for Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, to discuss her nomination and issues facing the Justice Department. \u00a0Lynch currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, a position she has held since 2010.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI was pleased to meet today with Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch, who has a distinguished record as a federal prosecutor,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cWe spoke about issues of importance to Illinois and the nation, including addressing gun violence in our communities, reforming our outdated sentencing policies for non-violent drug offenses, and protecting the civil and human rights of all Americans. As Ms. Lynch goes through the confirmation process, I hope the Senate will judge her fairly and on the merits.\u201d\n\u00a0\nDurbin has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 14 years. Durbin is also the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-attorney-general-nominee-loretta-lynch", "Durbin Meets with Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)met today with President Obama's nominee for Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, to discuss her nomination and issues facing the Justice Department. Lynch currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, a position she has held since 2010.\r\nI was pleased to meet today with Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch, who has a distinguished record as a federal prosecutor, Durbin said. We spoke about issues of importance to Illinois and the nation, including addressing gun violence in our communities, reforming our outdated sentencing policies for non-violent drug offenses, and protecting the civil and human rights of all Americans. As Ms. Lynch goes through the confirmation process, I hope the Senate will judge her fairly and on the merits.\r\nDurbin has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 14 years. Durbin is also the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=21515d57-7339-4ad6-96b9-4f0c57311729", "Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. Lyushun Shen", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=f8af0af2-6fc3-4388-8478-57dea3ed1f01", "Nominee to be the Ambassador to India Richard Verma", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Home \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t 404 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n     \tWe\u2019re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site.\n\t \tThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2429", "Reps. Lipinski and Roskam Lead Effort to Stop Bill that Would Harm Local Economy, Threaten Environment", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Peter Roskam (IL-6) are leading a bipartisan effort to stop legislation that threatens to have a devastating impact on a vital economic engine in the Midwest, the Illinois waterways system, which currently moves 100 million tons of goods worth nearly $28 billion each year within the state and region.\u00a0 In a letter to Speaker John Boehner and Leader Nancy Pelosi, Lipinski and Roskam, along with 15 other members, seek to halt the last-minute secret passage of infrastructure projects that have received no debate or consideration, will ignore numerous environmental laws, and will have a negative impact on the local and regional economy by providing for the installation of physical barriers that would restrict barge traffic on the Chicago Area Waterways System.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI have learned that some of my colleagues may be seeking to include construction authorization for infrastructure projects at the Brandon Road Lock & Dam near Joliet and along the Chicago Area WaterwaysSystem in \u2018must-pass\u2019 legislation during the upcoming lame duck session,\u201d said Rep. Lipinski in the letter.\u00a0 \u201cGiven that this legislation has the effect of potentially restricting commercial barge traffic while upending the environmental and project review processes mandated by law, it is only appropriate that it receive full and proper review.\u00a0 I am asking that any proposal or authorization of such a project be excluded from any \u2018must-pass\u2019 legislation.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tIf approved, the bill would damage the economic competitiveness of the state of Illinois, while also harming the economies of Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and West Virginia by delaying shipments of coal, chemicals, and agricultural products from and to these states.\u00a0 Such an outcome would upend a key part of the nation\u2019s freight network and have far reaching effects in the region, resulting in unnecessary job losses, shipping delays, and increased congestion.\r\n\r\n\tIn addition to upending environmental reviews, skirting Congressional review, and impacting the economy of the region, the draft legislation would also modify agency jurisdictions by delegating projects on the Chicago Area Waterways System to other entities instead of directly to the Corps of Engineers.\u00a0 Such an action would transfer authority from an expert agency to an agency whose technical capacity to carry out a construction project of this scope is unclear, raising concern as to the quality of the completed project.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt raises serious questions as to which agencies and stakeholders will be responsible for operations and maintenance costs after the project is completed,\u201d stated Rep. Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cIn light of the recent process reforms codified by the overwhelmingly bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act with the intent of streamlining and improving Corps of Engineers project processes, a proposal such as this would unnecessarily interfere with and undermine these new processes designed to move economically and environmentally beneficial projects forward on an expedited basis by switching agency jurisdictions and ignoring the proper course of project approvals.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2433", "Rep. Lipinski Urges Ways and Means Committee Leadership to Restore Transit Tax Benefit", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is calling on Congress to restore the tax benefit that helps commuters who use transit to get to work.\u00a0 This benefit helps more people use public transportation and eases congestion on the roads.\u00a0 In a letter to Ways and Means Committee Leadership that was joined by three other Chicagoland House members, he asks them to continue the inclusion of the increased transit tax benefit in the tax extender package the House is expected to consider before the end of the year.\r\n\r\n\tIn the past, commuters riding trains, buses, subways, and other forms of public transit were entitled to $245 in monthly tax-free benefits to defray the costs of their commute, an amount equal to the parking benefit offered to commuters who chose to drive to work.\u00a0 However, Congressional inaction on the transit benefit led to it being reduced by nearly half, to $130 in January of this year.\u00a0 As a result, many commuters who previously utilized this benefit have been forced to either switch back to driving, pay for fares that exceed the monthly benefit out of their pocket, or pay taxes on the fares that were previously excluded from taxable income.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith 2.7 million commuters using the transit benefit to get from home to work, Congress should take action to ensure that riders of public transportation are provided with the same benefits as other commuters,\u201d stated Rep. Lipinski.\u00a0 \u201cMoreover, Congress should ensure that the benefit is restored in order to continue efforts to encourage public transportation ridership, which helps get cars off the road, reduce emissions, and eliminate lost time and delays.\u00a0 As Congress seeks to improve our economy and create jobs, helping people get to work must be a priority.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/mayor-emanuel-welcomes-president-obama-chicago-and-announces-city-prepared", "MAYOR EMANUEL WELCOMES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO CHICAGO AND ANNOUNCES CITY IS PREPARED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE RELIEF", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mayor Rahm Emanuel today welcomed President Obama to Chicago and announced that the City is working with community partners and City departments, including the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to disseminate information about the President\u2019s recent executive actions on immigration, protect consumers from fraudulent immigration service providers, and assist tens of thousands of people to take advantage of administrative relief.\n\u201cToday we welcome President Obama to Chicago and applaud him for taking executive action that will not only bring relief to families across the Country and Chicago, but will also provide many individuals the opportunity to pursue their dreams and continue to contribute to our city and economy,\u201d said Mayor Emanuel. \u201cFor months now we have been preparing for administrative relief and are committed to making Chicago the gold standard that achieves record numbers of relief, ensuring that as many residents as possible take advantage of this opportunity.\u201d\n\u201cWe are proud of the diversity of our immigrant community from hundreds of nations across the globe and of their contributions to Chicago\u2019s unique culture and work ethic,\u201d said Congressman Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez.\u00a0 \u201cFrom the Mayor on down, we are committed to making the President\u2019s immigration actions work in the City of Chicago and we have been engaging clergy, colleges, universities, schools, business and community groups to get ready.\u00a0 While he is here, I bet the President will get a sense for how hungry we are for the changes he announced and how hard we are going to work to make them a success.\u201d\nFor the past few months the Emanuel Administration has been working with immigration leaders from community based organizations, legal service providers, colleges and universities, as well as labor, government, faith-based and business institutions to discuss how the City of Chicago would prepare to help tens of thousands of people take advantage of administrative relief.\u00a0 Now that President Obama has announced a series of executive actions that modify immigration policy, the City has been working with Departments to help implement these new programs.\nThrough a partnership with Chicago Public Libraries, government entities such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and various community organizations, the City of Chicago has built an infrastructure that allows staff and City departments to respond to the immigrant community\u2019s needs. Many of the same organizations that are gearing up to provide services on administrative relief already counsel the immigrant community and provide information and workshops on the naturalization process, as well as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, at Citizenship Corners at select Chicago Public Library locations. The City is working to amplify existing efforts to ensure these organizations continue to have access to City spaces, such as libraries and schools, and other resources they need to better support the immigrant community in taking advantage of administrative relief.\nTo ensure that members of the immigrant community are not taken advantage of by fraudulent activity, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is strengthening its immigration fraud enforcement campaign. For the past two years, the City has cracked down on fraudulent immigration assistance providers by launching sting operations targeting businesses accused of deceptive and predatory practices. Since President Obama announced his executive actions on immigration, the Mayor and Commissioner of BACP have issued a letter to licensed Immigration Assistance Providers listing their responsibilities as licensees and reminding them that the City enforces the law. BACP has also created and distributed flyers informing residents of their rights as consumers and important information they should know before paying for immigration services.\nA critical part of ensuring that people can take advantage of Administrative Relief includes providing the documentation to establish one\u2019s identify, family ties, and presences in the U.S. When Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was first announced, cities across the country were inundated with requests for school transcripts to prove that children had been in school. The City of Chicago has since worked with the Chicago Public School Systems, local legal service providers and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to streamline this process, train staff who produce the transcripts to get them out faster, and draft a one-page document explaining how to read and understand the transcripts for legal service providers and USCIS.\nThe City is part of the IL is ready Campaign, which convened community organizations, government partners, and legal service providers and immigrant advocacy organizations for several months to\u00a0 create the infrastructure necessary to quickly and accurately disseminate information, conduct trainings, and coordinate legal services for those that may benefit from the President\u2019s executive actions.\n\u201cWe look forward to partnering with the Mayor's office in educating and referring those eligible to the services they need,\u201d said Lawrence Benito, CEO ICIRR.\u00a0 \u201cAs we continue to fight for permanent solutions in Congress and for those immigrants left out of the President's executive action.\u201d\nTo educate communities about administrative relief, the City\u2019s Office of New Americans website has been updated to include content on President Obama\u2019s Executive actions, and various City departments have disseminated this information on their social media platform. 311 City Services and Chicago Public Libraries are also prepared to answer questions regarding the President\u2019s executive actions on immigration from local residents.\nOn November 20, 2014, President Barack Obama announced a series of executive actions that would modify immigration policy by focusing the enforcement resources of the federal government on criminals and allow certain undocumented immigrants to temporarily stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation.\nFor more information about Administrative Relief, please visit: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mayor/supp_info/information-about-president-obamas-immigration-accountability-ex.html\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/schakowsky-gutierrez-and-quigley-send-letter-epa-support-stronger-smog-standard", "Schakowsky, Gutierrez and Quigley send letter to EPA in Support of Stronger Smog Standard", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Luis Guti\u00e9rrez", "G000535", "gutierrez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, and Mike Quigley sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in support of the Agency\u2019s consideration of a stronger standard for ground-level ozone (smog) pollution.\u00a0 Smog pollution poses serious risks to public health, including asthma.\u00a0 Children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors are most vulnerable to its impacts.\u00a0\nThe EPA is considering a standard ranging from 60-70 parts per billion \u2013 an improvement from the 75 parts per billion (ppb) standard that exists today, which experts say is inadequate to protect public health.\u00a0 The members urged a 60 ppb standard, which could extend life for four to five times as many people compared to weaker 70 ppb standard.\n\u201cWe hope that you will follow the long tradition of the EPA to set a protective standard that will build upon those decades of public health and technological progress,\u201d said the members.\u00a0 \u201cDoing so would have a lasting and positive impact on our home state of Illinois, where 1.2 million adults and 13 percent of children suffer from smog-related asthma.\u201d\u00a0\nThe full letter is attached.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-gutierrez-and-schakowsky-send-letter-to-epa-in-support-of", "Quigley, Gutirrez and Schakowsky send letter to EPA in Support of Stronger Smog Standard", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley, Luis Gutirrez, and Jan Schakowsky sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in support of the Agency's consideration of a stronger standard for ground-level ozone (smog) pollution. Smog pollution poses serious risks to public health, including asthma. Children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors are most vulnerable to its impacts. \nThe EPA is considering a standard ranging from 60-70 parts per billion  an improvement from the 75 parts per billion (ppb) standard that exists today, which experts say is inadequate to protect public health. The members urged a 60 ppb standard, which could extend life for four to five times as many people compared to weaker 70 ppb standard.\nWe hope that you will follow the long tradition of the EPA to set a protective standard that will build upon those decades of public health and technological progress, said the members. Doing so would have a lasting and positive impact on our home state of Illinois, where 1.2 million adults and 13 percent of children suffer from smog-related asthma. \nText of the letter is below.\n  \n\tDear Administrator McCarthy:\nWe write to express our support for the Environmental Protection Agency's current consideration of updated ground-level ozone (smog) pollution protections and to encourage the strongest possible standard to protect public health.\nHealth experts, epidemiologists, and numerous medical organizations have clearly stated that the existing EPA smog standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) is not adequate to protect public health  particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, outdoor workers and those with chronic medical conditions like asthma. In response to mounting medical evidence and Clean Air Act requirements, the federal courts rightly directed the EPA to reconsider existing inadequate health protections against smog earlier this year.\nThe EPA has announced that it is considering a new smog standard in the 60-70 ppb range. A 12-city EPA analysis showed that reducing the level of smog pollution to 60 ppb would extend life for four to five times as many people compared to a weaker 70 ppb standard. We strongly urge you to set the ozone standard at no higher than 60 ppb in order to best protect public health  particularly children's health.\nSince the Clean Air Act was enacted into law more than 40 years ago, we have seen tremendous progress in cleaning up our air and in protecting thousands of communities around the country. That has been done in concert with technological innocation and a growing economy. We hope that you will follow the long tradition of the EPA to set a protective standard that will build upon those decades of public health and technological progress. Doing so would have a lasting and positive impact on our home state of Illinois, where 1.2 million adults and 13% of children suffer from smog-related asthma  well above the national average.\nAgain, thank you for your great work and for your consideration of our request to set the new ground-level ozone standard at no higher than 60 parts per billion. We look forward to hearing from you.\nRespectfully,\nU.S. Representative Luis Gutirrez (IL-04)  \n\tU.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)  \n\tU.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206005007/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0044d75d-a4f4-485f-a1d6-ebea8ea346b4", "Durbin To Hold Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014On Tuesday, December 9th, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights, will hold a hearing entitled \u201cThe State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States.\u201d The hearing will examine the status of key civil and human rights issues, including criminal justice reform, voting rights, and police-community relations.\n\u00a0\nFollowing enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. Racial disparities persist at many stages of the criminal justice system.\u00a0Many states have enacted voting laws making it harder for minority and other voters to cast their ballots. And this year\u2019s events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued need to reevaluate and reform police practices, including the militarization of state and local law enforcement. This hearing will explore how Congress and the Executive Branch can build on recent successes and address ongoing civil and human rights challenges.\n\u00a0\nWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,  \u00a0 and Human Rights hearing on \u201cThe State of Civil and Human  \u00a0 Rights in the United States\u201d\n\u00a0 \u00a0\nWHEN:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 2:30pm\n\u00a0\nWHERE:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226\n \u00a0\u00a0Washington, DC 20510\n\u00a0\nDurbin is Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.\u00a0The Ranking Member of the Subcommittee is Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206005012/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=fdb417dd-b6a8-4333-90b1-4c5abf1db885", "Durbin, Reed Lead 40 U.S. Senators In Backing DOD Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[CHICAGO, IL] \u2013 U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and today led a group of 40 Senate colleagues in supporting the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cWe strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\u201d\n\u00a0\nFollowing a 2006 Pentagon report that found that \u201cpredatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force,\u201d Congress passed the MLA.\u00a0 This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered.\u00a0 The DOD\u2019s 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit.\n\u00a0\nIn the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule.\u00a0 Today\u2019s letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a better balance between protecting service members and their families while maintaining access to good credit.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nReed and Durbin were joined by Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Levin (D-MI), Brown (D-OH), Hirono (D-HI), Manchin (D-WV), Warner (D-VA), Franken (D-MN), Baldwin (D-WI), Nelson (D-FL), Murphy (D-CT), Blumenthal (D-CT), Merkley (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Warren (D-MA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Murray (D-WA), Whitehouse (D-RI), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kaine (D-VA), McCaskill (D-MO), Shaheen (D-NH), Schatz (D-HI), Markey (D-MA), Bennet (D-CO), Coons (D-DE), Donnelly (D-IN), Feinstein (D-CA), Cardin (D-MD), Carper (D-DE), Wyden (D-OR), Heitkamp (D-ND), Tester (D-MT), Boxer (D-CA), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), and Schumer (D-NY) in signing onto the letter.\u00a0 The signatories include every Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\u00a0\nThe comment period, which was recently extended for the proposed rule, ends on December 26, 2014.\n\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Chuck Hagel\nSecretary\nU.S. Department of Defense\n1000 Defense Pentagon\nWashington, D.C. 20301-1000\n\u00a0\nRe: Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service members and Dependents\nDocket ID: DoD-2013-OS-0133\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. Secretary:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We are writing in response to the Department of Defense (DOD) proposal to update the implementing rules for the Military Lending Act (MLA).\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By enacting the MLA as part of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Congress sent a clear bipartisan message that protecting service members and their families from predatory and high cost lending was of paramount importance to their financial security and military readiness.\n\u00a0\nThis concern was reiterated in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which stated that \u201cthe conferees are concerned that the Department must remain vigilant to eliminate continuing, evolving predatory lending practices targeting service members and their families, and believe the Department should review its regulations implementing section 987, to address changes in the industry and the evolution of lending products offered since 2007, continuing use of predatory marketing practices, and other abuses identified by consumer protection advocates, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s Office of Servicemember Affairs.\u201d\n\u00a0\nAs a result of this required review of the current MLA rule, DOD in its proposal now recommends closing existing MLA loopholes.\u00a0 We believe this strikes a significantly better balance than the current MLA rule between protecting service members and their families on the one hand and maintaining access to non-predatory credit on the other.\u00a0 As such, this proposal also does a much better job of reflecting Congressional intent.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSpecifically, we support the proposal to expand the MLA\u2019s \u201cdefinition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 to cover a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products.\u201d\u00a0 In so doing, the rule proposes that these products be treated in a manner generally consistent with the decades-old requirements of the Truth in Lending Act.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThis comprehensive approach is essential to preventing future evasions.\u00a0 As DOD notes in its proposed rule, \u201cthe extremely narrow definition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 permits creditors to structure credit products in order to reduce or avoid altogether the obligations of the MLA.\u201d\u00a0 For example, MLA protections currently can be avoided by simply adding a day to the term of a payday loan or by lending just one additional cent so that the payday loan no longer qualifies as \u201cconsumer credit\u201d subject to the MLA protections.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nContrary to Congressional intent, these evasions threaten military readiness.\u00a0 According to DOD, \u201ceach separation of a service member is estimated to cost the Department $57,333, and the Department estimates that each year approximately 4,703 to 7,957 service members are involuntarily separated due to financial distress.\u201d\u00a0 In addition to the estimated cost savings DOD has identified, we give great weight and deference to DOD\u2019s statement that the proposed MLA rule \u201cwould reduce non-quantifiable costs associated with financial strains on service members. High-cost debt can detract from mission focus, reduce productivity, and require the attention of supervisors and commanders.\u201d\u00a0 As a result, we strongly agree with DOD\u2019s view that the proposed MLA rule not only has the potential to produce substantial cost savings, but also enhance military readiness.\n\u00a0\nIn August of last year, a number of us wrote, \u201cservice members and their families deserve the strongest possible protections and swift action to ensure that all forms of credit offered to members of our armed forces are safe and sound.\u201d\u00a0 Indeed, as our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFor all these reasons, we strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\nReed\nDurbin\nMark Udall\nLevin\nBrown\nHirono\nManchin\nWarner\nFranken\nBaldwin\nNelson\nMurphy\nBlumenthal\nMerkley\nHeinrich\nWarren\nGillibrand\nMurray\nWhitehouse\nKing\nKlobuchar\nTom Udall\nKaine\nMcCaskill\nShaheen\nSchatz\nMarkey\nBennet\nCoons\nDonnelly\nFeinstein\nCardin\nCarper\nWyden\nHeitkamp\nTester\nBoxer\nHagan\nHarkin\nSchumer\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-lead-40-us-senators-in-backing-dod-plan-to-better-protect-military-families-from-abusive-financial-practices", "Durbin, Reed Lead 40 U.S. Senators In Backing DOD Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.14\n\t\t\t Durbin, Reed Lead 40 U.S. Senators In Backing DOD Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[CHICAGO, IL]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and today led a group of 40 Senate colleagues in supporting the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.\r\nAs our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders, the Senators wrote. We strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\r\nFollowing a 2006 Pentagon report that found that predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force, Congress passed the MLA. This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered. The DOD's 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit.\r\nIn the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule. Today's letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a better balance between protecting service members and their families while maintaining access to good credit.\r\nReed and Durbin were joined by Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Levin (D-MI), Brown (D-OH), Hirono (D-HI), Manchin (D-WV), Warner (D-VA), Franken (D-MN), Baldwin (D-WI), Nelson (D-FL), Murphy (D-CT), Blumenthal (D-CT), Merkley (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Warren (D-MA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Murray (D-WA), Whitehouse (D-RI), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kaine (D-VA), McCaskill (D-MO), Shaheen (D-NH), Schatz (D-HI), Markey (D-MA), Bennet (D-CO), Coons (D-DE), Donnelly (D-IN), Feinstein (D-CA), Cardin (D-MD), Carper (D-DE), Wyden (D-OR), Heitkamp (D-ND), Tester (D-MT), Boxer (D-CA), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), and Schumer (D-NY) in signing onto the letter. The signatories include every Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nThe comment period, which was recently extended for the proposed rule, ends on December 26, 2014.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows:\r\nThe Honorable Chuck Hagel\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Defense\r\n1000 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, D.C. 20301-1000\r\nRe: Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service members and Dependents\r\nDocket ID: DoD-2013-OS-0133\r\nDear Mr. Secretary:\r\n We are writing in response to the Department of Defense (DOD) proposal to update the implementing rules for the Military Lending Act (MLA).\r\n By enacting the MLA as part of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Congress sent a clear bipartisan message that protecting service members and their families from predatory and high cost lending was of paramount importance to their financial security and military readiness.\r\nThis concern was reiterated in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which stated that the conferees are concerned that the Department must remain vigilant to eliminate continuing, evolving predatory lending practices targeting service members and their families, and believe the Department should review its regulations implementing section 987, to address changes in the industry and the evolution of lending products offered since 2007, continuing use of predatory marketing practices, and other abuses identified by consumer protection advocates, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Office of Servicemember Affairs.\r\nAs a result of this required review of the current MLA rule, DOD in its proposal now recommends closing existing MLA loopholes. We believe this strikes a significantly better balance than the current MLA rule between protecting service members and their families on the one hand and maintaining access to non-predatory credit on the other. As such, this proposal also does a much better job of reflecting Congressional intent.\r\nSpecifically, we support the proposal to expand the MLA's definition of consumer credit' to cover a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products. In so doing, the rule proposes that these products be treated in a manner generally consistent with the decades-old requirements of the Truth in Lending Act.\r\nThis comprehensive approach is essential to preventing future evasions. As DOD notes in its proposed rule, the extremely narrow definition of consumer credit' permits creditors to structure credit products in order to reduce or avoid altogether the obligations of the MLA. For example, MLA protections currently can be avoided by simply adding a day to the term of a payday loan or by lending just one additional cent so that the payday loan no longer qualifies as consumer credit subject to the MLA protections.\r\nContrary to Congressional intent, these evasions threaten military readiness. According to DOD, each separation of a service member is estimated to cost the Department $57,333, and the Department estimates that each year approximately 4,703 to 7,957 service members are involuntarily separated due to financial distress. In addition to the estimated cost savings DOD has identified, we give great weight and deference to DOD's statement that the proposed MLA rule would reduce non-quantifiable costs associated with financial strains on service members. High-cost debt can detract from mission focus, reduce productivity, and require the attention of supervisors and commanders. As a result, we strongly agree with DOD's view that the proposed MLA rule not only has the potential to produce substantial cost savings, but also enhance military readiness.\r\nIn August of last year, a number of us wrote, service members and their families deserve the strongest possible protections and swift action to ensure that all forms of credit offered to members of our armed forces are safe and sound. Indeed, as our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders.\r\nFor all these reasons, we strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\r\nSincerely,\r\nReed\r\nDurbin\r\nMark Udall\r\nLevin\r\nBrown\r\nHirono\r\nManchin\r\nWarner\r\nFranken\r\nBaldwin\r\nNelson\r\nMurphy\r\nBlumenthal\r\nMerkley\r\nHeinrich\r\nWarren\r\nGillibrand\r\nMurray\r\nWhitehouse\r\nKing\r\nKlobuchar\r\nTom Udall\r\nKaine\r\nMcCaskill\r\nShaheen\r\nSchatz\r\nMarkey\r\nBennet\r\nCoons\r\nDonnelly\r\nFeinstein\r\nCardin\r\nCarper\r\nWyden\r\nHeitkamp\r\nTester\r\nBoxer\r\nHagan\r\nHarkin\r\nSchumer\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-hold-hearing-on-state-of-civil-and-human-rights-in-the-united-states", "Durbin To Hold Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.14\n\t\t\t Durbin To Hold Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  On Tuesday, December 9th, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights, will hold a hearing entitled The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States. The hearing will examine the status of key civil and human rights issues, including criminal justice reform, voting rights, and police-community relations.\r\nFollowing enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. Racial disparities persist at many stages of the criminal justice system.Many states have enacted voting laws making it harder for minority and other voters to cast their ballots. And this year's events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued need to reevaluate and reform police practices, including the militarization of state and local law enforcement. This hearing will explore how Congress and the Executive Branch can build on recent successes and address ongoing civil and human rights challenges.\r\nWHAT: Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights hearing on The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States\r\n \r\nWHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 2:30pm\r\n\r\nWHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\nDurbin is Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all constitutional issues, and all legislation and policy related to civil rights, civil liberties and human rights.The Ranking Member of the Subcommittee is Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206005017/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=084a1bf4-79a2-43a6-b417-0727b4f0031f", "Durbin Statement On FAA Review Of Security And Emergency Response Protocols At Air Traffic Control Center Facilities", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "[CHICAGO, IL] \u2013 U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the results of a review of security and emergency response times at air traffic control facilities following the sabotage of at the air traffic control facility in Aurora, Illinois earlier this year. At the request of Durbin and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, the Department of Transportation Inspector General is also currently conducting an investigation into the FAA\u2019s emergency protocol and mitigation measures.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe review released today by the FAA will help inform our ongoing efforts to improve the protocols, emergency plans, and security measures the agency has in place at air traffic control facilities across the country,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cI also look forward to receiving the results of the Department of Transportation Inspector General\u2019s report that I requested following the incident at the Aurora facility last month. Both FAA and DOT need to do all they can to make certain we do not find ourselves in that situation again.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLast month, Durbin was joined by U.S. Representatives Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in calling for an investigation after a fire broke out in the air traffic control center in Aurora, Illinois causing the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights in and out of Chicago\u2019s O\u2019Hare International and Midway International airports. This was the second fire to disrupt traffic at the Aurora center this year. Full text of that letter is available here.\n\u00a0\nIn October, Durbin, Foster and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on a visit to the damaged Aurora FAA facility. Huerta met with the members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to provide an update on the recovery process and to tour the damaged area of the facility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-faa-review-of-security-and-emergency-response-protocols-at-air-traffic-control-center-facilities", "Durbin Statement On FAA Review Of Security And Emergency Response Protocols At Air Traffic Control Center Facilities", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.14\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On FAA Review Of Security And Emergency Response Protocols At Air Traffic Control Center Facilities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[CHICAGO, IL]  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the results of a review of security and emergency response times at air traffic control facilities following the sabotage of at the air traffic control facility in Aurora, Illinois earlier this year. At the request of Durbin and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, the Department of Transportation Inspector General is also currently conducting an investigation into the FAA's emergency protocol and mitigation measures.\r\nThe review released today by the FAA will help inform our ongoing efforts to improve the protocols, emergency plans, and security measures the agency has in place at air traffic control facilities across the country, said Durbin. I also look forward to receiving the results of the Department of Transportation Inspector General's report that I requested following the incident at the Aurora facility last month. Both FAA and DOT need to do all they can to make certain we do not find ourselves in that situation again.\r\nLast month, Durbin was joined by U.S. Representatives Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in calling for an investigation after a fire broke out in the air traffic control center in Aurora, Illinois causing the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare International and Midway International airports. This was the second fire to disrupt traffic at the Aurora center this year. Full text of that letter is available here.\r\nIn October, Durbin, Foster and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on a visit to the damaged Aurora FAA facility. Huerta met with the members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to provide an update on the recovery process and to tour the damaged area of the facility.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1771, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "IL", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1771, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1771, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 1771, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 1771, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-11-24,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fdurbin-statement-on-faa-review-of-security-and-emergency-response-protocols-at-air-traffic-control-center-facilities", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2014&_next=2014-11-24%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fdurbin-statement-on-faa-review-of-security-and-emergency-response-protocols-at-air-traffic-control-center-facilities&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 406.4178380649537, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}