{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-preckwinkle-cook-county-leaders-warn-aca-tax-credit-expiration", "Krishnamoorthi, Preckwinkle, Cook County Leaders Warn ACA Tax Credit Expiration Will Double Premiums, Strain Cook County Health and Stroger Hospital", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive\u2013Stroger, and other Cook County leaders today at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County to warn that the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at midnight will sharply raise health care costs and place severe strain on Cook County Health and its flagship safety-net hospital.\n\n\u201cLetting these ACA tax credits expire isn\u2019t an accident\u2014it\u2019s a choice,\u201d said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \u201cRepublican leadership must allow a vote to extend these credits and stop blocking action to protect Medicaid from devastating cuts. Without action, premiums will nearly double, families will lose coverage overnight, and Cook County Health and Illinois taxpayers will be forced to absorb the fallout.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt Cook County Health, we will help patients navigate coverage changes, and provide the care they need, but we can not do it alone. Our efforts will not be able to offset the loss of federal support. Letting the Affordable Care Act subsidies expire will cost people in our community their insurance, their health, and in some cases, their lives. We urge policymakers to consider the consequences of allowing these subsidies to expire,\u201d said Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive, Stroger Hospital, Cook County Health.\n\nMore than 550,000 Illinois residents are enrolled in the ACA marketplace in 2025, including over 360,000 Cook County residents, roughly 90 percent of whom rely on premium tax credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, average monthly ACA premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, pricing many families out of insurance overnight.\n\nHealth care leaders warned that coverage losses will hit safety-net hospitals first. In 2023, charity and discounted care at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital totaled nearly $140 million, almost six times more than the next closest hospital in Illinois. Increased uncompensated care is expected to place additional financial pressure on Cook County Health and local taxpayers.\n\nThe ACA coverage cliff comes as Cook County Health faces additional strain from President Trump\u2019s \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act,\u201d which cut Medicaid by more than $1 trillion nationwide and imposed new work requirements. More than 3 million Illinois residents\u2014one in four statewide\u2014depend on Medicaid, which accounts for approximately 56 percent of Cook County Health\u2019s patient revenue. The system estimates it could lose $88 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements as patients lose coverage.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close", "Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year:\n\n\u201cWhether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump\u2019s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans\u2019 jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers\u2014I\u2019m proud of everything we\u2019ve been able to do this past year,\u201d Duckworth said. \u201cWhile this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans\u2014and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans\u2019 benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth\u2019s accomplishments from the past year is below.\n\nDuckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland.\n\nKey Efforts:\n\nDuckworth\u2019s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies became one of roughly 30 bills to be signed into law in 2025. Senator Duckworth\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups.\n\nFighting to Prevent Healthcare Costs from Skyrocketing: As Republicans time and again voted to gut Medicaid with Trump\u2019s Big, Beautiful Betrayal and did nothing to stop health insurance premiums from skyrocketing, Senator Duckworth fought against these efforts at every turn. She voted against the Republicans\u2019 Big Beautiful Bill and voted against all of Republicans\u2019 extreme partisan funding bills. She met with health care leaders throughout Central Illinois, Southern Illinois and the Chicagoland area to discuss how these cuts will impact health care access for all Illinoisans. Trump and Republicans plunged the nation into the longest government shutdown in history to guarantee that out-of-pocket health care costs will skyrocket, refusing to negotiate an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. Duckworth continuously called out Republicans for refusing to help stop health insurance bills from doubling or even tripling for millions of hardworking families, including their own constituents. Then, in December, when Republicans finally had the chance to vote to extend these ACA subsidies, they chose to please Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies rather than serve the tens of millions of Americans who will see their premiums rise\u2014or the four million who will lose coverage entirely.\n\nDefending Reproductive Freedom and Expanding Access to IVF: Senator Duckworth has been a strong advocate for reproductive freedom and access to IVF in the face of Republicans\u2019 anti-choice crusade. In June, she introduced the Protect IVF Act to establish a nationwide right to IVF. She has also long pushed to pass her Right to IVF Act\u2014which Senate Republicans blocked not once, but twice last year\u2014that would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees, as well as lower the costs of IVF for middle-class families across the country. This year, Duckworth successfully secured a provision in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF, for servicemembers, reflecting her earlier IVF for Military Families Act. However, Speaker Mike Johnson single-handedly blocked her provision, denying troops the same IVF coverage available to Members of Congress despite broad bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. This is the second time Duckworth secured this provision in an NDAA bill that passed committee, only to have Republicans block her amendment from the final NDAA\u2014despite it being included in the committee-approved version.\n\nProtecting Our State from Trump\u2019s Unlawful Domestic Deployment: Senator Duckworth, alongside Governor Pritzker and Senator Durbin, helped lead our state\u2019s effective pushback against the Trump Administration\u2019s unconstitutional and dangerous deployments of National Guard troops into American cities, including Chicago. She singlehandedly secured the first and only Senate hearing on Trump\u2019s domestic deployments, during which top Trump Defense officials admitted to three damning revelations that had never been publicly stated before. In addition to numerous actions, including visiting Naval Station Great Lakes amid threats to deploy the military to Chicago and filing an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit against Trump for his misuse of the U.S. military, Duckworth successfully advanced her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act to finally help rein in Trump\u2019s continued misuse of our military and troops.\n\nPushing Back on DHS\u2019 Invasion on Chicago: In light of Trump\u2019s \u201cOperation Midway Blitz,\u201d Senator Duckworth continued her efforts as an outspoken champion for defending Illinoisans and their First Amendment rights. She condemned DHS\u2019s excessive and aggressive force, including unlawful abductions, deploying tear gas near schools and raiding community shelters. Additionally, she demanded an end to forcing law enforcement to abandon criminal investigations in order to assist ICE and called on ICE and CBP to enforce body-camera requirements in compliance with federal orders. Duckworth and Senator Durbin also visited the grounds of the Broadview ICE processing center in their congressional oversight roles.\n\nSupporting Servicemembers and Holding Pete Hegseth Accountable for Putting Them at Needless Risk: As a combat Veteran and member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator Duckworth has condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth\u2019s lack of experience or qualifications to lead our troops, repeatedly calling on him to resign, especially after reports confirmed he sent highly-sensitive war plans in an unclassified group chat with other Trump Administration officials, putting servicemembers at greater risk and undermining mission effectiveness. She denounced the Trump Administration\u2019s unlawful military strikes and supported a resolution to block illegal use of force in or against Venezuela without congressional approval, while raising concerns about violating the laws of war and endangering our servicemembers and national security.\n\nSupporting Our Veterans: After Trump fired more Veterans than any other President in history and imposed illegal pauses in federal funding and slashed Veterans\u2019 care, Senator Duckworth continued her life\u2019s mission of advocating for our brave servicemembers and their families affected by Trump\u2019s recklessness. This year, she introduced legislation to protect the lifesaving Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and restore collective bargaining rights for VA health care professionals. She demanded accountability from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins for the VCL firings. She also introduced her Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Trump and Elon Musk\u2019s indiscriminate purge of federal employees. Duckworth spoke at the \u201cUnite for Veterans\u201d rally on the National Mall, criticizing Trump for using Veterans as political pawns and undermining their care and benefits. She also hosted a Veterans town hall in Crystal Lake to hear directly from Veterans about the impact of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk\u2019s cuts to federal programs and mass federal worker firings.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-delauro-warren-renew-fight-pass-part-time-worker-bill-rights-act", "Schakowsky, DeLauro, Warren Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act", "2025-12-24", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in reintroducing the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act, legislation created to strengthen protections for part-time workers and allow them to better balance their work schedules with personal and family needs. The legislation will address one of the primary issues that hourly workers face - work schedules that do not provide as many hours as they need to support their families - and provide additional protections and benefits for part-time workers.\n\n\u201cPart-time workers across the country deserve better. More than one in five American workers are part-time and they face volatile work hours, unstable incomes, and low wages,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \u201cI reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act with my colleagues Representative DeLauro and Senator Warren to ensure equitable workplace treatment and conditions for part-time workers. This legislation requires employers to treat part-time and full-time employees impartially and gives part-time workers access to stable hours and medical leave. We must improve the quality of part-time work for millions of families across the country.\u201d\n\n\"Part-time workers are crucial to the strength of our economy,\" said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. \"Yet, far too often, these workers are at a disadvantage when it comes to the stability, opportunity, and benefits that are afforded to full-time employees. The Part Time Workers Bill of Rights Act provides part-time workers with the peace of mind they deserve by ensuring they have access to additional hours and receive benefits like Family and Medical Leave and retirement plans, which we know are crucial to the well-being of our workers and their families. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Schakowsky and Senator Warren on this issue.\"\n\n\u201cEvery worker deserves a chance at providing for themselves and their families, but greedy giant corporations are using loopholes to exploit part-time workers instead,\u201d said Senator Elizabeth Warren. \u201cI\u2019m fighting hard to pass the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights and ensure companies put their workers over profits.\u201d\n\nCorporations often attempt to avoid providing workers benefits and higher wages by giving part-time workers fewer hours than they want and spreading work among many part-time employees rather than hiring full-time employees.\n\nThis month, Starbucks agreed to pay $38.9 million to settle claims it violated New York law by failing to provide regular schedules to employees, cutting workers' scheduled hours without their consent, and giving shifts to new hires first instead of to existing employees.\n\nThe Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act would:\n\nRequire employers to offer available hours to current, available, qualified part-time employees before hiring new employees or subcontractors. The legislation requires employers with more than 15 workers to compensate existing employees if they hire new employees instead of assigning new work to available, qualified, existing employees. This provision is based on successful access to hours ordinances in cities across the country, including those in Chicago, Emeryville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle.\n\nMake more part-time employees eligible for family and medical leave. The legislation guarantees any employee who has worked for their employer for at least a year access to federal leave protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act.\n\nAllow part-time workers to participate in their employers\u2019 pension plans. The legislation amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to give part-time workers who have worked at least 500 hours for two consecutive years access to retirement plans if they are offered by their employers to full-time workers.\n\nThe Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act is supported by: 9to5, A Better Balance, Action for Children, AFL-CIO, African American Health Alliance, All-Options, American Association of University Women, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, BreastfeedLA, Catch Fire Movement, CDF, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Popular Democracy, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Chicago Foundation for Women, Child Care Aware of America, Citizen Action of New York, Coalition for Social Justice, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Coalition on Human Needs, Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF), Economic Policy Institute, Equal Rights Advocates, Every Texan, Faith in Public Life, Family Values @ Work, Healthy Nourishment, Jobs With Justice, Justice for Migrant Women, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, Legal Aid at Work, Legal Momentum, The Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, MANA - A National Latina Organization, MomsRising, National Black Worker Center, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Network of Jewish Human, Service Agencies, North Carolina Justice Center, Oxfam America, Poligon Education Fund, Public Justice Center, ROC United, Service Employees International Union, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Start Early, Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice, TakeAction Minnesota, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, United for Respect, We All Rise, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest PA, Women Employed, Women's Fund of Rhode Island, Women's Law Project, Women's Media Center, Workplace Fairness, YWCA of the University of Illinois, YWCA USA, ZERO TO THREE.\n\nThe legislators also introduced the Schedules That Work Act, complementary legislation to help ensure that low-wage employees have more certainty about their work schedules and income. The Schedules That Work Act protects workers who ask for schedule changes from retaliation and requires employers to consider their requests. For retail, food service, and cleaning occupations, it requires employers to provide schedules two weeks in advance. The legislation also provides compensation to these employees when their schedules change abruptly or they are assigned to particularly difficult shifts, including split shifts and call-in shifts.\n\nA recent Berkely study found that unpredictable schedules - which often mean lack of access to enough working hours - are associated with financial insecurity, housing insecurity, high stress, poor health outcomes, and, for parents, less time spent with children, which, in turn, leads to worse outcomes for children. One study found that 65% of respondents with part-time jobs had dealt with \"at least one serious material hardship\" in the past year. Workers facing these challenges are disproportionately women and workers of color as exposure to schedule instability is 16% higher among workers of color compared to white workers.\n\nLaws to help workers access more work hours have already been passed as part of fair workweek laws across the country, including in Chicago, Emeryville, California; New York City; Philadelphia; San Francisco; San Jose; Seattle; and SeaTac, Washington.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-va-abortion-ban-that-denies-millions-of-veterans-the-care-theyve-earned", "Duckworth Statement on Trump\u2019s VA Abortion Ban That Denies Millions of Veterans the Care They\u2019ve Earned", "2025-12-24", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration quietly implemented a policy banning the VA from providing abortion care to Veterans and their families\u2014including in cases of rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother\u2014despite widespread opposition from advocates and the Veteran community:\n\n\u201cOur Veterans risked their lives to safeguard our freedoms. And yet a man who has never served a day in his life is taking away their own freedom to choose what's best for their health.\n\n\u201cIn cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is at risk, Trump is denying our heroes the care they\u2019ve earned through their service\u2014and it\u2019ll be those living in states with extreme abortion bans who will suffer the most.\n\n\u201cTrump implemented this extreme policy during the holiday season, quietly and over the objections of Veterans, thinking we wouldn\u2019t notice. Well, we did. And I will keep fighting to give Veterans and all Americans the health care and reproductive freedom they deserve.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-after-hhs-cuts-pediatric-health", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers After HHS Cuts Pediatric Health Grants Following Criticism of RFK Jr. by the American Academy of Pediatrics", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing grave concern over the Department\u2019s decision to terminate more than $18 million in federal grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), warning that the move threatens critical child health initiatives nationwide and raises serious questions about political retaliation and the integrity of federal public health funding. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the AAP, headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, represents more than 67,000 pediatricians nationwide and has served for nearly a century as a cornerstone of evidence-based pediatric care and public health:\n\nThe terminated grants supported programs aimed at reducing sudden infant death, improving adolescent health outcomes, preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and ensuring early identification of autism. The Department has stated that these initiatives \u201cno longer align with the Department\u2019s mission or priorities,\u201d a justification Congressman Krishnamoorthi sharply questioned.\n\n\u201cI find it profoundly disturbing that preventing infant deaths, protecting adolescent health, and identifying developmental disabilities early are now considered misaligned with the mission of the federal agency charged with safeguarding public health,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in his letter. \u201cThe funding cancellations came shortly after the AAP challenged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.\u2019s vaccine policies in federal court, raising serious concerns that this action may represent retaliation against a respected medical organization for exercising its legal rights and defending science-based public health policy.\u201d\n\nThe letter raises particular concern about the timing of the cancellations, noting that the funding terminations occurred shortly after the AAP challenged Secretary Kennedy\u2019s vaccine policies in federal court. Emphasizing the responsibilities of HHS and its subagencies, including the CDC and HRSA, the letter underscores that public health funding decisions must be guided by science rather than ideology.\n\nTo better understand how the Department is making grant funding decisions, Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested that HHS provide responses to the following questions by January 20, 2026:\n\nAll documents and communications related to the decision to cancel $18.6 million in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics.\n\nAn outline of projects and initiatives that will be funded to replace work that AAP was performing in relation to sudden infant deaths, adolescent health, fetal alcohol syndrome prevention, and early autism detection.\n\nHHS, CDC, and HRSA\u2019s banned words and ideologies when considering projects for federal funding.\n\nA list of all HHS, CDC, and HRSA projects that have been cancelled because they \u201cno longer align with the Department\u2019s mission or priorities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-sounds-alarm-over-doj-diverting-fbi", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Sounds Alarm Over DOJ Diverting FBI Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence Resources to Mass Immigration Raids", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel raising serious concerns that the Department of Justice has diverted FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence personnel away from their core national security missions and reassigned them to support mass immigration enforcement operations, putting the United States at risk. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that senior DOJ officials have redirected personnel and assets from the FBI\u2019s core mission despite the Bureau\u2019s own assessment that terrorists and nation-state adversaries pose the most immediate threats to the homeland:\n\n\u201cOver the last year, senior officials have reassigned personnel and assets from the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) core national security mission to immigration enforcement, leaving counterterrorism and counterintelligence work compromised and putting our national security at risk.\u201d\n\nThe letter cites reporting that early in 2025, DOJ leadership directed FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces to assist with immigration initiatives, requiring agents responsible for terrorism investigations, espionage detection, and cyber threat monitoring to prioritize immigration enforcement over national security work:\n\n\u201cAgents responsible for espionage detection cyber threat monitoring, and terrorism investigation, therefore, were required to prioritize immigration enforcement, giving less attention to crucial national security threats.\u201d\n\nDespite a rise in alleged terrorist incidents across the United States, the letter notes that a significant share of the Bureau remains diverted:\n\n\u201cNearly a quarter of the FBI\u2019s roughly 13,000 agents nationwide, and up to 40 percent in the largest field offices, remain assigned to immigration enforcement duties.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi further highlighted reporting that analysts tracking terrorist financing, money laundering, and the illicit trade in looted antiquities, as well as investigations into the Iranian oil black market used to finance terrorism, have been delayed by months:\n\n\u201cInternal sources further indicate that these core national security investigations, including into the black market for Iranian oil sold to finance terrorism, have been delayed by months.\u201d\n\nAccording to additional reporting cited in the letter, the diversion of counterterrorism and counterintelligence personnel has halted critical investigations:\n\n\u201cThe shift of resources from counterterrorism and counterintelligence teams, including many FBI personnel working years-long complex investigations involving classified techniques and sources, have caused several critical investigations to stop.\u201d\n\nThe letter also raises alarm that counterintelligence specialists with deep expertise on China, Russia, and Iran have been reassigned to immigration cases, limiting enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and allowing foreign intelligence operatives greater freedom to operate inside the United States:\n\n\u201cThese shifts have limited investigations into violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and have allowed foreign intelligence operatives greater room to maneuver within the United States.\u201d\n\nEmphasizing the FBI\u2019s statutory mandate, the letter warns:\n\n\u201cIts counterintelligence and counterterrorism components exist to detect and disrupt the activities of hostile foreign actors, not to conduct civil immigration enforcement or unrelated administrative duties.\u201d\n\nIn light of these concerns, Congressman Krishnamoorthi asked the FBI to promptly provide detailed answers to the following questions:\n\nTo what extent have FBI personnel assigned to counterintelligence, counterterrorism, or related national security missions been redirected to assist with immigration enforcement or other non\u2013national security duties?\n\nHow have these reassignments affected FBI\u2019s ability to investigate and disrupt espionage, terrorism, cyber intrusions, and other national security threats?\n\nHave any ongoing national security or counterterrorism investigations\u2014such as the probe into the Iranian oil black market or cases involving foreign influence operations\u2014been delayed, suspended, or deprioritized because of these diversions?\n\nWere formal operational risk assessments or impact analyses conducted prior to redirecting these agents, and if so, what did they conclude?\n\nWhat steps, if any, has the Bureau taken to return these personnel to their original counterintelligence and counterterrorism assignments and to restore full operational readiness in these mission areas?\n\nWhat mechanisms or internal controls will be implemented to prevent future diversions of national security resources for purposes unrelated to the FBI\u2019s statutory counterintelligence and counterterrorism missions?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-urges-education-department-reverse-cuts-illinois", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Urges Education Department to Reverse Cuts to Illinois Community Schools", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today called on the Department of Education to reverse its decision to cancel Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants across Illinois, warning that the move would eliminate critical student supports and undermine years of federal investment. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Congressman Krishnamoorthi raised concerns about the cancellation of $18.5 million in annual funding and more than $55 million over the remaining grant period for FSCS programs statewide.\n\n\u201cIn Illinois, FSCS grants support 16 school districts and 32 schools across Illinois, serving approximately 19,000 students annually,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in the letter. \u201cThese grant programs serve rural, suburban, and urban students alike, partnering with schools and families to ensure programs are responsive to the unique needs of each community. They provide essential family engagement, nutrition programs, academic enrichment, mental health supports, and workforce-aligned partnerships. FSCS grants are lifelines for the children and families who rely on them, ensuring that our kids remain safe and supported as they learn.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi warned that the tens of millions of dollars in funding cuts would have immediate and severe consequences. When students return from winter break this January, they will face dramatically reduced support, undoing years of federal investment in future generations. The congressman accused the Trump administration of politicizing children\u2019s programs and education.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-responds-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-trumps-chicago-national", "Krishnamoorthi Responds to Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump\u2019s Chicago National Guard Deployment, Urges Passage of His Stop Trump\u2019s Abuse of Power Act", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States declined to allow President Trump to proceed with a National Guard deployment into Chicago:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s Supreme Court decision blocking President Trump\u2019s attempt to deploy the National Guard into the Chicago area is an important step forward in stopping a clear abuse of his office\u2014but it applies only to this case. I introduced the Stop Trump\u2019s Abuse of Power Act to clarify and limit a president\u2019s authority to deploy the military or National Guard to any American city and prevent the use of servicemembers as political props. Congress must act to ensure President Trump cannot misuse our servicemembers this way again.\n\nIllinois has stood united in opposing this illegal and political deployment since day one, and I applaud Governor Pritzker\u2019s leadership as we all fight back together. We will continue to stand united no matter what this administration throws our way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-details-systemic-issues-during-inspections-ice-detention-and", "Underwood Details Systemic Issues During Inspections of ICE Detention and Processing Facilities in Chicago, Lombard, and Bunker Hill, Indiana", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BUNKER HILL, IN. \u2014 Today, Representative Lauren Underwood of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee conducted an oversight visit with staff to the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, one of the primary facilities used to hold Illinoisians during Operation Midway Blitz. Yesterday, Underwood and staff conducted oversight visits to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago Field Office, located in downtown Chicago, and the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Field Office, located in Lombard, Illinois. These visits build on her recent inspection of the Broadview Processing Center following widespread community outrage at Operation Midway Blitz\u2019s constitutional violations and ongoing questions about federal immigration enforcement practices across Illinois and the nation.\n\nUnderwood received briefings from leadership of all three facilities and toured the premises, including intake rooms, holding spaces, storage areas, and officer work areas. The visits occurred as dozens of constituents across her community continue to report being detained, confronted, or questioned by federal immigration enforcement personnel. For months, the Illinois delegation received no timely responses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to basic inquiries regarding the safety or location of constituents impacted by the operation.\n\n\u201cFor months, the Trump Administration has trampled over our Constitution and failed to answer even the most basic questions about how they are conducting immigration enforcement,\u201d said Underwood. \u201cMy visits this week exposed serious breakdowns in how people are tracked, cared for, and treated across ICE facilities. People deserve to know the truth about what is happening in our communities, how federal resources are being used in their name, and how these so-called immigration enforcement operations are being run.\u201d\n\nMiami Correctional Facility (Bunker Hill, IN)\n\nThe Miami Correctional Facility is a state prison for adult male inmates located on the site of the former Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base. In August 2025, DHS announced that it had contracted with the state of Indiana to house up to 1,000 detained migrants at this facility using funding from the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d under the 287(g) program, which authorizes ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement entities. Because Illinois state law prohibits ICE detention facilities, ICE houses Illinoisans at out-of-state facilities including Miami.\n\nUnderwood inspected the portions of the facility used for ICE detention, where 550 people are currently detained. During her visit, Underwood spoke with seven detainees. Five of the seven reported problems with ICE\u2019s Online Detainee Locator System that delayed their families\u2019 ability to find them, despite staff\u2019s claim that detainees should show up in the system within a couple of hours. Two reported experiencing delays in accessing medical care even after requesting it. For example, ICE staff claimed that medicine refills are available upon request, while detainees reported that refills can take up to two months. Another detainee reported that ICE told him they had lost all of his belongings, including money and photographs of deceased family. Detainees also reported difficulty accessing basic hygiene needs such as nail clippers.\n\nUnderwood was told that breakfast is served from 4:00 \u2013 6:00 AM, but some detainees have reported sleep disruptions from being served breakfast as early as 3:30 AM. Underwood was told lunch is from 11:00 AM \u2013 1:00 PM and dinner is served after 3:00 PM. Prison staff claimed that detainees get one hour of outside recreation per day, five days a week. Staff informed Underwood that detainees can play soccer or basketball outside and basketball, foosball, or pool inside during adverse weather events. The only shoes provided by the prison are plastic clogs, which are worn indoors, outdoors (even in winter), and in showers. Detainees reported that these shoes often wore out quickly and failed to keep their feet dry. Underwood was told that detainees have the ability to turn the lights in their cells on and off, but they did not function properly when Underwood tested them.\n\nThere are weekly Catholic, general Christian, and Muslim services in English and one weekly Catholic Mass in Spanish. ICE does not permit detainees to lead their own services, so detainees seeking other religious services are dependent on outside volunteers. There is currently a need for Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist volunteers to lead services. Religious literature may be donated to the facility, and staff report high demand for Spanish-language Bibles and other Spanish-language materials.\n\nPrison staff informed Underwood that they contract with Centurion Health for medical care for detainees, which has subcontractors for different types of care. The infirmary is the only part of the Miami complex shared between ICE and the Indiana Department of Corrections. The facility has two dentists, one psychiatrist, one registered nurse, one certified nursing assistant, and sometimes one licensed practical nurse. There are four dental chairs and four infirmary rooms with six hospital beds in each one, plus two isolation rooms for patients with communicable diseases. Underwood was told that detainees should receive a medical, dental, and mental health assessment within their first 14 days. In medical emergencies, detainees are transported to Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo for cardiac care, or hospitals in Indianapolis if needed.\n\nAttorney consultations are mostly conducted via video call, with some in-person visits. There is a private area available for detainees to meet with attorneys, but attorneys must make an appointment to reserve the room for a virtual meeting. This room is also used for detainees to meet with consulate representatives from their home countries, and for credible fear interviews conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials. There is also a room where detainees are supposed to be able to meet with a counselor or caseworker, but one was not present during Underwood\u2019s visit. There is also a courtroom onsite. Judges are responsible for arranging translation if needed for onsite court proceedings. Deportation flights are conducted three times a week out of Gary, IN, Indianapolis, IN, or Kansas City, MO.\n\nDetainees can file a paper form to request access to a \u201claw library\u201d that does not contain a book collection. Prison staff shared with Underwood that detainees can access LexisNexis on a tablet issued to all detainees; Underwood was told that ICE determines what can be accessed on the tablet. The \u201claw library\u201d has a printer and 11 computers without internet access, which can be used to write letters and fill out forms. Staff claimed that stamps are available for purchase at the commissary, which detainees can use to send mail, and that detainees can ask staff for assistance locating and printing specific forms. However, detainees reported that they were unable to purchase stamps or envelopes, or to print or email legal materials needed to support their cases. Staff onsite were not familiar with the privacy waiver required for Congressional casework, but Underwood secured their commitment to make this form available to detainees in the \u201claw library.\u201d\n\nThe telephone vendor for this facility is Talton Communications. Detainees are assigned a personal identification number (PIN), which is required to call their families or attorneys, and it takes one day to get the PIN. There is a fee for calls which can be paid by cash, card, or money order; funds must be uploaded to a prepaid card through Numi Financial. Detainees can request phone numbers, such as for consulates, and can make international calls. Families who wish to call the facility should dial 866-348-6231.\n\nERO (Enforcement and Removal) Chicago Field Office (Chicago, IL)\n\nThe ERO Chicago Field Office serves as the ICE ERO hub for Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas, overseeing immigration enforcement activities across this region. It is intended as an administrative and operational field office rather than a detention center, but there have been reports of overcrowding as it has been used to hold larger numbers of people during Operation Midway Blitz. There are 50-60 ICE ERO officers at this office currently, in addition to support staff. Underwood was told an additional 60 will be starting next week. Security personnel employed by Allied Universal are also contracted to watch camera footage of holding cells onsite and to patrol the entrance of the building (which houses other government agencies as well). Underwood was told that the office will soon expand into the 5th floor of the building to add more cubicles. This increase is part of ICE ERO\u2019s goal of hiring 805 new officers across the six-state region. Underwood was told that new hires at ICE ERO have a failure rate of up to 30% due to academic issues, physical fitness, failed background checks, and injuries, and that ICE Academy abbreviated its training program from 60 days to 40 days earlier this year.\n\nUnderwood inspected holding areas and found inconsistencies in the furnishings and informational resources available in different units. For example, a female unit did not contain an informational poster on how to file a report under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), while a male unit did. Underwood was told by ICE ERO staff that families with children may be held at this location. Staff reported that detainees are not held overnight at this facility. Detainees are typically transferred from this facility to Broadview in the afternoon, around 3-4 PM.\n\nICE ERO staff informed Underwood that in medical emergencies, staff call 911. First responders choose where to transport detainees, often Rush University Medical Center. ICE ERO staff allow prescription medication to be brought to detainees if it is in a prescription bottle labeled with the detainee\u2019s name.\n\nICE ERO staff claimed that detainees are supposed to appear in the agency\u2019s Online Detainee Locator System as soon as they are booked. Underwood examined paperwork instructing detainees to provide the full names of family members accompanying them for appointments; staff alleged that this information is recorded but not used for any purpose. This raised concerns about potential tracking and targeting of mixed status families, contrary to the DHS\u2019s purported focus on targeting violent criminals.\n\nDetainee phone calls are monitored, including calls with attorneys and family. The only stated exceptions are calls to hotlines (such as a sexual assault hotline or pro bono attorney access). Phone calls cost money which can be paid by debit or collect. The telephone vendor for this facility is Talton Communication. Translation services are provided over the phone by Lionbridge.\n\nICE ERO staff reported that the Chicago regional immigration court docket currently has 260,000 cases pending, with 11,000-12,000 people enrolled in Alternatives to Detention (ATD).\n\nICE HSI Chicago Field Office (Lombard, IL)\n\nThe HSI Chicago Field Office oversees ICE HSI operations across Illinois, Indiana, and the southern half of Wisconsin. ICE HSI employs over 400 staff across this tristate area, including 100 new hires this year. ICE HSI officers previously focused on investigating crimes of exploitation, such as child exploitation, sex trafficking, and human trafficking, but under the Trump Administration, their time has been diverted from that mission to an immigration enforcement mission. Funding from the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d has been used to rehire 40 retired ICE HSI agents for the sole purpose of immigration enforcement. Prior to Operation Midway Blitz, about 10% of HSI agents joined ERO officers in the field; during Operation Midway Blitz that proportion has risen to 30%, with about 25 HSI agents in the field each day. HSI investigates cases involving alleged assaults on ERO officers; cases involving alleged assaults on Border Patrol officers are split between HSI and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\n\nUnderwood inspected holding cells and was informed by ICE HSI staff that families with children may be held at this location. ICE HSI staff informed Underwood that detainees are not held overnight at this location; instead, they are either released, taken to appear before a federal judge at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, or transferred to the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago or the Cook County Department of Corrections. ICE HSI staff informed Underwood that there is no onsite medical care; in medical emergencies, staff call 911.\n\nICE HSI staff reported that people detained at this facility do not appear in ICE\u2019s Online Detainee Locator System. This facility does not have phones for detainees to use. Detainees may make calls from their personal cell phones, which are monitored by an HSI agent. Detainees are only given the opportunity to make a phone call upon request.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago", "Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[CHICAGO, IL] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge\u2019s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump\u2019s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they\u2019ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court\u2019s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities\u2014not go to war with them.\n\n\u201cImmigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago", "Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment Of National Guard Troops To Chicago", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge\u2019s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump\u2019s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they\u2019ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court\u2019s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities\u2014not go to war with them.\n\n\u201cImmigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/los-representantes-garcia-davis-ramirez-y-jackson-inspeccionan-el-centro-de-procesamiento-de-ice-en-broadview", "Los Representantes Garc\u00eda, Davis, Ram\u00edrez y Jackson Inspeccionan el Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO \u2014 Hoy, los Congresistas federales Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Delia C. Ram\u00edrez (IL-03) y Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) regresaron al Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview, Illinois, para una visita de supervisi\u00f3n. Un tribunal federal confirm\u00f3 el 17 de diciembre que la Administraci\u00f3n Trump no puede impedir que los miembros del Congreso realicen supervisen los centros de detenci\u00f3n de inmigrantes. En la conferencia de prensa, los representantes estuvieron acompa\u00f1ados por Erendira Rendon, vicepresidenta de Justicia para Inmigrantes de The Resurrection Project (TRP), y Artemio Arreola, director pol\u00edtico de la Coalici\u00f3n de Illinois para los Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados (ICIRR). El video de la conferencia de prensa se puede ver aqu\u00ed.\n\nLa inspecci\u00f3n realizada por los miembros del Congreso confirm\u00f3 lo que hab\u00edan escuchado de los defensores de los derechos de inmigrantes sobre el centro: cuatro celdas de detenci\u00f3n, servicios sanitarios insuficientes, falta de privacidad, ausencia de servicios m\u00e9dicos y de salud mental, un lugar que no fue dise\u00f1ado para albergar personas m\u00e1s de unas horas.\n\n\u201cEstamos respondiendo a las necesidades de nuestros electores, quienes han llamado a nuestras oficinas, y no saben qu\u00e9 le sucede a sus familiares cuando est\u00e1n en este centro de detenci\u00f3n\u201d, dijo el Congresista Davis, quien representa el distrito donde se encuentra el centro de procesamiento de ICE en Broadview. \u201cEl tribunal dijo que somos los representantes del pueblo y por eso estamos aqu\u00ed. Nuestra funci\u00f3n es servir y proteger a la gente de nuestro distrito, y eso es lo que he hecho toda mi vida y no voy a dejar de hacerlo ahora\u201d.\n\n\u201cUn tribunal federal reafirm\u00f3 lo que nunca debi\u00f3 haberse cuestionado: que el Servicio de Inmigraci\u00f3n y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos (ICE) y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional no pueden impedir que los miembros del Congreso inspeccionen las instalaciones financiadas por el pueblo estadounidense. Lo que vimos hoy confirma por qu\u00e9 la supervisi\u00f3n es urgente. Es un sistema dise\u00f1ado para agotar a las personas en lugar de procesarlas humanamente\u201d, dijo el Congresista Garc\u00eda. \u201cLo que presenciamos refleja un sistema que trata a los seres humanos como mercanc\u00eda. Este ya es el per\u00edodo m\u00e1s mort\u00edfero registrado para las personas bajo custodia de ICE. Bloquear la supervisi\u00f3n no protege la seguridad p\u00fablica. La detenci\u00f3n a esta escala es inherentemente deshumanizante.\u201d\n\n\u201cLa visita de hoy se trata de personas, no de pol\u00edtica. Dentro de esta instalaci\u00f3n hay madres y padres, trabajadores y familiares que est\u00e1n separados de sus seres queridos, muchos por asuntos de inmigraci\u00f3n civil, no por delitos. La supervisi\u00f3n es importante porque las condiciones dentro de estas paredes afectan vidas humanas reales: si alguien recibe atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica cuando est\u00e1 enfermo, si puede hablar con su abogado, si es tratado con dignidad\u201d, dijo el Congresista Jackson. \u201cPoder entrar significa que podemos ver por nosotros mismos, escuchar directamente y asegurarnos de que nuestro gobierno cumpla con su responsabilidad de tratar a cada persona bajo su custodia con decencia y respeto b\u00e1sicos\u201d.\n\n\u201cBajo el liderazgo de Kristi Noem, ICE ha gastado miles de millones de d\u00f3lares en su campa\u00f1a de terror ilegal, irresponsable e inconstitucional. Existe evidencia irrefutable de que ICE ha mantenido a nuestros vecinos, incluidos ni\u00f1os y mujeres embarazadas, en condiciones inhumanas en las instalaciones de ICE, donde han estado sin acceso a sus medicamentos, asesor\u00eda legal o necesidades b\u00e1sicas. La supervisi\u00f3n de las instalaciones del DHS y de ICE es un derecho y un deber constitucional de todos los miembros del Congreso. Y un tribunal federal ha otorgado a los miembros del Congreso una orden judicial para hacer precisamente eso\u201d, dijo la Congresista Ram\u00edrez, miembro del Comit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional. \u201cLa exitosa visita de supervisi\u00f3n de hoy al Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview es una victoria para nuestras comunidades y un primer paso necesario para responsabilizar a la Administraci\u00f3n por su ilegalidad y crueldad. No permitiremos que el DHS viole nuestros derechos, socave el debido proceso y destruya nuestras comunidades. Continuaremos luchando en el Congreso, en los tribunales y en las calles. Por mis electores, nuestros vecinos y nuestro pa\u00eds, seguir\u00e9 responsabilizando a Kristi Noem por sus abusos de poder y me asegurar\u00e9 de que se investiguen sus delitos que ameritan un juicio pol\u00edtico\u201d.\n\n\u201cLa decisi\u00f3n del DHS de finalmente permitir la supervisi\u00f3n del Congreso es un paso positivo, pero no contribuye mucho a esclarecer la situaci\u00f3n que atraviesan actualmente los miembros de nuestra comunidad detenidos\u201d, declar\u00f3 Erendira Rend\u00f3n, vicepresidenta de Justicia para Inmigrantes de The Resurrection Project. \u201cLas personas siguen siendo detenidas en la calle y trasladadas por todo el pa\u00eds, separadas de sus familias y privadas del asesoramiento legal al que tienen derecho. The Resurrection Project se compromete a seguir luchando por los derechos de todos los inmigrantes hasta que todas las personas que han sido arrebatadas de nuestras comunidades sean liberadas y se re\u00fanan con sus seres queridos\u201d.\n\n\u201cContinuaremos trabajando con estos representantes y sus colegas para reunir a las familias. Las comunidades inmigrantes exigen soluciones reales y rendici\u00f3n de cuentas. ICIRR y nuestros colaboradores seguiremos exigiendo responsabilidad y transparencia\u201d, afirm\u00f3 Artemio Arreola, director pol\u00edtico de ICIRR. \u201cSeguiremos exigiendo el fin de la violencia de ICE, independientemente de qui\u00e9n est\u00e9 en el poder. Exigimos el fin de las detenciones, el fin de las redadas y el fin de las deportaciones\u201d.\n\n# # #\n\nEn junio, los congresistas realizaron una visita sin previo aviso al Centro de Procesamiento de Broadview tras recibir informes de que se estaba utilizando para la detenci\u00f3n ilegal de inmigrantes, en contravenci\u00f3n de las ordenanzas municipales y estatales. Se les neg\u00f3 la entrada, incluso despu\u00e9s de identificarse con sus credenciales oficiales del Congreso.\n\nEn septiembre, enviaron una carta a la secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), Kristi Noem, y al director interino del Servicio de Inmigraci\u00f3n y Control de Aduanas (ICE), Todd Lyons, exigiendo respuestas sobre las condiciones, la capacidad y los servicios b\u00e1sicos para los inmigrantes detenidos en el Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview, Illinois. Nunca recibieron respuesta.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-davis-ramirez-jackson-inspect-broadview-ice-processing-center", "Reps.\u00a0 Garc\u00eda, Davis, Ramirez, Jackson Inspect Broadview ICE Processing Center", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO \u2014Today Federal Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) returned to the ICE Processing Center at Broadview, Illinois for an oversight visit. A federal court confirmed on December 17 that the Trump Administration cannot block Members of Congress from conducting oversight at immigration detention facilities. The Representatives were joined at a press conference by Erendira Rendon, Vice President for Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project (TRP) and Artemio Arreola, Political Director at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). A video of the press conference can be watched here.\n\nThe inspection by the Members of Congress confirmed what they have been hearing from advocates about the center \u2014 four detention cells, insufficient sanitary services, no privacy, no medical and mental health services, a place that was not created to keep people overnight.\n\n\u201cWe are responding to the needs of our constituents who have called our offices, and they don\u2019t know what happens to their relatives when they are in this detention center,\u201d said Congressman Davis, who represents the district where the Broadview ICE processing center is located. \u201cThe court said we are the representatives of the people and that\u2019s why we are here. Our role is to serve and protect the people of our district and that\u2019s what I\u2019ve done all my life and I\u2019m not going to stop now.\u201d\n\n\u201cA federal court reaffirmed what should never have been questioned\u2014that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security cannot block Members of Congress from inspecting facilities funded by the American people. What we saw today confirms why oversight is urgent. It\u2019s a system designed to wear people down rather than process them humanely,\u201d said Congressman Garc\u00eda. \u201cWhat we witnessed reflects a system that treats human beings as inventory. This is already the deadliest period on record for people in ICE custody.Blocking oversight does not protect public safety. Detention on this scale is inherently dehumanizing.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s visit is about people, not politics. Inside this facility are mothers and fathers,\n\nworkers, and family members who are being held away from their loved ones \u2014 many for civil immigration matters, not crimes. Oversight matters because conditions inside these walls affect real human lives: whether someone gets medical care when they\u2019re sick, whether they can speak to their attorney, whether they are treated with dignity,\u201d said Congressman Jackson. \u201cBeing allowed inside means we can see for ourselves, listen directly, and make sure our government is living up to its responsibility to treat every person in its custody with basic decency and respect.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnder Kristi Noem's leadership, ICE has spent billions of dollars on their unlawful, unaccountable, unconstitutional campaign of terror. There is irrefutable evidence that ICE has held our neighbors, including children and pregnant women, in inhumane conditions in ICE facilities, where they have gone without access to their medication, legal counsel, or basic necessities. Oversight of DHS and ICE facilities is every Member's constitutional right and duty to pursue. And a federal court has granted Members of Congress a court order to do just that.\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez, who serves on the Homeland Security Committee. \u201cToday\u2019s successful oversight visit to the ICE Processing Center at Broadview is a win for our communities and a necessary first step in holding the Administration accountable for their lawlessness and cruelty. We will not allow DHS to violate our rights, undermine due process, and tear our communities apart. We will continue to fight in Congress, in the courts and in the streets. For my constituents, our neighbors, and our country, I will continue to hold Kristi Noem accountable for her abuses of power and ensure her impeachable offenses are investigated.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe decision by DHS to finally allow Congressional oversight is a positive step, it doesn\u2019t do much to shine light on what our detained community members are going through right now,\u201d said Erendira Rend\u00f3n, Vice President of Immigrant Justice at the Resurrection Project. \u201cPeople are still being grabbed off the street and transferred across the country, ripped from their families and denied the legal counsel they have a right to. The Resurrection Project is committed to keep fighting for the rights of all immigrants until all of the people who have been stolen from our communities are released and reunited with their loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe will continue working with these representatives and their colleagues to reunite families. Immigrant communities are demanding real solutions and accountability. ICIRR and our partners will continue to demand accountability and transparency,\u201d said Artemio Arreola, Political Director for ICIRR. \u201cWe will continue to demand an end to ICE\u2019s violence, regardless of who is in office. We demand an end to detention, an end to raids, and an end to deportations.\u201d\n\n# # #\n\nIn June, the Members paid an unannounced visit to the Broadview Processing Center after receiving reports that it was being used to unlawfully detain immigrants, contrary to city and state ordinances. The Members were denied entry, even after identifying themselves with their official Congressional voting cards.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-presses-energy-department-rising-electricity-costs", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Presses Energy Department on Rising Electricity Costs in Wake of New Illinois Grid Report", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright raising concerns about rising electricity costs and grid reliability risks facing Illinois families and businesses in the wake of a new Illinois Resource Adequacy Study warning of looming capacity shortfalls and higher power prices. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi noted that electricity costs in Illinois have increased more than 14 percent since January 2025, contributing to millions of Americans falling behind on their energy bills and facing the threat of disconnection. Congressman Krishnamoorthi pointed to the 2025 Resource Adequacy Study, which found that regional grids that serve Illinois are projected to face capacity limits and system-wide shortfalls beginning later this decade if the current trends continue. The study makes clear the core problem is not a lack of proposed clean energy projects, but the inability to bring new resources online on schedule.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi highlighted that wind and solar accounted for 93 percent of new electricity added to the U.S. power grid in 2024, making them among the most cost-effective energy sources available. He went on to warn that retreating from these investments and weakening clean energy incentives has slowed project deployment, increased reliability risks, and driven up household energy costs. Congressman Krishnamoorthi also wrote that the study finds rolling back or weakening incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act could increase delivered electricity prices by as much as 7 to 10 percent by the end of the decade, exacerbating affordability challenges for families and businesses already struggling with higher bills.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi requested responses to the following questions no later than January 20, 2026:\n\nWhat actions has the Department taken since January 2025 to reduce interconnection and permitting delays affecting utility-scale wind, solar, battery storage, and transmission projects in PJM and MISO?\n\nWhat analyses has the Department conducted regarding how changes to Inflation Reduction Act implementation affect clean energy investment and project timelines?\n\nWhat steps has the Department taken to coordinate with PJM and MISO to address the bottlenecks identified in the Illinois Resource Adequacy Study?\n\nDoes the Department agree with the study\u2019s finding that rolling back Inflation Reduction Act incentives may raise electricity prices by 7 to 10 percent? If not, please provide the Department\u2019s alternative estimate and methodology.\n\nPlease provide all Department documents, memoranda, or analyses since January 2025 assessing reliability or consumer cost impacts associated with delayed clean energy deployment.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi concluded by stressing that federal energy policy decisions have immediate consequences for electricity affordability, grid reliability, and the financial security of Illinois families and businesses.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi has been a strong advocate for lowering energy prices for Illinoisans. In September, the congressman sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright warning about price hikes throughout Illinois. Congressman Krishnamoorthi then visited Windy City Wieners in Bloomington to discuss the impacts high energy prices are having on local and small businesses throughout the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administration-failure-to-release-the-complete-epstein-files", "Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Failure To Release The Complete Epstein Files", "2025-12-20", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice failed to produce the complete Epstein files yesterday in accordance with federal law:\n\n\u201cYesterday could have been a win for survivors, accountability, and transparency to the public. It wasn\u2019t. After mishandling the Epstein files all year, the Trump Administration is now violating federal law to protect the rich and powerful.\n\n\u201cIt took an act of Congress to force Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino to even consider providing justice. They had a choice: survivors or Donald Trump. They chose the latter.\n\n\u201cSenate Judiciary Democrats will investigate this violation of law and make sure the American people know about it.\n\n\u201cThe survivors deserve better. It\u2019s clear Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are working for the rich and powerful elites\u2014and not you.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-condemns-doj-action-undermining-minority-serving", "CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS CONDEMNS DOJ ACTION UNDERMINING MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Chicago, IL \u2014 Congressman Danny K. Davis issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion declaring key Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs unconstitutional, prompting the Department of Education to halt or curtail their operation:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s action by the Department of Justice denies both the constitutionality and the necessity of targeted, compensatory efforts designed to expand educational access for Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, and other historically marginalized communities.\n\nThis decision wipes away formal recognition of the very real and well-documented legacy of racism, slavery, Jim Crow segregation, systemic poverty, and structural barriers that continue to shape educational opportunity in America.\n\nTo suggest\u2014by any stretch of the imagination\u2014that the playing field in education is equal is simply false.\"\n\nMinority Serving Institutions educate roughly five million students\u2014nearly one-third of all undergraduates in this country. These institutions are not symbolic. They are proven engines of economic mobility. They meet students where they are, support low-income and first-generation students, and strengthen entire communities.\n\nWhen President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act, he made clear that no student should be turned away from college because their family is poor. Today\u2019s actions are deeply at odds with that promise.\n\nBackground:\n\nFollowing the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion, the Department of Education will no longer operate or will significantly curtail several programs, including: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions; Hispanic-Serving Institutions\u2013STEM; Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions; Predominantly Black Institutions formula grants; Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program; and Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education programs. Components of TRIO programs, including the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, are also affected.\n\nCongressman Davis has long championed policies that expand access to education and confront structural inequality as essential to economic mobility and a healthy democracy.", 1, "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-conducts-oversight-visit-broadview-ice-facility", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Conducts Oversight Visit at Broadview ICE Facility After Months of Being Unlawfully Denied Access", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BROADVIEW, IL \u2014 Today, following a federal court ruling blocking the Trump administration\u2019s restrictions on congressional access to immigration detention facilities, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) conducted an oversight visit at the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility after months of being unlawfully denied entry. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb temporarily paused ICE and Department of Homeland Security policies requiring Members of Congress to provide seven days\u2019 notice before visiting immigration detention facilities\u2014restrictions the court found likely exceeded DHS\u2019s statutory authority and interfered with Congress\u2019s constitutional oversight responsibilities.\n\n\u201cFor months, the Trump Administration blocked lawful congressional oversight into conditions inside immigration detention facilities, including here in Broadview, while carrying out increasingly militarized immigration raids that sow fear in our communities,\u201d said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \u201cCongress has both the legal authority and the obligation to conduct real-time oversight. My visit follows a clear court ruling reaffirming that authority, and I will continue using every tool available to force the Trump Administration to follow the law, respect due process, and treat people in custody with dignity the American people demand.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-increase-diversity", "Rep. Kelly introduces bipartisan, bicameral bill to increase diversity in clinical trials", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act to increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health. This bill is also led by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Susan Collins (R-ME).\n\n\u201cWhen people are excluded from clinical trials, they are also excluded from treatments for chronic diseases. The data clearly lays out the fact that historically marginalized communities disproportionately suffer from certain illnesses and diseases \u2013 but we are excluded from clinical trials,\u201d said Rep. Kelly, Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate to ensure better representation in our clinical trials. No one should be left behind in the pursuit of medical breakthroughs.\u201d\n\n\u201cMedical breakthroughs are only as strong as the data behind them\u2014and data that excludes entire communities is incomplete by definition,\u201d said Representative Fitzpatrick. \u201cThe NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act strengthens the integrity of our research by ensuring clinical trials reflect the full diversity of the patients they are meant to serve. This bipartisan, bicameral effort is about inclusion, accountability, and better science\u2014so that lifesaving treatments work for everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cBiomedical research holds tremendous promise for treating many of the most costly and devastating diseases we face. To ensure that the benefits of cutting-edge medical science reach all Americans, it is important that participants in clinical trials reflect our overall population,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cBy encouraging long-term planning and improving demographic representation in clinical studies, this bipartisan legislation would help enhance the effectiveness of critical research that is conducted and sponsored by the NIH.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have fair and equal access to treatment and care. This needs to begin with fair and equal representation in the earliest stages of health research and testing, including clinical trials,\u201d said Senator Kim. \u201cI hope we can come together to use this legislation as a tool to combat dangerous and persistent health inequities that are putting communities of color and diverse backgrounds at-risk.\u201d\n\nThe NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act will:\n\n\u2022 Require NIH to work with clinical trial sponsors to develop clear and measurable recruitment and retention goals based on disease/condition prevalence as well as a rationale for specified goals and a recruitment plan;\n\n\u2022 Ensure the availability of less burdensome follow-ups during clinical trials (e.g. fewer follow ups, phone participation, weekend hours) to increase participation of underrepresented populations;\n\n\u2022 Launch a public awareness campaign across federal agencies related to research participation opportunities.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the Association of Black Cardiologists, Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Psychological Association, National Organizations for Rare Disease (NORD), TOUCH: The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, Doctors for America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-introduces-legislation-strengthen-federal-port-infrastructure", "Rep. Kelly Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Federal Port Infrastructure Investments Nationwide", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Chicago, IL. \u2013 Today, Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Randy Weber (TX-14), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Erin Houchin (IN-09) led the bipartisan introduction of the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act. This legislation strengthens the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) by ensuring federal investments are distributed more evenly across regional port systems nationwide. Currently, inland and Great Lakes ports receive a disproportionately small share of federal support, limiting their ability to modernize infrastructure, expand capacity, and remain competitive. By rebalancing how funds are awarded, the bill helps unlock the full economic and national security potential of ports across the interior, strengthening America\u2019s supply chain resilience and global competitiveness. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n\u201cIllinois\u2019 ports, including the Illinois International Port District in Chicago, are vital to our agricultural and manufacturing supply chains,\u201d said Congresswoman Kelly. \u201cThis bill would ensure the Great Lakes and inland ports receive a fair share of federal investment so they can operate safely, efficiently, and drive economic growth in the Second District and across Illinois.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur ports are the front doors of American trade. This bill ensures smart federal investments in local jobs, improves supply chains, and enhances our economic security,\u201d said Congresswoman Kaptur. \u201cIn my region that means shoring up our Great Lakes ports to allow goods commodities to flow up through the Soo Locks and on to Europe through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining this effort to invest in economic growth and improve waterborne shipping to the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cInland ports are the backbone of the nation\u2019s supply chain. When they fall behind, America falls behind, and our economic security and national security are put at risk,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cFederal port infrastructure dollars can\u2019t just flow to major coastal hubs. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act guarantees that ports across the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, and inland waterways can compete for critical upgrades that keep goods moving, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen America\u2019s strategic and economic competitiveness. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Kennedy and grateful for his continued advocacy on behalf of the Great Lakes.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Great Lakes are a way of life for us in Michigan and across the Heartland. They drive and support industries that create jobs and sustain communities across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Dingell. \u201cOur Great Lakes ports are just as essential to the U.S. as coastal ports and deserve equal federal investment. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to ensure the Great Lakes port system is fairly considered for maintenance and modernization that will support competitiveness and economic security.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur ports are the backbone of our regional economy and serve as a critical link in keeping America\u2019s supply chains moving,\u201d said Congressman Tim Kennedy. \u201cIn the Great Lakes region these ports support good-paying jobs and strengthen our national security. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act ensures that federal infrastructure dollars are distributed fairly, so inland ports and surrounding communities can reap the economic benefits from modernized and resilient infrastructure.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt would be a detriment to both our national security and our economy to overlook the Great Lakes when it comes to port infrastructure funding decisions,\u201d said Congressman Huizenga. \u201cOur nation\u2019s coastal ports are important, but don\u2019t operate in a vacuum. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act ensures industry and commerce while enhancing security, growing the economy, supporting job creation, and lowering costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you to Rep. Joyce and my Congressional colleagues for introducing this legislation to ensure that all of our ports receive their fair share of federal funding for infrastructure investments,\u201d said Congressman Mrvan. \u201cEfficient and well-functioning ports are critical to the economic success of working families and communities throughout our nation, including in Northwest Indiana, and I look forward to continuing to advance this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal port dollars shouldn\u2019t be funneled to the same handful of coastal ports while inland and Gulf Coast ports that move America\u2019s energy, agriculture, and manufactured goods are left behind,\u201d said Congressman Weber. \u201cThe Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act simply requires the Department of Transportation to consider equitable geographic distribution, ensuring every port has a fair shot and that our national supply chain is stronger, more resilient, and more secure.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased to cosponsor this legislation to ensure ports along Lake Ontario receive fair consideration in federal infrastructure funding,\u201d said Congresswoman Tenney. \u201cThese ports are critical to Upstate New York\u2019s economy and support manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and good paying jobs across NY-24. This bill is a smart investment in economic resilience, efficiency, and national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunities across Indiana depend on efficient freight networks to move the agriculture and manufacturing goods that power our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman Houchin. \u201cWhen inland ports, like our own on the Ohio River, are overlooked for federal investment, it can create delays in shipping that affect businesses and workers. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act is a practical solution that ensures every region gets a fair shot at critical funding to keep our supply chain moving.\u201d\n\n\"As a leading advocate for Ohio and the Great Lakes, Congressman Joyce has been instrumental in creating good-paying American jobs and strengthening our communities,\u201d said Brian Oszakiewski, Executive Director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association. \u201cThis legislation helps ensure the Heartland receives its fair share of federal investment. We are grateful for Congressman Joyce\u2019s leadership and thank his congressional colleagues for their support of balanced, long-term funding for critical port infrastructure across the Great Lakes region.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill is an important step to ensure that the world's longest deep draft commercial waterway - the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System - receives its fair share of funding to continue improving the safety and reliability of our region's ports,\u201d said Erika Jensen, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission.\n\nSummary:\n\nThis bill would amend the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to ensure that federal port improvement funds are awarded more evenly across different regions of the country. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to consider geographic distribution when selecting projects for both the Port and Intermodal Improvement Program and for assistance targeted to inland and coastal ports and terminals. The legislation explicitly includes inland ports, meaning ports on the Great Lakes, along inland waterways, and other interior ports would be eligible for funding under the program and considered in the geographic distribution requirements. In practice, the bill ensures that federal investments are not concentrated in only a few regions and that ports of all sizes and locations have a fair chance to compete for funding.\n\nEndorsing Organizations: Great Lakes Commission and the American Great Lakes Ports Association.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) provides critical investments for port infrastructure and intermodal improvements. Historically, a disproportionate share of this funding has gone to large, coastal, or high-volume ports, leaving smaller or inland facilities with limited access to these federal resources. For example, since Fiscal Year 2019, only 2 percent of Port Infrastructure Development Program funding has gone to the Great Lakes region, compared with 38 percent to West Coast ports and 34 percent to East Coast ports. As freight movement grows increasingly interconnected, equitable investment in all types of ports is essential for improving overall logistics efficiency, economic development, and national resilience.\n\nInland ports support manufacturing supply chains, serve hundreds of millions of people, and play a critical role in national security by transporting essential materials such as iron ore, cement, and aggregates. Since America\u2019s beginning, inland waterways have provided a resilient alternative to exposed coastal shipping routes, easier to monitor and protect from physical or cyber threats. During World War II, these waterways were vital, enabling the transport of troops, materials, and supplies while avoiding German attacks on major ports. Today, inland ports remain a secure and reliable backbone of the nation\u2019s logistics network, ensuring critical materials reach where they\u2019re needed most to support both military readiness and domestic manufacturing.\n\nInvesting in these ports would strengthen national supply chains, improve cost efficiency, reduce road congestion and emissions, and enhance the resilience and reliability of freight movement. Modernization efforts, including dredging, dock improvements, and intermodal connections, ensure that these ports can accommodate larger vessels, handle seasonal peaks, and maintain timely delivery of goods. Supporting inland port systems isn\u2019t about local favoritism; it\u2019s about recognizing that inland infrastructure is just as critical as our coastal gateways.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-condemns-house-republicans-failing-american-families-and-leaving", "Underwood Condemns House Republicans for Failing American Families and Leaving Town Without Saving Health Care", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, House Republicans dismissed the House and left Washington for holiday break without scheduling a vote on Rep. Lauren Underwood\u2019s legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for an additional three years. Four Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition to force a vote on the legislation on Wednesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson ignored that bipartisan consensus, and has delayed the vote to January.\n\nThe popular tax credits will expire on December 31st, 2025, and millions of families will now go into the holiday season facing skyrocketing health care costs next year.\n\n\u201cHealth care is a human right, and for months we have called on Republicans to address this issue and give families peace of mind by making the incredibly popular tax credits from my legislation permanent,\u201d said Rep Underwood. \u201cBut they have done nothing, and now millions of families will head into the holiday season filled with uncertainty and anxiety about the future of our health care. This is a crisis that Republicans have created through their own cruelty and neglect. It\u2019s completely unacceptable, and our communities deserve better.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blumenthal-demand-investigation-into-trumps-misuse-of-va-resources-to-help-execute-his-extreme-deportation-campaign", "Duckworth, Blumenthal Demand Investigation into Trump\u2019s Misuse of VA Resources to Help Execute His Extreme Deportation Campaign", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Combat Veteran and U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC) member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today demanded an independent investigation into the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to divert personnel, equipment and financial resources away from serving our nation\u2019s Veterans and toward developing a database to track non-U.S. citizen employees as part of Donald Trump\u2019s inhumane mass deportation campaign. After Donald Trump fired 30,000 VA employees and jeopardized timely VA care for our Veterans earlier this year, Duckworth\u2019s letter underscores that aiding immigration enforcement does not support or advance the VA\u2019s sacred mission of caring for our Veterans and their families and only further demoralizes the dedicated VA workforce.\n\n\u201cBeyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans\u2019 prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities,\u201d wrote Duckworth. \u201cThese actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA\u2019s mission.\u201d\n\nDemanding an independent investigation into this latest attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine the mission of the VA, Duckworth wrote: \u201c\u2026we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database\u2019s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA\u2019s congressionally appropriated resources.\u201d\n\nDuckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for improving our Veterans\u2019 and servicemembers\u2019 access to care amid Trump\u2019s ongoing attacks on the VA. In October, she defended disabled Veterans as Senate Republicans shamefully promoted Trump\u2019s dangerous efforts to cut even more of their benefits. In September, she reintroduced legislation that would improve Veterans\u2019 access to contraception and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness for contraceptive products at the VA. A few weeks prior, Duckworth sent a letter to VA Secretary Collins demanding he block ICE from stealing VA resources at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago.\n\nDuckworth also joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in reintroducing legislation to help make it easier for our Veterans who struggle with infertility to build their families. After the first VA purge laid off workers with the Veterans Crisis Line\u2014including several Veterans\u2014Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments. In the aftermath, she introduced the Protect Veteran Jobs Act with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) to reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in Trump\u2019s mass layoffs\u2014an effort Republicans shamefully blocked in March.\n\nFull text of the letter is available below and on the Senator\u2019s website:\n\nDear Inspector General Mason:\n\nWe write to request that you initiate an independent investigation into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA\u2019s) diversion of personnel, equipment and financial resources to develop a database on non-U.S. citizen employees. This non-mission critical activity, regardless of VA\u2019s stated pretext for initiating it, appears to represent VA wasting time, attention and congressionally appropriated funds on activities that support already well-funded Federal agencies\u2019 civil immigration enforcement operations, while doing nothing to improve patient care or benefits administration.\n\nVA\u2019s sacred mission is to care for those who have served our country and their families, caregivers and survivors. Beyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans\u2019 prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities. These actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA\u2019s mission. Recent reporting and commentary from VA officials validate and escalate our concerns that these immigration enforcement efforts risk the timely delivery of care and benefits to Veterans.\n\nTo better understand these recent actions at VA, we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database\u2019s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA\u2019s congressionally appropriated resources. We also request that your investigation recommends corrective actions, as necessary, including policy reforms, disciplinary matters and referrals to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.\n\nWe respectfully request that your office prioritize this investigation and provide our offices with routine updates, including preliminary findings or recommendations. Thank you for attention to this urgent matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-135-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-illinois-students", "Durbin, Duckworth Announce $13.5 Million In Federal Funding To Support Illinois Students", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $13,467,325 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for mental health and literacy support for students in Illinois.\n\n\u201cThere is a growing mental health and literacy crisis amongst today\u2019s youth that must be addressed,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cToday\u2019s announced federal funding for programs that build the pipeline of mental health professionals, connect professionals to students, and support literacy research will help Illinois face these concerns head-on. It also demonstrates the importance of the Department of Education as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to dismantle the agency. Senator Duckworth and I will always work to ensure our students have access to resources that help put them on a path toward success.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why I\u2019m proud to see this investment support critical mental health programs that help students across Illinois thrive,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cWhile this funding will reach our state this time around, it\u2019s cruel that Donald Trump\u2019s cuts to federal services have jeopardized programs that prepare the next generation\u2014hurting the very middle-class families he swore to protect, all while enriching his billionaire buddies. That\u2019s why I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level, alongside Senator Durbin, to safeguard these investments and ensure every student across our state has the chance to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.\u201d\n\nThe Department of Education\u2019s School-Based Mental Health Grant Program and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program provide competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and consortia of LEAs to train and increase the number of credentialed mental health services providers providing school-based mental health services to students. The Education Innovation and Research grant provides funding to create, develop, implement, replicate, or scale entrepreneurial, evidence-based, and field-initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students.\n\nThe Department of Education funding recipients include:\n\nCahlhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin Counties: Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program ($1,246,643)\n\nIllinois State Board of Education: School-Based Mental Health Grant Program ($1,743,772) and Mental Health Service Professionals Development Program ($476,910)\n\nThe Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois: Education Innovation and Research ($10,000,000)\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-members-of-illinois-delegation-request-25-million-in-reimbursements-for-mwrds-work-on-the-thornton-reservoir", "Durbin, Duckworth, Members Of Illinois Delegation Request $25 Million In Reimbursements For MWRD\u2019s Work On The Thornton Reservoir", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jesus G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garcia (D-IL-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to include $25 million in construction funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for the work it has completed on the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir.\n\n\u201cWe are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir, enabling MWRD to work on the project while being eligible for federal reimbursement. Despite the reservoir being in service since 2015 and providing an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities, the Army Corps still owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements.\n\n\u201cCurrently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cNot only will this flood protection work help communities be more resilient, it also will help boost economic development. Including a $25 million reimbursement in the FY 2026 Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Work Plan will ensure that MWRD can reinvest in these communities to mitigate flooding and create a strong economic base,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing the necessity of including the reimbursement funds in the FY26 Work Plan to support flood protection projects across the state.\n\n\u201cThese funds are needed to provide community flood protection for projects currently in design, including projects in Maine Township, Park Ridge, the City of Harvey, Bremen Township, Midlothian, Crestwood, and Oak Lawn. FY 2026 funding would build on the $20 million in the FY 2024 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan; the $7.2 million reimbursement to MWRD in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\u2019s Construction Spend Plan, Summer 2023 Addendum; and the $12 million in the FY 2022 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, allowing MWRD to focus on completing critical projects, including the Robbins Flood Protection Project,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cAs the Army Corps determines how to best address its flood damage reduction obligations and meet its commitments to its partners, we strongly urge you to include $25 million in Construction funds for the reimbursement owed to MWRD in the FY 2026 Work Plan to help create a better future for our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers concluded their letter.\n\nDurbin has previously secured additional reimbursements from the Corps for MWRD\u2019s work on Thornton Reservoir. In Fiscal Year 2022, Durbin secured $12 million in reimbursement funds in the Army Corps\u2019 FY22 Work Plan. The following year, Durbin secured $7.2 million in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Construction Spend Plan for the project. In Fiscal Year 2024, Durbin also secured $20 million in the Army Corps\u2019 work plan for reimbursement.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDecember 19, 2025\n\nDear Assistant Secretary Telle:\n\nWe are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 (Army Corps) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir.\n\nIn 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir. This enabled MWRD to design and construct the Thornton Composite Reservoir project and allowed it to be eligible for federal reimbursement. The reservoir was put into service in 2015 and has provided an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities over the last 10 years, protecting more than 35,000 structures from flooding.\n\nCurrently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area. Not only will this flood protection work help communities be more resilient, it also will help boost economic development. Including a $25 million reimbursement in the FY 2026 Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Work Plan will ensure that MWRD can reinvest in these communities to mitigate flooding and create a strong economic base.\n\nThese funds are needed to provide community flood protection for projects currently in design, including projects in Maine Township, Park Ridge, the City of Harvey, Bremen Township, Midlothian, Crestwood, and Oak Lawn. FY 2026 funding would build on the $20 million in the FY 2024 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan; the $7.2 million reimbursement to MWRD in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\u2019s Construction Spend Plan, Summer 2023 Addendum; and the $12 million in the FY 2022 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, allowing MWRD to focus on completing critical projects, including the Robbins Flood Protection Project.\n\nAs the Army Corps determines how to best address its flood damage reduction obligations and meet its commitments to its partners, we strongly urge you to include $25 million in Construction funds for the reimbursement owed to MWRD in the FY 2026 Work Plan to help create a better future for our constituents.\n\nThank you for your consideration of our important request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-blumenthal-ross-to-introduce-legislation-to-shine-light-on-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions", "Durbin Joins Blumenthal, Ross To Introduce Legislation To Shine Light On Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) to introduce bicameral legislation establishing transparency in decisions on the Supreme Court\u2019s emergency docket, also known as the \u201cshadow docket.\u201d The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making.\n\nThe Supreme Court\u2019s increasing reliance on the shadow docket allows it to make decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court\u2019s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to decide a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work.\n\nThe Trump Administration has also urged the Supreme Court to decide Trump v. Illinois, a case that will determine the legality of the Trump Administration\u2019s federalization and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, on the shadow docket. The Trump Administration\u2019s emergency application is still pending.\n\n\u201cThe Supreme Court\u2019s abuse of the shadow docket has allowed justices to hand down major rulings without justification and sets a dangerous precedent under which consequential cases are decided without a clear rationale\u2014even when those cases involve a presidential administration that has shown little regard for the Constitution. This abuse of process must stop,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cThe highest court in the land should not issue decisions in the dark. The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act would require justices to explain their decision making in every case, providing the American people with the transparency and accountability they deserve from their government.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe shadow docket decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, a highly chilling legal landmark, condones racial profiling in Trump\u2019s immigration enforcement. Shockingly, this very significant ruling was issued without any public argument or majority opinion. The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act shines light on the Supreme Court\u2019s emergency docket rulings, like Vazquez Perdomo, and requires the Supreme Court to be accountable and explain its rulings. Americans deserve clarity from the nation\u2019s highest Court\u2014especially as the Court increasingly uses the shadow docket to issue far-reaching consequential decisions. Recent shadow docket decisions demonstrate the dire need for our legislation\u2019s enforceable guidelines that hold the Court accountable,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThe conservative majority on the Supreme Court continues to issue harmful, backwards decisions through the shadow docket, often offering no explanation of their reasoning or how the justices voted,\u201d said Ross. \u201cFrom allowing DOGE to access sensitive data to permitting the illegal mass firings of federal employees, the Supreme Court has used the shadow docket to hand down major decisions that impact millions of Americans\u2019 daily lives. This important legislation will require the Court to operate with the transparency that the American people deserve.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Durbin and Blumenthal, the Shadow Docket Sunlight Act is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In addition to Ross, the legislation is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Hank Johnson (D-GA).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by a number of organizations including the National Women\u2019s Law Center, Fix the Court, People for the American Way, Court Accountability Action, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).\n\nThe text of the bill can be found here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-whistleblower-disclosure-regarding-uscis-circumventing-court-order", "Durbin Statement On Whistleblower Disclosure Regarding USCIS Circumventing Court Order", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding a whistleblower disclosure alleging that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is feigning compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and a court order in a class action lawsuit in order to avoid court oversight.\n\nThe Nightingale court order simply requires USCIS to comply with existing FOIA law to process immigration case files and report its progress to the court. Yet, according to this whistleblower report, USCIS is trying to avoid court reporting requirements and obligations under FOIA by prematurely closing cases, even when a USCIS FOIA officer has found the case file information and could provide it to the FOIA requester. The disclosure comes after USCIS reported to the court that it had a 99 percent timely completion rate for immigration case file FOIA requests.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s disclosure alleges that the DHS FOIA office wants a district court judge to believe FOIA requests are being processed more efficiently. But in fact, they are being summarily closed to cook the numbers.\n\n\u201cThe agency\u2019s actions directly conflict with the spirit of the Nightingale lawsuit, which was filed to ensure due process for individuals who only can access their records through FOIA. They also appear to conflict with the Freedom of Information Act, which instructs agencies not to withhold information unless the agency reasonably foresees that the disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption.\n\n\u201cNew policies that allow the agency to reject FOIA requests reduce transparency and are just one more way that the Trump-Noem DHS is operating with impunity. The information contained in case files is vital as immigrants increasingly are the targets of violent enforcement actions and must dispute false narratives devised by this Administration. USCIS must respond to FOIA requests fully and in a timely fashion.\u201d\n\nRecords contained in immigration case files only obtainable through FOIA are critical. For example, case files reveal details about immigration enforcement actions against an individual, including a warrant or the absence of a warrant, analysis of U.S. citizenship claims, and details about an arrest. In another example, attorneys representing vulnerable populations, such as unaccompanied minors, must obtain case file information to reconstruct basic facts like entry dates or prior shelter placements to help prepare unaccompanied minor immigrants\u2019 cases.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-duckworth-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-blue-ribbon-schools-after-trump-administration-ends-program", "Casten, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Resolution Honoring Illinois\u2019 Blue Ribbon Schools After Trump Administration Ends Program", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2025) \u2014 After the Trump Administration ended the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced a resolution to recognize the 28 Illinois schools that were selected to receive the designation of Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education given to public, charter, and private schools for their exemplary education and work to close the achievement gap.\n\n\u201cIllinois\u2019 Blue Ribbon Schools represent the very best of our state\u2019s education system,\u201d said Rep. Casten. \u201cTeachers, administrators, and students work tirelessly to earn this distinction, which recognizes a sustained commitment to academic excellence. Although the Trump Administration needlessly ended the program, Congress can and should continue to honor deserving institutions. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senators Durbin and Duckworth to ensure their achievements receive the recognition they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\n\u201cRather than continue our nation\u2019s tradition of celebrating schools that have dedicated themselves to closing the achievement gap, the Trump Administration has focused its energy on closing the Department of Education at the detriment of our nation\u2019s students and their education. While the Trump Administration will not recognize the hard work of educators, I am proud to celebrate the achievements of Illinois schools who earned the title of being a Blue Ribbon School,\u201d said Sen. Durbin. \u201cMy resolution with Senator Duckworth and Congressman Casten gives these schools \u2013 and the educators, faculty, and staff that run them \u2013 the recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our schools and support our teachers,\u201d Sen. Duckworth said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to recognize this year\u2019s National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois and their efforts to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to ensure that all students\u2014no matter their zip code\u2014have the opportunity to grow and thrive.\u201d\n\nCreated in 1982 by the Reagan Administration, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program was the highest federal recognition a school could receive. The program showcased the best teaching practices of educators and encouraged other schools to model them. Since its inception, the program has honored more than 9,000 public, private, charter, and parochial schools nationwide.\n\nJoining Casten, Durbin, and Duckworth in introducing the resolution are U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Johnathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14).\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\nIllinois schools that were selected for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools designation prior to the discontinuation of the program are:\n\nAscension Catholic School \u2013 Oak Park, Illinois\n\nClarendon Hills Middle School \u2013 Clarendon Hills, Illinois\n\nGlen Oaks Elementary School \u2013 Hickory Hills, Illinois\n\nHighlands Elementary School \u2013 La Grange, Illinois\n\nKennedy Junior High School \u2013 Lisle, Illinois\n\nLiberty Intermediate School \u2013 Bourbonnais, Illinois\n\nLincoln-Way East High School \u2013 Frankfort, Illinois\n\nLyons Township High School \u2013 La Grange, Illinois\n\nMascoutah Middle School \u2013 Mascoutah, Illinois\n\nOur Lady of Mount Carmel Academy \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nPleasantdale Middle School \u2013 Burr Ridge, Illinois\n\nPrescott Elementary School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nRegina Dominican High School \u2013 Wilmette, Illinois\n\nSarah Adams Elementary School \u2013 Lake Zurich, Illinois\n\nSt. Anne Catholic School \u2013 Barrington, Illinois\n\nSt. Giles School \u2013 Oak Park, Illinois\n\nSt. John of the Cross Parish School \u2013 Western Springs, Illinois\n\nSt. Matthias School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nSt. Norbert School \u2013 Northbrook, Illinois\n\nSt. Therese Chinese Catholic School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nSunset Ridge Elementary School \u2013 Northfield, Illinois\n\nThe Academy at St. Joan of Arc \u2013 Evanston, Illinois\n\nTimothy Christian P\u20138 \u2013 Elmhurst, Illinois\n\nWalker Elementary School \u2013 Clarendon Hills, Illinois\n\nWarren Elementary School \u2013 Warren, Illinois\n\nWheaton Academy \u2013 West Chicago, Illinois\n\nWilliam Fremd High School \u2013 Palatine, Illinois\n\nWoodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart \u2013 Lake Forest, Illinois\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-raises-alarm-over-planned-va-health-care-staffing", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Raises Alarm Over Planned VA Health Care Staffing Cuts, Presses for Answers on Impact to Veterans", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing serious concern over reports that the VA plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions across the Veterans Health Administration, including clinical and support roles. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warns that eliminating currently vacant positions risks worsening wait times, disrupting continuity of care, and limiting access to critical services for veterans nationwide \u2014 particularly in systems that are already under strain.\n\n\u201cVeterans across the country rely on the VA for timely, high-quality medical care, mental health services, and benefits processing,\" Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. \"In Illinois alone, hundreds of thousands of veterans depend on VA health care and services, including veterans affected by toxic exposures recognized under the PACT Act.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi highlights the potential impact on Illinois veterans, noting that hundreds of vacancies at major VA facilities in the Chicago area \u2014 including the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and the Lovell Federal Health Care Center \u2014 are reportedly slated for elimination.\n\n\u201cThe fact that a position is vacant does not mean it is unnecessary. In many VA facilities, vacancies reflect persistent hiring challenges in a tight health-care labor market \u2014 not a lack of need. From the perspective of veterans awaiting appointments, delayed procedures, or mental health services, an unfilled position often represents care that has not yet arrived, not care that is no longer required.\u201d\n\nThe letter also cites warnings from health care staff already working in VA facilities, including reports that existing vacancies have pushed staff to a breaking point and made staffing shortages the new norm. Absent a clear, facility-by-facility explanation of how eliminating these positions would improve care delivery, Congressman Krishnamoorthi expresses concern that the decision could lock in staffing shortages, limit future capacity, and prolong wait times \u2014 particularly as more veterans seek care under expanded eligibility through the PACT Act.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi requests detailed responses from the Department by January 3, 2026, including how VA is assessing the impact of these job eliminations on veterans\u2019 wait times, how it plans to ensure sufficient staffing capacity if veteran enrollment increases, and whether preserving and filling high-need clinical and mental health roles could improve care delivery. Emphasizing the stakes of these decisions, he concludes: \u201cVeterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. Decisions that affect staffing levels at the VA should be guided first and foremost by their impact on veterans\u2019 health, safety, and dignity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-jayapal-mcbride-foushee-lead-legislation-end-trump-use-police", "Quigley, Jayapal, McBride, Foushee Lead Legislation to End Trump Use of Police for Immigration Enforcement", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) re-introduced the Protecting the Rights of Towns against federal Enforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for (PROTECT) Immigration Act, legislation which would end the deputization of local and state police departments to enforce immigration law. The PROTECT Immigration Act would rescind the statutory authority for the federal government's 287(g) Program, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration just spent months terrorizing immigrants in the Chicagoland area. Their actions led to domestic violence victims fleeing a courthouse rather than receive restraining orders against their abusers, all out of fear that ICE or local law enforcement would detain and deport them,\u201d said Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05). \u201cI met with immigrants and their neighbors who are afraid to call for help or report crimes in their neighborhoods because of Trump\u2019s deliberate erosion of trust between communities and local police. And now the Trump administration is running ads targeting local police and offering $50,000 signing bonuses to pull critical law enforcement away from day-to-day policing in order to arrest and detain hardworking immigrants with no criminal records. We must bring an end to the 287(g) program and cut off one of the avenues this administration has exploited to intimidate immigrant communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAllowing local law enforcement to be deputized to kidnap and disappear immigrants undercuts the trust that local police rely on to maintain public safety in our communities,\u201d said Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). \u201cImmigrants and their U.S. citizen loved ones stop reporting crimes out of fear of being kidnapped and deported. Local police are spread thin enforcing federal civil immigration law. We know that Trump is not targeting criminals, he is targeting our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and pillars of our community. This lawlessness must end immediately.\u201d\n\n\"I\u2019m proud to co-lead this legislation with Congressman Quigley to restore trust, safety, and integrity to our immigration system. For too long, the 287(g) program has drained local resources, fueled racial profiling, and made communities less safe \u2014 and it\u2019s time we end it. The PROTECT Immigration Act makes clear that immigration enforcement belongs with trained federal authorities, guaranteeing that local law enforcement can focus exclusively on keeping our communities safe. This bill would take a step toward restoring trust between local communities and police departments so every family can live with dignity and without fear,\u201d said Representative Sarah McBride (DE-At Large).\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s attempt to expand the 287(g) Program is a direct assault on civil rights and the Constitution,\u201d said Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cHaving served in local law enforcement for more than 20 years, I know policing should protect and support our communities, not divide it, and deputizing local officers into immigration enforcers only erodes public trust, undermines public safety, and deepens fear. We need laws in place that restore fairness and uphold justice. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the PROTECT Immigration Act, which will reverse this harmful program and take an important step toward repairing the flaws in our broken immigration system.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn just one year, the Trump administration has massively expanded the 287(g) program and distorted it in ways Congress never intended, exploiting local law enforcement resources for its dystopian mass deportation agenda,\u201d said Naureen Shah, director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU\u2019s Equality Division. \u201cEnlisting local law enforcement for mass deportations isn\u2019t just a waste of taxpayer dollars \u2013 it terrorizes our communities, undermines public safety and fuels racial profiling. We thank Congressman Quigley for his leadership and urge our members of Congress to pass the PROTECT Immigration Act without delay.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rapid expansion of the 287(g) program under the Trump administration represents yet another way that mass deportation undermines public safety for all Americans. When local police serve as a force multiplier for ICE, people become more afraid to report crime and less trusting of local police officers. Local law enforcement agencies should prioritize real public safety concerns in their communities rather than waste limited manpower making traffic stops that turn into detention and deportation for long-standing community members who pose no threat. The PROTECT Act takes the overdue step of repealing a program that is unnecessary for effective enforcement of immigration laws, but continues to have a harmful track record for public safety,\u201d said Nayna Gupta, Policy Director at the American Immigration Council.\n\nQuigley has championed the PROTECT Immigration Act since 2017.\n\nThe PROTECT Immigration Act would:\n\nRepeal the statutory authority for the 287(g) Program; and\n\nClarify that state and local law enforcement lack \"inherent authority\" to arrest people for suspected immigration offenses.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del.-DC), Sarah Jacobs (CA-51), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Henry \"Hank\" Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-tlaib-statement-death-illinois-resident-north-lake-processing-center", "Ramirez, Tlaib Statement on Death of Illinois Resident at North Lake Processing Center in Michigan", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, Congresswomen Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement after receiving notification that a 56-year-old immigrant man, Nenko Stanev Gantchev, a resident of Illinois and a citizen of Bulgaria, died on December 15th in ICE custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Michigan.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned about the death of Mr. Gantchev, an Illinois resident who was detained at the for-profit GEO Group\u2019s North Lake Processing Center. While ICE claims he died of natural causes, the circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear, and we know there have been numerous complaints from family members and advocates about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at North Lake. We demand an immediate, transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Gantchev\u2019s death, including an investigation into reports from other detainees that he asked for medical assistance and did not receive it in time to save his life.\n\nTo date, we are aware of at least 30 deaths at ICE detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year for immigrants in ICE custody. The Trump administration\u2019s attacks on our communities and immigrant neighbors must end. We will continue to provide oversight to hold ICE accountable and protect our residents and communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-sends-letters-secretary-rfk-jr-administrator-oz-health", "Rep. Kelly sends letters to Secretary RFK Jr., Administrator Oz, health insurance companies to investigate mistreatment of Mercedes Wells, Karrie Jones", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 After announcing the WELLS Act, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) continues to take action and demand accountability for her constituent, Mercedes Wells, who was discharged while in active labor. She sent letters to five of the largest health insurance companies, the Office of Inspector General at the health department, and Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.\n\n\u201cRacism in our healthcare system is preventing Black women from receiving the treatment they need and deserve,\u201d said Rep. Kelly. \u201cI\u2019m working on this issue at every angle, from health insurance companies to hospital systems to federal investigations and legislation. We all have a role in improving our healthcare system. I brought the issue of maternal mortality to Congress. I will keep sharing Mercedes\u2019s story, and uplifting the voices of women who have gone unheard, until every mother gets the care she deserves.\u201d\n\nReps. Kelly, Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and 31 Members of Congress sent a letter demanding investigations into the hospitals that mistreated Wells and Karrie Jones, another Black woman who was delayed care, to the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services. Formal investigations should be launched to determine whether Franciscan Health in Crown Point, Indiana, and Dallas Regional Medical Center violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor (EMTALA) Act of 1986.\n\n\u201cThese cases [of Mercedes Wells and Karrie Jones] are not isolated failures; they are part of the ongoing warnings of the Black maternal health crisis, heightened by funding cuts for maternal health and equity,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cFederal protections like EMTALA mean little without enforcement, transparency, and accountability.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nReps. Kelly, Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and 49 Members of Congress sent a letter urging Secretary Kennedy to wield his department\u2019s oversight powers to ensure hospitals adhere to patient-safety standards. Hospitals must also comply with civil rights protections of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race.\n\n\u201cThese failures in judgment and oversight are unacceptable and raise serious concerns about whether hospitals receiving federal funds are meeting their obligations under federal law, including patient safety standards and nondiscrimination requirements,\u201d wrote the members.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nRep. Kelly also sent letters to the CEOs of major health insurance companies, including Humana, UnitedHealth Group, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and Cigna Group. She is urging health insurance companies to utilize their market position to improve policies and outcomes for patients.\n\nAs she writes in her letter, \u201cWhile your organization is not a direct provider of hospital services, health insurance companies play a pivotal role in shaping hospital standards through contracting requirements, quality metrics, and network adequacy.\u201d\n\nRead the full letters to Jim Rechtin with Humana, Stephen Hemsely with United Health Group, Steve Nelson with Aetna, Kim Keck with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and David Cordani with Cigna Group.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-her-colleagues-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-reverse-its-termination-of-tps-for-burma", "Duckworth Leads Her Colleagues in Demanding the Trump Administration Reverse its Termination of TPS for Burma", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 After Donald Trump continued his extreme, anti-immigrant campaign by terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration immediately reverse this harmful, misguided policy and reinstate Burma\u2019s TPS designation. In the letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators highlighted the inconsistencies in the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s rationale for terminating TPS and urged the Administration to stop staking the lives of lawful TPS beneficiaries on the misleading claims of authoritarian leaders and advancing a policy that will force them to return to an active war zone. In addition to Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).\n\nIn the letter, the Senators wrote: \u201cYour termination notice ignores the Burmese military\u2019s brutality, often targeted at returnees, and heartlessly requires TPS holders to return to an active war zone. We ask that you stop relying on the claims of authoritarian leaders to justify politically expedient TPS terminations and immediately reverse this decision.\u201d\n\nThe Senators continued: \u201cWe are particularly alarmed that your justification for terminating TPS for Burma embraces the talking points of Burma\u2019s military junta. In your termination notice, you highlight the military State Administration Council\u2019s self-dissolution and revocation of its 2021 state of emergency and the National Defense and Security Council\u2019s plans to hold what you deem \u201cfree and fair\u201d elections as signs of major improvement in Burma that guided your decision. However, you fail to acknowledge that, after ending emergency rule in July, military leaders immediately reimposed a state of emergency and martial law in townships in 9 of Burma\u2019s 14 states and regions, admitted that scheduled elections in December 2025 and January 2026 will not be nationwide and passed a law designed to criminalize protests of the electoral process\u2014guaranteeing tight military control over election administration.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available below and on the Senator\u2019s website:\n\nDear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio:\n\nWe write to express deep concern about the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma. Your termination notice ignores the Burmese military\u2019s brutality, often targeted at returnees, and heartlessly requires TPS holders to return to an active war zone. We ask that you stop relying on the claims of authoritarian leaders to justify politically expedient TPS terminations and immediately reverse this decision.\n\nBurma was initially designated for TPS on May 25, 2021, on the basis of extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by a military coup that sparked political and humanitarian crises characterized by state-perpetrated violence against civilians, the arbitrary arrest and detention of demonstrators and the persecution of minority groups such as the Rohingya Muslims. This designation was subsequently extended and redesignated, most recently on May 26, 2024, with DHS citing ongoing violence in 315 of Burma\u2019s 330 townships; the abduction and trafficking of children for use in combat; and dire humanitarian needs stemming from food insecurity, a deteriorating economy and a collapsing healthcare system. Despite these findings, on November 24, 2025, you capriciously terminated TPS for Burma, effective January 26, 2026, asserting that \u201cthe situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home.\u201d\n\nThis characterization belies facts on the ground in Burma, which has been mired by intensified civil war since February 2021 and is reeling from a devastating earthquake in March 2025 that pushed the country\u2019s already strained infrastructure and health system further towards failure. It also appears contrary to the Department of State\u2019s own appraisal of conditions in Burma, including its level \u201cDo Not Travel\u201d advisory for the country that warns \u201cDo not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.\u201d\n\nWe are particularly alarmed that your justification for terminating TPS for Burma embraces the talking points of Burma\u2019s military junta. In your termination notice, you highlight the military State Administration Council\u2019s self-dissolution and revocation of its 2021 state of emergency and the National Defense and Security Council\u2019s plans to hold what you deem \u201cfree and fair\u201d elections as signs of major improvement in Burma that guided your decision. However, you fail to acknowledge that, after ending emergency rule in July, military leaders immediately reimposed a state of emergency and martial law in townships in 9 of Burma\u2019s 14 states and regions, admitted that scheduled elections in December 2025 and January 2026 will not be nationwide and passed a law designed to criminalize protests of the electoral process\u2014guaranteeing tight military control over election administration.\n\nContrary to your claims, these elections are not expected to alleviate the conflict in Burma. Since its 2021 coup, the Burmese military has banned or dissolved 40 political parties, leading international observers to denounce the upcoming elections as a farcical attempt to legitimize military rule. Additionally, humanitarian conditions have worsened this fall, as the military expands airstrikes on civilian sites and intensifies its campaign against Christian and Muslim minorities.\n\nFor these reasons, numerous international and non-governmental organizations have rebuked your TPS termination and the misleading claims of improvement that buoy it. The United Nations Special Rapporteur responsible for monitoring human rights violations in Burma condemned the termination as \u201can assault on human rights and human decency based on a cruel fiction that ignores overwhelming evidence of Myanmar\u2019s [Burma\u2019s] spiraling crisis,\u201d adding that, \u201cIt is inconceivable that any good-faith review of Myanmar\u2019s situation could conclude that conditions are safe or improving\u2026Attacks on civilians have reached record highs this year as the military burns villages, bombs churches, and jails, tortures, and executes its opponents.\u201d These pervasive acts of violence inhibit safe return, and it is nonsensical and cruel to force 3,969 Burmese nationals and lawful TPS holders in the U.S. back to Burma to face violence\u2014if not targeted persecution, detention and killing\u2014when conditions clearly merit a TPS extension.\n\nIt is unconscionable that you refuse to interrogate the assertions of Burma\u2019s military junta\u2014leaders of which your own Departments would block from entering the United States due to their gross violations of human rights\u2014because their claims happen to help you justify President Trump\u2019s attacks on our lawful immigration system. Burmese TPS holders are human rights advocates, opposition figures, journalists and others who champion democracy and human rights, which are values that the United States has historically upheld and that enrich American communities. We ask that you immediately reverse your termination of TPS for Burma, and that you immediately cease staking the lives of lawful TPS holders on the promises of dictators and abusive military regimes.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provision-to-rein-in-trumps-misuse-of-the-military-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature", "Duckworth-Led Provision to Rein in Trump\u2019s Misuse of the Military Passes Congress, Awaits President\u2019s Signature", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation\u2019s servicemembers into American communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, the Senate passed a provision authored and championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) that would rein in Trump\u2019s misuse of the military, help strengthen public trust in the military and ensure servicemembers identify themselves as part of the Armed Forces when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. The Senator\u2019s provision\u2014which is a modified version of her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability (MiLEA) Act\u2014was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that both chambers of Congress have now passed. The provision will ensure that servicemembers identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.\n\n\u201cIt is inexcusable that the Trump Administration is intentionally trying to borrow the respected image of the military and make it hard for Americans to tell the difference between abusive federal agents and our professional servicemembers\u2014with DHS agents dressing in camo and wielding military-style weapons,\u201d said Duckworth. \u201cIn my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference that drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. Although the courts have stopped him in city after city, it\u2019s clear Donald Trump wants our professional military to defend his incredibly abusive and unprofessional agents in carrying out his cruel and extreme domestic policies. My provision would provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises\u2014and help build back the public\u2019s trust in the military.\u201d\n\nDuckworth has repeatedly criticized Trump and his Administration for repeatedly trying to blur the lines between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, which is eroding public trust in our military. During her questioning at SASC hearing she successfully secured, Duckworth pressed U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Commander General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, about whether the Department was ensuring differentiation between our troops and federal agents. He confirmed that he had not received any guidance or orders from the Administration on making this distinction. However, he assured that he has the authority to direct members under his command to distinguish themselves from ICE.\n\nDuckworth successfully secured this hearing in early October\u2014weeks after she led all of her fellow SASC Democrats in calling on SASC Chairman Wicker to hold this hearing, and shortly after she blocked expedited passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in order to secure it.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature", "Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal, Support Illinois Quantum Technology Research and Safeguard Care for Veterans Passes Congress, Awaits President\u2019s Signature", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), successfully secured several important provisions to support Illinoisans, servicemembers, Veterans and our state\u2019s economy that passed Congress this week and are heading to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Some of the priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include protecting Rock Island Arsenal from any restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plans, supporting research and development at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago and expanding access to vital health care services for our state\u2019s servicemembers, Veterans and military families.\n\n\u201cThroughout bipartisan negotiations, I\u2019m proud to have helped lead the charge to secure several important provisions that will support our servicemembers and ensure Illinois\u2019s defense innovation ecosystem and Rock Island Arsenal are as strong as possible,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cThese critical provisions will help benefit our state by protecting operations at Rock Island Arsenal, protecting health care access for our military and Veteran families and supporting groundbreaking quantum computing research in Chicago.\u201d\n\nKey Duckworth-led provisions set to be signed into law that will support Illinoisans include:\n\nSupporting and Protecting Rock Island Arsenal Operations:\n\nBy Protecting Jobs: This provision limits funds available to the Secretary of the Army allocated for restructuring Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate the two commands, helping ensure operations and jobs at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected.\n\nBy Sustaining Workload and Industrial Base: This provision establishes a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals and depots, especially those non-public partners that ensure a workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision would help ensure arsenals and factories, like Rock Island Arsenal, remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to the nation\u2019s defense industrial base. This is a modified version of Senator Durbin\u2019s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act.\n\nBy Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare.\n\nBy Improving Predictive Manufacturing Analytics at Army Arsenals: Language urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army\u2019s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies. This work completed by MxD, the nation\u2019s digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, located in Chicago, helps ensure the efficiency and security of the critical manufacturing completed at Rock Island Arsenal and the Army\u2019s other arsenals.?\n\nBy Expanding Robotic Enhancements for Armaments Manufacturing: Language authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base, further modernizing production at Rock Island Arsenal with technology pioneered by innovators in Chicago.?\n\nBy Improving the Governance of the Organic Industrial Base: Language directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army\u2019s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military\u2019s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK). ?\n\nSafeguarding Veteran Medical Care in North Chicago: This provision, led with Senator Durbin, secures a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). This provision will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area.\n\nProtecting Cities Like Chicago from the Trump Administration\u2019s Overreach with the Military: Two provisions improve American civil rights and put guardrails on misuse of the military domestically, including:\n\nBy Distinguishing Troops from Federal Agents. A modified version of a provision of Senator Duckworth\u2019s Military In Law Enforcement Accountability Act (MiLEAA) requires servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement when operating in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation\u2019s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly\u2014to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.\n\nBy Requiring Mandatory Training to Servicemembers on Rules for Use of Force and Legal Responsibilities During Domestic Deployments. This provision helps ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights. This provision requires DoD to provide legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States.\n\nInvesting in Quantum Technology in Chicago: Language recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency\u2019s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC) by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois.\n\nChampioning Domestic Manufacturing in Belleville: A provision requiring DoD to increase investments in and develop strategies related to enhancing the capacity, technological advancement, and long-term stability of the domestic textile and footwear industrial base, including expand domestic production capacity of textiles or footwear, maximize the use of annual or multi-year contracts for acquisitions to ensure stability and predictability to industry, and assess the resilience of the supply chain for textiles and footwear industries and reduce reliance from foreign manufacturers. This language is a modified version of the Senator\u2019s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war, like those manufactured in Illinois at Belleville\u2019s Belleville Boot Manufacturing Co.\n\nAdvancing U.S. Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation in Champaign: This provision supports the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security.\n\nEncouraging Investment in Nuclear Energy and Domestic Printed Circuit Boards: A provision allowing the Office of Strategic Capital to enter into investments in nuclear fusion and fission energy and directing OSC to explore printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PCB assemblies, to ensure these critical technologies\u2014which Illinois plays a central role in manufacturing and advancing\u2014has sufficient capital investments to scale for warfighting.\n\nProtecting Servicemembers from Dangerous PFAS in their Protective Garments: Language requiring the DoD to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible.?Innovative Illinois research and development and manufacturing is leading the way on alternatives that protect servicemembers without relying on toxic chemicals.\n\nSupporting Investments in Biomechanical, Physiological and Psychological Research on Injuries. Language that expresses support for investments in biomechanical, physiological, and psychological research to mitigate injury risks and improve physical resilience in combat operations.\n\nDesigning a New Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base: The bill authorizes $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing\u2019s mission.\n\nRenovating General Jones Readiness Center: The bill authorizes $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard.\n\nOther key funding for Illinois projects set to be signed into law include:\n\n$5 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support forging annex at Rock Island Arsenal.\n\n$3.05 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support range control at Marseilles Training Center.\n\n$8 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support the Peoria Armory Readiness Center.\n\n-30-\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-casten-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-blue-ribbon-schools-after-trump-administration-ends-program", "Durbin, Duckworth, Casten Introduce Resolution Honoring Illinois\u2019 Blue Ribbon Schools After Trump Administration Ends Program", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The resolution recognizes the 28 Illinois schools who earned a designation as a Blue Ribbon School before the Trump Administration ended the program earlier this year\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 After the Trump Administration ended the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) today introduced a resolution to recognize the 28 Illinois schools that were selected to receive the designation of Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education given to public, charter, and private schools for their exemplary education and work to close the achievement gap.\n\n\u201cRather than continue our nation\u2019s tradition of celebrating schools that have dedicated themselves to closing the achievement gap, the Trump Administration has focused its energy on closing the Department of Education at the detriment of our nation\u2019s students and their education. While the Trump Administration will not recognize the hard work of educators, I am proud to celebrate the achievements of Illinois schools who earned the title of being a Blue Ribbon School,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cMy resolution with Senator Duckworth and Congressman Casten gives these schools \u2013 and the educators, faculty, and staff that run them \u2013 the recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our schools and support our teachers,\u201d Duckworth said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to recognize this year\u2019s National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois and their efforts to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to ensure that all students\u2014no matter their zip code\u2014have the opportunity to grow and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cIllinois\u2019 Blue Ribbon Schools represent the very best of our state\u2019s education system,\u201d said Casten. \u201cTeachers, administrators, and students work tirelessly to earn this distinction, which recognizes a sustained commitment to academic excellence. Although the Trump Administration needlessly ended the program, Congress can and should continue to honor deserving institutions. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Durbin to ensure their achievements receive the recognition they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\nCreated in 1982 by the Reagan Administration, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program was the highest federal recognition a school could receive. The program showcased the best teaching practices of educators and encouraged other schools to model them. Since its inception, the program honored more than 9,000 public, private, charter, and parochial schools nationwide.\n\nJoining Durbin, Duckworth, and Casten in introducing the resolution are U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Johnathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09).\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\nIllinois schools that were selected for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools designation prior to the discontinuation of the program are:\n\nAscension Catholic School \u2013 Oak Park, Illinois\n\nClarendon Hills Middle School \u2013 Clarendon Hills, Illinois\n\nGlen Oaks Elementary School \u2013 Hickory Hills, Illinois\n\nHighlands Elementary School \u2013 La Grange, Illinois\n\nKennedy Junior High School \u2013 Lisle, Illinois\n\nLiberty Intermediate School \u2013 Bourbonnais, Illinois\n\nLincoln-Way East High School \u2013 Frankfort, Illinois\n\nLyons Township High School \u2013 La Grange, Illinois\n\nMascoutah Middle School \u2013 Mascoutah, Illinois\n\nOur Lady of Mount Carmel Academy \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nPleasantdale Middle School \u2013 Burr Ridge, Illinois\n\nPrescott Elementary School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nRegina Dominican High School \u2013 Wilmette, Illinois\n\nSarah Adams Elementary School \u2013 Lake Zurich, Illinois\n\nSt. Anne Catholic School \u2013 Barrington, Illinois\n\nSt. Giles School \u2013 Oak Park, Illinois\n\nSt. John of the Cross Parish School \u2013 Western Springs, Illinois\n\nSt. Matthias School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nSt. Norbert School \u2013 Northbrook, Illinois\n\nSt. Therese Chinese Catholic School \u2013 Chicago, Illinois\n\nSunset Ridge Elementary School \u2013 Northfield, Illinois\n\nThe Academy at St. Joan of Arc \u2013 Evanston, Illinois\n\nTimothy Christian P\u20138 \u2013 Elmhurst, Illinois\n\nWalker Elementary School \u2013 Clarendon Hills, Illinois\n\nWarren Elementary School \u2013 Warren, Illinois\n\nWheaton Academy \u2013 West Chicago, Illinois\n\nWilliam Fremd High School \u2013 Palatine, Illinois\n\nWoodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart \u2013 Lake Forest, Illinois\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-submit-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity", "Durbin, Duckworth Submit Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials\u2019 Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The Senators notify DOJ they are gathering and preserving additional evidence of violations of Section 242 amid \u201cOperation Midway Blitz\u201d and other unlawful immigration raids across the country\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today referred the unlawful actions of Trump Administration officials and federal law enforcement agents responsible for immigration enforcement in Illinois to Attorney General Pam Bondi for investigation.\n\nThe Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during \u201cOperation Midway Blitz,\u201d and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity. Under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 242, it is a federal crime for any person acting \u201cunder color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom\u201d to \u201cwillfully subject[] any person . . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.\u201d Anyone who willfully violates another person\u2019s Fourth Amendment rights by engaging in warrantless arrests or use of excessive force under color of law may be held liable under Section 242. If this Administration fails to pursue charges, the statute of limitations will permit the next Administration to prosecute officials who acted unlawfully.\n\nThe Senators wrote, \u201cWe write to alert the Department of Justice to potential violations of law by federal immigration agents and senior Administration officials during implementation of President Trump\u2019s mass deportation campaign\u2014and specifically the so-called \u2018Operation Midway Blitz\u2019 in Illinois. This enforcement campaign\u2014defined by use of excessive force and warrantless arrests\u2014has reached multiple states and is intentionally creating fear and havoc in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. As indicated by agency leadership, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in operations in more than 27 cities and looking to expand their interior operations.\u201d\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cDuring \u2018Operation Midway Blitz\u2019, federal immigration agents have violated the Fourth Amendment by conducting warrantless arrests and use of excessive force as they violently confront individuals, including U.S. citizens, during immigration enforcement operations. They have shoved Chicagoans, including U.S. citizens, into unmarked vehicles, tased them, punched them, launched pepper balls at them, and tear gassed and shot them.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the Senators cite various ways federal agents appear to have violated individuals\u2019 Fourth Amendment rights. Federal agents have repeatedly and unjustifiably arrested individuals without warrants, including incidents in which agents have broken car windows as they executed such arrests. In the first six months of this Administration\u2019s immigration crackdown, there have been at least 50 documented instances of immigration agents breaking car windows, compared to eight public accounts of agents breaking windows in the previous decade. Immigration agents also have engaged in use of excessive force. Federal immigration agents have unnecessarily tackled, punched, and slammed people to the ground with such force that targeted individuals have reported broken bones and needing medical care. Video footage, eyewitness accounts, and multiple reports confirm these incidents of use of excessive force.\n\nFederal immigration agents have unnecessarily deployed tear gas and fired pepper balls to intimidate and disperse journalists and peaceful protesters, including clergy and other community members. These chemical agents have sickened people\u2014including children, pregnant women, and the elderly\u2014and have created hazards for motorists. Federal immigration agents also have unjustifiably used tasers to disable individuals during \u201cOperation Midway Blitz.\u201d In one instance, a fearful U.S. citizen tried to prevent an immigration agent from forcibly opening his car door; in response, the agent tased him in the face, requiring him to seek medical treatment at a hospital.\n\nSenior Trump Administration officials appear to have sanctioned and even approved the persistent use of warrantless arrests and use of excessive force by federal agents involved in immigration enforcement operations in Illinois. In an October 30 deposition, Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Border Patrol agent responsible for Midway Blitz enforcement operations, praised federal immigration agents\u2019 use of force, stating: \u201cThe use of force that I\u2019ve seen has been exemplary\u2014the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission.\u201d He also stated: \u201cIf someone strays into a pepper ball, then that\u2019s on them. Don\u2019t protest and don\u2019t trespass.\u201d After departing Illinois in November, Bovino returned to Chicago earlier this week.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators cite legal challenges where courts have attempted to rein in these unlawful enforcement activities. A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois, for example, issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits federal agents from using pepper balls, chemical agents, or other projectiles at the Broadview Processing Facility or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, absent an imminent threat to federal agents, and also prohibits \u201chands-on physical force,\u201d such as shoving someone to the ground, tackling or body slamming, restraint techniques such as chokeholds and neck restraints, and the indiscriminate use of chemical agents and projectiles. The judge issued the preliminary injunction, along with a lengthy opinion, after federal agents refused to comply with an initial and expanded temporary injunction in the same case. Incidents in the days that followed the preliminary injunction demonstrate that agents continued to defy the court\u2019s order.\n\nThe Senators wrote, \u201cAs you have previously noted, \u2018No one is above the law.\u2019 We agree, and that\u2019s why we urge the Department of Justice to set aside partisan politics and immediately investigate the potential violations of Section 242 outlined above.\u201d\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cSenator Durbin has directed Senate Judiciary Committee minority staff to continue gathering evidence of potential violations of Section 242 and other federal laws, and we will provide this evidence to the Department in due course. Federal law enforcement officers participating in \u2018Operation Midway Blitz\u2019 and other unnecessarily aggressive immigration enforcement activities throughout the United States, as well as their leadership directing them to engage in these inappropriate enforcement actions, should be on notice that we are closely monitoring such activities and that they can be held accountable for violating individuals\u2019 constitutional rights.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-graham-introduce-bill-to-sunset-section-230-immunity-for-tech-companies-protect-americans-online", "Durbin, Graham Introduce Bill To Sunset Section 230 Immunity For Tech Companies, Protect Americans Online", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The Sunset Section 230 Act would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act, which would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies and finally hold them accountable for the harms that occur on their platforms.\n\n\u201cChildren are being exploited and abused because Big Tech consistently prioritizes profits over people. Enough is enough. Sunsetting Section 230 will force Big Tech to come to the table to take ownership over the harms it has wrought. And if Big Tech doesn\u2019t, this bill will open the courtroom to victims of its platforms. Parents have been begging Congress to step in, and it\u2019s time we do so. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Graham on this effort, and we will push for it to become law,\u201d said Durbin.\n\n\u201cI am extremely pleased that there is such wide and deep bipartisan support for repealing Section 230, which protects social media companies from being sued by the people whose lives they destroy. Giant social media platforms are unregulated, immune from lawsuits and are making billions of dollars in advertising revenue off some of the most unsavory content and criminal activity imaginable. It is past time to allow those who have been harmed by these behemoths to have their day in court,\u201d said Graham.\n\nIn addition to Durbin and Graham, the bill is sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\n\u201cFor nearly 30 years, Section 230 has provided Big Tech cover as they turn a blind eye to heinous crimes committed on their platforms. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I\u2019m glad to join my bipartisan colleagues in this effort to update our nation\u2019s laws, reign in Section 230 and hold Big Tech accountable,\u201d said Grassley.\n\n\u201cWhen Section 230 was enacted 30 years ago it was intended to give small tech companies space to innovate. But today many of these companies are now worth billions and even trillions of dollars yet the law still shields them from accountability from harms that occur on their platforms including child exploitation and illegal fentanyl sales. Parents and victims should be able to hold these companies accountable by suing for damages, the same way they can sue if injured by nearly any other product,\u201d said Klobuchar.\n\n\u201cFor too long, Big Tech giants have hidden behind the outdated shield of Section 230 to censor conservative voices and silence viewpoints they don't agree with. We must repeal Section 230 to finally hold Big Tech accountable and restore true freedom of speech and fairness online for the American people,\u201d said Blackburn.\n\n\u201cBig Tech hides behind Section 230 to dodge accountability while their platforms exploit children and inflict harm on the American people. Mark Zuckerberg and others have spent a decade claiming to support Section 230 reforms in public, while their lobbyists and lawyers fight tooth-and-nail behind the scenes. Our bipartisan measure would force Big Tech to the table with a bold demand: either negotiate sensible reforms now or lose your absolute immunity forever,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor and the mother of a school aged child I know firsthand the dangers our children face online. We are the first generation of parents having to deal with predators getting to our children under our own roofs through their devices. The old rules \u2014 stranger danger, don\u2019t get in the van \u2014 aren\u2019t enough to protect them anymore. That is why I am throwing my full support behind the Sunset Section 230 Act, and I urge my colleagues to get off the sidelines and finally do something to protect our kids,\u201d said Moody.\n\n\u201cThe internet has dramatically transformed since the Communications Decency Act was passed in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, Section 230 has been used by America\u2019s biggest tech giants not as a tool but as a shield, providing immunity from legal consequences when their platforms harm consumers. Our bipartisan bill to sunset Section 230 is an important step forward in a bipartisan effort to hold Big Tech accountable. It will protect children and other vulnerable communities from harm, misinformation, and exploitation,\u201d said Welch.\n\nSection 230 was created in 1996, as a part of the Communications Decency Act, to allow then-fledgling social media companies to grow without fear of lawsuits. Those days have long since passed, as these companies are now some of the most powerful in the history of the world.\n\nIn the digital era, thousands of Americans, many of whom are children, have been targeted by online perpetrators who engage in harassment, bullying, the dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sextortion\u2014a type of online blackmail using nude or sexually explicit images. In certain cases, victims of these crimes are driven to suicide within mere minutes or hours after being abused online, long before their loved ones ever knew they were victimized. Surviving victims and their families are unable to sue the social media companies that criminals use to commit these heinous acts due to protections under Section 230.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by Less Than 3, Enough Is Enough, Zero Abuse Project, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Institute for Family Studies, American Principles Project, Bull Moose Project, Protect Young Eyes, Concerned Women for America Action, Fairplay for Kids, ParentsSOS, David\u2019s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress Institute, Rights4Girls, and Digital Childhood Alliance.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nDurbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee.\n\nDurbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) also joined forces to re-introduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor.\n\nIn addition, Durbin\u2019s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024\u2014and was reintroduced in the Senate this year. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit \u201cdeepfake\u201d images and videos. The volume of \u201cdeepfake\u201d content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and produced without the consent of the person depicted.\n\nEarlier this year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled \u201cChildren\u2019s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.\u201d Durbin\u2019s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here.\n\nEarlier this month, Durbin and Grassley introduced a bipartisan legislative package to address CSAM.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shaheen-meet-with-polish-embassys-head-of-mission", "Durbin, Shaheen Meet With Polish Embassy\u2019s Head Of Mission", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with the Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy, Bogdan Klich, to discuss Poland\u2019s strong support of Ukraine as Vladimir Putin continues his brutal war. They also discussed Russia\u2019s provocative incursion into Polish airspace, creating a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine that marks the first time NATO planes engaged enemy targets in alliance airspace.\n\n\u201cWhile I support efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine started by Russia, it is also clear that after each such engagement or threatened deadline from President Trump, Russia\u2019s attacks on Ukraine brazenly increased, not decreased,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cAs I reiterated to Mr. Klich, we must stand strong together\u2014the United States, Poland, and Ukraine\u2014to push back on Vladimir Putin and ensure any peace agreement is not a sellout to Putin. I also reiterated that Poland is our ally, and I hope the Trump Administration takes the Russian drone incursions to NATO seriously.\u201d\n\n\u201cPoland is an invaluable NATO ally, a keystone of our collective defense on the Eastern flank and a steadfast partner in supporting Ukraine\u2019s fight for freedom,\u201d said Shaheen. \u201cIn our meeting today, I reiterated my deep reservations about the Trump Administration\u2019s initial so-called \u2018peace\u2019 proposal that is willing to accommodate Putin\u2019s demands at the expense of Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and broader U.S. and European security interests. The United States should follow Poland\u2019s lead and recognize the urgency of the moment\u2014now is the time for a strong, coordinated Allied posture.\u201d\n\nIn October, Durbin and Shaheen introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.\n\nDurbin has visited Poland multiple times in recent years, including in February 2022 just days before Russia began its most recent assault on Ukraine. Chicago, Illinois, is home to the largest population of those with Polish ancestry outside of Poland. The Illinois National Guard has a long-standing partnership with Poland that includes training and exchanges. The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which just passed the Senate yesterday, included a Durbin-supported provision prohibiting the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe, including Poland.\n\nPhotos of the meeting are available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-fbi-deputy-directors-announced-departure", "Durbin Statement On FBI Deputy Director\u2019s Announced Departure", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he\u2019s departing his post after less than a year of service:\n\n\u201cDan Bongino was a bad pick from the start. His service was remarkably ineffective, highlighted by his woeful mishandling of the Epstein files and his need for a polygraph exam waiver to be eligible for the job. The men and women who protect our nation at the FBI deserve better than a conspiracy theorist podcaster with an axe to grind.\n\n\u201cI encourage Director Patel to return to longstanding tradition and appoint an experienced career FBI agent who is interested in the agency\u2019s ever-important day-to-day work of keeping our nation safe.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-upcoming-epstein-files-deadline", "Durbin Statement On Upcoming Epstein Files Deadline", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement as tomorrow marks the statutory deadline for the Trump Administration to release the Epstein files:\n\n\u201cThis should be a big step towards transparency to the American public about the horrors of Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s crimes.\n\n\u201cAs the statutory deadline to release the Epstein files approaches, it\u2019s important to center survivors at the forefront. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell committed horrific crimes that put young women through unspeakable trauma. Because of these survivors\u2019 bravery, the American people may soon know a fuller truth.\n\n\u201cThat said, it\u2019s also important to hold those responsible for the politicization of this case accountable. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino intentionally misled the public before their appointments. Once in office, they let politics serve as their North Star\u2014not justice. Stunt press conferences, binders with no new information, false proclamations on TV, and shoddy searches for the President\u2019s name are shameful distractions from meaningful efforts to seek justice for survivors.\n\n\u201cIt took an act of Congress to get to this point. I will be looking closely for: appropriate redactions of victim\u2019s identifying information, faulty redactions shielding those who caused harm from accountability, and any sense that the Administration is covering up for the wealthy and powerful.\n\n\u201cSurvivors and the public deserve transparency and accountability\u2014no matter who it implicates.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-tillis-conaway-maloy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-and-improve-enforcement-of-illegal-tobacco-products", "Durbin, Tillis, Conaway, Maloy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen And Improve Enforcement Of Illegal Tobacco Products", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "In 2024, DOJ and FDA established a task force to crack down on illegally sold vape products after Durbin urged the agencies to enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products to children\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with U.S. Representative Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ-03) and U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), today introduced new bicameral and bipartisan legislation to crack down on illegal vape products that are targeted to children. The Strengthening Task Force Operations to Prevent Illicit Vaping Act (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act) would strengthen a federal multi-agency task force, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to coordinate enforcement, information sharing, and strategy to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes.\n\nIn 2024, FDA and DOJ established this task force after Durbin repeatedly called on the agencies to better enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products. Durbin secured $2 million for the task force in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies. This funding will support the task force\u2019s efforts to bring all criminal and civil tools to bear against the illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes from China and other foreign countries.\n\n\u201cIf we hope to prevent the next generation of children from getting hooked on nicotine, we must enforce our existing laws and finally crack down on the illegal e-cigarette products that are flooding stores nationwide,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cMy bipartisan legislation, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act, would cement DOJ and FDA\u2019s task force dedicated to preventing the unlawful sale of these unauthorized vape products.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe flood of illegal and unregulated e-cigarettes, particularly from China, undermines public health, skirts federal law, and disadvantages businesses that play by the rules,\u201d said Tillis. \u201cThe S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens coordination among federal agencies to crack down on these illicit products, protect kids from unauthorized nicotine devices, and ensure our laws are enforced as Congress intended.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rise of illegally imported and unregulated e-cigarettes is a growing threat to public health, legitimate businesses, and the integrity of our enforcement system,\u201d said Conaway. \u201cAs a physician, I understand the urgency of protecting Americans from illegal and dangerous tobacco products. The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens federal task forces on the front lines, equipping them with the tools and coordination necessary to disrupt illegal vaping networks. This bill takes a responsible, enforcement-focused approach to safeguarding communities and ensuring a lawful, transparent marketplace.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are clear laws on the books governing tobacco and vaping products, but those laws only matter if they\u2019re enforced,\u201d said Maloy. \u201cThe S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens enforcement by improving coordination across agencies so illegal operators can\u2019t take advantage of gaps in the system.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids strongly supports the legislation introduced by Sen. Durbin and Sen. Tillis to help ensure the federal government is taking comprehensive enforcement action against the many illegal e-cigarette products that are currently on the market. We commend their efforts to prevent illegal e-cigarettes from being imported, distributed and sold in the United States and to hold bad actors accountable for endangering the health of our kids,\u201d said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.\n\nDurbin has criticized FDA for its continued lack of urgency as millions of children have begun using addictive e-cigarettes. For years, FDA has failed to regulate e-cigarettes, falling years behind court-ordered and congressional mandated deadlines to review applications from vaping companies, and refusing to enforce the law and take action against companies marketing illegal vaping products to children. Under the Tobacco Control Act (TCA), e-cigarette companies are required to obtain authorization from FDA prior to entering the market, which the agency has neglected to properly enforce.\n\nIn an effort to strengthen coordination and facilitate enforcement against the sale of unauthorized vaping products, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act would formally codify the existing multi-agency task force to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. Further, the bill would direct the task force to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for reducing the number of unauthorized e-cigarettes on the market.\n\nThe task force would be comprised of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as representatives from FDA; DOJ; Customs and Border Protection (CBP); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPS); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and other federal agencies as appropriate.\n\nThe task force would be directed to meet on an annual basis and submit a report to Congress detailing authorities, actions taken, and recommendations for additional criminal or civil authorities needed to address the public health threat of the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes.\n\nThe S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.\n\nText of the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act can be found here.\n\nIn 2023, Durbin\u2019s office examined FDA\u2019s public data files to identify e-cigarette manufacturers who have received both marketing denial orders and warning letters yet continue to sell unauthorized products, in order to assess FDA\u2019s effectiveness in taking enforcement action against some of the most flagrantly defiant examples. Durbin\u2019s office found at least 22 vaping products that appeared to be sold online by the manufacturer in violation of the law and in defiance of repeated enforcement actions by FDA. In addition to those products sold online by the manufacturer, several other such products remained available for purchase from third-party retailers, including one of the most popular e-cigarettes among children, Breeze Smoke. Durbin\u2019s investigation also found that FDA had only issued \u201ccloseout letters\u201d to 10 percent of the 685 tobacco warning letters it has issued since January 1, 2021. A closeout letter indicates that FDA has verified that corrective action has taken place to address the violations contained in the warning letter.\n\nDurbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco, particularly since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to restaurants, office buildings, trains, and much more. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-durbin-announces-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity", "On Senate Floor, Durbin Announces Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials\u2019 Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Durbin: Today, I am putting those participating in \u201cOperation Midway Blitz\u201d on notice; you will be held accountable for unlawful actions\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced he, along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), have submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding the unlawful actions of senior Administration officials and federal immigration agents in \u201cOperation Midway Blitz.\u201d The Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during \u201cOperation Midway Blitz,\u201d and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity.\n\nDurbin said, \u201cEarlier this year, the Trump Administration began a calculated show of political theater and force designed to spread fear and terror in Illinois communities. Masked federal agents pepper sprayed, punched, body slammed, and even shot individuals, including U.S. citizens, during violent immigration enforcement actions\u2026 They deployed tear gas canisters against clergy, broke into apartments, and zip-tied children.\u201d\n\nDurbin continued, \u201cPresident Trump has not gone after \u2018the worst of the worst,\u2019 as he promised\u2014instead, he has brought some of the worst, most unprofessional, and most poorly trained federal law enforcement officers and agents into our city. Because of his so-called \u2018Operation Midway Blitz,\u2019 children are afraid to go to school, businesses are closing, and families are being torn apart. Yet the Trump Administration has shown no regret. They are reveling in the fear and chaos they have created. Just look at Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino.\u201d\n\nOn Tuesday, Bovino returned to Chicago after leaving last month to bring his campaign of fear to North Carolina and New Orleans. As soon as he arrived back in Chicago, Bovino went to the picket line of Local 705 Teamsters at Mauser Packaging Solutions.\n\nDurbin said, \u201cBovino brought federal agents to the line to intimidate and interrogate these workers. He laughed in their faces as they demanded better working conditions. In court testimony, Mr. Bovino has praised federal agents\u2019 use of excessive force as \u2018exemplary,\u2019 even after multiple U.S. citizens were hospitalized following their encounters with his federal agents.\u201d\n\nDurbin continued, \u201cWhen addressing federal agents prior to a confrontation with peaceful protesters, Mr. Bovino stated \u2018If someone strays into a pepper ball, then that\u2019s on them.\u2019 Bovino has teargassed peaceful crowds, encouraged his agents to fire pepper balls at protestors, and threatened to go \u2018even harder on the streets,\u2019 when federal judges dare to order him to follow the law. But Mr. Bovino is not alone in his cruelty. Many Trump Administration officials have been posting and gloating about these clear violations of individuals\u2019 constitutional rights.\u201d\n\nUnder 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 242, it is a federal crime for any person acting \u201cunder color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom\u201d to \u201cwillfully subject[] any person . . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.\u201d Anyone who willfully violates another person\u2019s Fourth Amendment rights by engaging in warrantless arrests or use of excessive force under color of law may be held liable under Section 242. If this Administration fails to pursue charges, the statute of limitations will permit the next Administration to prosecute officials who acted unlawfully.\n\nDurbin noted that while the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Trump v. United States may have immunized President Trump personally from prosecution, it provided no such protection for his lackeys.\n\nDurbin said, \u201cThe Trump Administration officials responsible for the use of excessive force or unlawful detentions may face criminal consequences for their role in \u2018Midway Blitz.\u2019 That is why today my colleague Senator Duckworth and I have submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding the unlawful actions of senior Administration officials and federal immigration agents in \u2018Operation Midway Blitz.\u2019\u201d\n\nDurbin noted a Border Patrol agent shot a Chicago woman multiple times. Body-camera video reportedly shows the agent threatening the woman, prior to shooting her. Afterwards, he bragged in text messages to other agents about shooting the woman, writing, \u201c5 shots, 7 holes.\u201d\n\nDurbin said, \u201cAs Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have directed my staff to continue gathering evidence of potential violations of Section 242, and we will provide this evidence to the Justice Department in due course.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Durbin\u2019s and Duckworth\u2019s actions, Illinois elected officials are hard at work documenting the crimes committed by federal agents. The Mayor of Evanston has opened an investigation after federal agents pinned down a man and struck him in the head. The Village of Broadview is conducting criminal investigations related to ICE\u2019s use of tear gas and rubber bullets against first responders and peaceful protestors. Tomorrow, the Illinois Accountability Commission will hold its first public hearing, which will examine the widespread use of chemical agents during \u201cMidway Blitz.\u201d\n\nDurbin said, \u201cThere will come a time when the people responsible for the assaults, tear gassing, and unjust detention during these lawless immigration enforcement actions will face real accountability. These officials swore an oath when they began their service to preserve and protect the Constitution. But in their roles as federal law enforcement officials, there is ample evidence that they have violated the very rights they promised to defend.\u201d\n\nDurbin concluded, \u201cToday, I am putting those participating in \u2018Operation Midway Blitz\u2019 on notice. You can continue to terrorize people. You can ignore the rulings of our courts, our laws, and our Constitution. You can hide behind your masks. You can ignore the due process requirements of the Constitution. But the day will come when justice will be served. The day will come when you will be held accountable. The day will come when this pitiful display of meanness and intolerance will become one of the saddest chapters of our nation\u2019s history. And you will be held accountable.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-press-for-hearing-on-legality-of-trumps-extrajudicial-killings-in-caribbean-sea", "Senate Judiciary Democrats Press For Hearing On Legality Of Trump\u2019s Extrajudicial Killings In Caribbean Sea", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Durbin, SJC Dems to Grassley: \u201cThese strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in urging Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to hold a hearing on the Trump Administration\u2019s executions of alleged drug traffickers via military strikes on boats at sea, which have killed at least 95 people so far in 25 separate strikes. The Committee has jurisdiction over extrajudicial killings, murder, war crimes, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which authored a classified memo providing cover for these killings.\n\nIn a letter to Grassley, the Senators highlighted the shocking conduct by the Trump Administration, writing: \u201cSince September, the Trump Administration has summarily executed at least 95 people in 25 known strikes on alleged drug smugglers in vessels at sea. This is not a time to mince words. These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law. The Administration\u2019s claims that the people it is killing are guilty of crimes, affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or \u2018combatants\u2019 in a nonexistent armed conflict, do not render these extrajudicial killings any less unlawful. This Committee must address the serious concerns that these strikes may violate U.S. criminal laws, and that Department of Justice attorneys who gave President Trump and Secretary Hegseth legal cover to summarily execute suspected criminals have violated their ethical obligations.\u201d\n\nThe Senators then made their request, writing: \u201cWe respectfully request that you immediately convene a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to ensure that those who authorized these extrajudicial killings are held to account.\u201d\n\nThe Senators denounced state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings, writing: \u201cThere is not, nor can there be, any justification for state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings. Summary executions have no place in a constitutional democracy operating under the rule of law, no matter how heinous the accusations a government makes against someone. Nor can governments fabricate an armed conflict or falsely label people \u2018combatants\u2019 to kill them.\u201d\n\nU.S. officials and Members of Congress from both parties have long condemned extrajudicial killings, including of alleged drug traffickers, when committed by other nations, including then-Senator Marco Rubio in 2020 and 2024 and State Departments under both Republican and Democratic Presidents.\n\nThe Senators condemned the Trump Administration\u2019s weak approach to drug trafficking, including pardoning two drug kingpins, writing: \u201cMake no mistake, drug trafficking is a terrible crime. And it must be addressed with robust, effective, and lawful measures, including interdicting vessels transporting such drugs, prosecuting violators to the full extent of the law, and supporting the needs of impacted families and communities. Instead of intensifying such efforts, President Trump has weakened them.\u201d\n\nSince President Trump returned to office, his Administration has diverted thousands of agents from critical drug enforcement missions, shuttered a critical task force, terminated hundreds of grants for state and local law enforcement, and slashed drug trafficking programs, which all has culminated in the lowest level of federal drug prosecutions in decades.\n\nThe Senators concluded by reiterating their request for a hearing, writing: \u201cThe American people want real solutions to crime and the drug epidemic\u2014not extrajudicial killings committed in their name. In accordance with the Committee\u2019s oversight responsibilities, I urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on this outrage.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nFor a PDF of the letter to Chairman Grassley, click here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-demands-bls-ensure-high-quality-non-partisan-economic-data", "Casten Demands BLS Ensure High-Quality, Non-Partisan Economic Data", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 23 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) William Wiatrowski, criticizing President Trump\u2019s politically-motivated attacks on government statistics and urging BLS to protect the credibility, quality, and independence of U.S. economic data.\n\n\u201cWe are concerned that recent developments, in addition to persistent data collection challenges and budgetary shortfalls, could affect access to information critical for understanding and responding to this Administration\u2019s failed economic policies,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cBLS, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, plays an important role by publishing statistics that provide a complete and factual picture of the rapidly changing U.S. economy. Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) all rely on timely, accurate, and granular economic data to make informed decisions that impact every corner of the country.\u201d\n\nThe Trump Administration has taken multiple steps to cast doubt on the jobs and inflation data released by BLS, including by firing BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over the release of weak job numbers that were reflective of the harmful impact of the Administration\u2019s tariff and immigration policies. Furthermore, due to the government shutdown, certain information will be permanently missing from the October 2025 Jobs Report, presenting a partial blind spot for policymakers, the private sector, and the general public on the state of the U.S. economy.\n\nThe lawmakers further urged BLS to work to improve the quality of its data.\n\n\u201cBLS can take steps to modernize its existing systems and data collection practices\u2026BLS can invest in innovation, incorporate digitized information into its statistical programs, and consider the use of large language models (LLMs) to make it easier for people to report their industries, occupations, and activities,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cWe urge the Administration to grant BLS leadership flexibility to spend congressionally-appropriated funds in ways that prioritize these upgrades, partnerships, and its ability to hire, retain, and train talent.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rep Casten, the letter was signed by Reps. Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Emanuel Cleaver, Cleo Fields, Bill Foster, Sylvia Garcia, Vicente Gonzalez, Josh Gottheimer, Al Green, Jim Himes, Sam Liccardo, Stephen Lynch, Dave Min, Gregory Meeks, Brittany Pettersen, Ayanna Pressley, David Scott, Brad Sherman, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez, and Nikema Williams.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.\n\nDear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Acting Commissioner Wiatrowski:\n\nWe write to seek information about the quality and quantity of core economic data prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which could be at risk following the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and given President Trump\u2019s unfounded attacks on the integrity of federal statistical agencies. We are concerned that recent developments, in addition to persistent data collection challenges and budgetary shortfalls, could affect access to information critical for understanding and responding to this Administration\u2019s failed economic policies.\n\nBLS, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, plays an important role by publishing statistics that provide a complete and factual picture of the rapidly changing U.S. economy. Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) all rely on timely, accurate, and granular economic data to make informed decisions that impact every corner of the country. Specifically, the Fed utilizes BLS data daily to monitor inflation measures, examine job growth trends, and analyze the U.S. economy. The Fed leans on this data when setting interest rates and taking other actions consistent with its dual mandate. In addition, the private sector relies on BLS data to make investment, hiring, and pay decisions and as a benchmark for their own data. Lastly, in order to maintain a robust U.S. Treasury market and the U.S. dollar as the world\u2019s primary reserve currency, it is essential that the rest of the world views U.S. economic statistics as intellectually robust and free from political influence.\n\nDue to disruptions from the Republican-manufactured government shutdown, BLS confirmed that it will not publish the unemployment rate for October, marking the first omission in 77 years. This data gap leaves policymakers, businesses, homeowners, and the general public in the dark on the current state of the labor market and broader economy.\n\nFurthermore, the level of participation in BLS\u2019 voluntary surveys has declined in recent years, partly due to difficulties reaching people and businesses via phone or in-person visits to collect this data. For example, response rates for BLS\u2019 employment establishment survey, which collects data from businesses and is a key component of the agency\u2019s monthly jobs report, averaged around 60% between 2009 and 2019, but have since declined to less than 45%. Furthermore, response rates for two BLS surveys of retail businesses and households, which form the basis for calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key indicator of inflation for consumer prices, have dropped significantly since 2014. Some have also attributed declining survey rates to an eroding trust in institutions and government. President Trump\u2019s baseless removal of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer further threatens to undermine the credibility of federal economic statistics, according to two former BLS commissioners appointed by presidents of both parties. More broadly, this trend means that incoming data may have become less accurate and subject to larger revisions, which can make it more difficult for policymakers to assess current economic conditions, according to Fed researchers.\n\nUnder this Administration, declining response rates, increased data collection costs, and budget concerns have forced difficult decisions regarding survey sample sizes and the metrics that are gathered. In May, BLS announced that it will stop calculating and publishing 350 indexes, including those related to specific industries, that contribute to the Producer Price Index (PPI), a key indicator of inflation for producers of consumer goods. Then, in July, BLS announced that it had stopped gathering CPI data in three metro areas and reduced the sample size by 15% in the 72 other surveyed areas because current resources are insufficient. We are concerned that BLS is losing granularity in its inflation measures, which could make it more difficult to assess tariff-driven price increases across the country.\n\nTo address these issues, BLS can take steps to modernize its existing systems and data collection practices. For example, the Census Bureau, in collaboration with BLS, is currently testing the use of online self-response data collection for the Current Population Survey (CPS), which serves as the primary source of labor statistics. BLS can also directly focus on hard-to-reach cases in its surveys, which could help improve response rates and reduce bias. In addition, BLS can invest in innovation, incorporate digitized information into its statistical programs, and consider the use of large language models (LLMs) to make it easier for people to report their industries, occupations, and activities. Lastly, a bipartisan group of around 90 economists have suggested that BLS deepen its partnerships with the private sector and evaluate how private sector and administrative data can complement public statistics, while still preserving data integrity and privacy. We urge the Administration to grant BLS leadership flexibility to spend congressionally-appropriated funds in ways that prioritize these upgrades, partnerships, and its ability to hire, retain, and train talent.\n\nWe recognize the importance of ensuring the nonpartisan integrity of BLS. We have the shared goal of ensuring that U.S. economic data is accurate, credible, and\u2014like the U.S. economy itself\u2014remains the best in the world. To that end, we request that you respond to the following questions by no later than January 6, 2026.\n\nWhen will the BLS publish the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October?\n\nDue to President Trump\u2019s attacks, BLS has lost 12 of its 35 senior leaders in recent months. How does the Labor Department plan to address this loss of critical expertise and institutional knowledge?\n\nAt current budgetary levels, does BLS expect to scale back any existing programs over the next few months? Are any BLS programs being considered for elimination? If so, please list the affected programs.\n\nPlease provide an update on the timeline for the modernization of the Current Population Survey (CPS). Has BLS experienced any challenges in implementing these efforts?\n\nIs BLS considering increasing or expanding existing programs by blending survey data with administrative data, including by leveraging information-sharing agreements with other state or federal agencies?\n\nAre there any statutory limitations to improving coordination with other federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?\n\nIn 2022, BLS replaced the collection of new-vehicle prices with transaction data from private sector sources, though it took two years for staff to ensure it provided a reliable measure and to implement the change. Is BLS considering the use of private sector data for any other metrics?\n\nIf so, please provide information related to the specific BLS programs that would use these private sector data. How is BLS ensuring that BLS products remain accurate and nationally representative after incorporating private sector data?\n\nAre there limitations on how economic data available from private sources can be adapted by BLS?\n\nIs BLS taking steps to leverage automation and digitalization technologies to potentially improve how economic data are produced and shared?\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-condemns-antisemitic-attack-australia-and-violence", "CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA AND VIOLENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "D.C. \u2014 Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) today issued a strong condemnation following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.\n\nThe attack in Australia, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left dozens more injured.1Hours earlier, a separate mass shooting at Brown University shook the academic community, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in our educational institutions.\n\n\u201cI am deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless violence that occurred this past weekend,\u201d said Congressman Davis. \u201cThe targeting of Jewish families in Australia as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah is a chilling reminder of the persistent and dangerous threat of antisemitism worldwide. Hatred and bigotry have no place in a global society, and we must stand united against those who seek to divide us through terror.\u201d\n\nCongressman Davis, a lifelong champion of civil rights and human dignity, emphasized that these events underscore a disturbing rise in hate-based violence.\n\n\u201cMy heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the students at Brown University who have been forced to endure the trauma of gun violence. Whether it is in our houses of worship, on our beaches, or on our college campuses, no one should have to live in fear. I join my colleagues and people of conscience everywhere in rejecting antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance. We must double our efforts to protect the vulnerable and hold those who perpetrate such acts accountable.\u201d\n\nCongressman Davis remains committed to legislative efforts that strengthen civil rights protections and address the root causes of violence both at home and abroad. He calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents and urges continued international cooperation to combat the scourge of hate.\n\nAbout Congressman Danny K. Davis\n\nCongressman Danny K. Davis represents the 7th Congressional District of Illinois and is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. He has long been recognized as a national leader in welfare policy, civil rights, and social justice.", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-cabinet-secretaries-dhs-actions", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers from Cabinet Secretaries on DHS Actions Targeting Striking Workers in Chicago", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Labor Secretary Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer raising concerns about federal law enforcement conduct toward workers engaged in lawful strike activity in Chicago. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi cites video footage from December 16 showing uniformed officers interacting with striking workers in a manner that he warns may constitute unlawful interference with activity protected under federal labor law and the U.S. Constitution.\n\n\u201cVideo footage recorded by members of the public shows Commander Bovino and uniformed law enforcement officers surrounding striking workers, laughing at them, and engaging in conduct that appears intended to intimidate and chill protected activity, all while the workers were engaged in lawful strike actions safeguarded by the U.S. Constitution and federal labor law,\" Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. \"Federal courts, state courts, and federal agencies have long and consistently held that core labor protections, including the right to organize, to engage in concerted activity, and to be free from retaliation, apply to all workers, regardless of immigration status. Federal law enforcement officials have no lawful basis to interfere with workers\u2019 rights to organize or to collectively bargain.\u201d\n\nThe letter also cautions against the use, or perceived use, of immigration enforcement during labor disputes. \"The use, or perceived use, of immigration enforcement as leverage during a labor dispute is fundamentally incompatible with federal labor policy and corrodes trust in both labor and immigration institutions,\" Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in the letter.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi requests that the Department of Labor promptly review the incident and, where appropriate, coordinate with or refer the matter to the National Labor Relations Board, and examine whether Mauser or any entity acting on its behalf coordinated with immigration enforcement officials in connection with the intimidation of Teamsters Local 705 workers.\n\nHe concludes by requesting a prompt response detailing what steps the Departments are taking to investigate the matter and to ensure that federal law enforcement is never used, explicitly or implicitly, to suppress lawful labor activity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-statement-all-25-jewish-house-members-antisemitic-attack-australia", "BIPARTISAN STATEMENT FROM ALL 25 JEWISH HOUSE MEMBERS ON ANTISEMITIC ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "All 25 Jewish Members of the US House of Representatives released the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah:\n\n\u201cOn a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism.\n\n\u201cWe stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged.\n\n\u201cAntisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear.\n\n\u201cJews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.\u201d\n\nThe 25 members who signed the statement include:\n\nRep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA)\n\nRep. Becca Balint (D-VT)\n\nRep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)\n\nRep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)\n\nRep. Randy Fine (R-FL)\n\nRep. Lois Frankel (D-FL)\n\nRep. Laura Friedman (D-CA)\n\nRep. Craig Goldman (R-TX)\n\nRep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY)\n\nRep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA)\n\nRep. David Kustoff (R-TN)\n\nRep. Greg Landsman (D-OH)\n\nRep. Mike Levin (D-CA)\n\nRep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI)\n\nRep. Max Miller (R-OH)\n\nRep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL)\n\nRep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)\n\nRep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)\n\nRep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)\n\nRep. Brad Schneider (D-IL)\n\nRep. Kim Schrier (D-WA)\n\nRep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)\n\nRep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA)\n\nRep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-trumps-escalating-misuse-of-our-military-against-americans-duckworth-votes-to-block-final-passage-of-defense-authorization-bill-for-the-first-time-in-her-career", "Amid Trump\u2019s Escalating Misuse of Our Military Against Americans, Duckworth Votes to Block Final Passage of Defense Authorization Bill for the First Time in Her Career", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Citing her deep concern over Donald Trump\u2019s continuing\u2014and escalating\u2014abuse of our nation\u2019s nonpartisan military and servicemembers by unconstitutionally deploying them into American cities including Chicago to intimidate Americans in their own communities, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the first time in her career. Duckworth has supported every NDAA since she was first elected to Congress in 2012.\n\n\u201cEach year, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to forge a bipartisan Defense Authorization bill that supports our military and protects our national security. This year\u2019s NDAA, however, authorizes DoD funding that Donald Trump has misused\u2014and that he continues misusing\u2014to deploy our troops into American cities in an effort that neither protects our national security nor makes our communities safer. And it is because I love our military so much, and respect our troops so deeply, that I had no choice but to vote against this authorization.\n\n\u201cThe power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law\u2014not in one man\u2019s judgment about what constitutes disorder.?I will never vote to enable a wannabe tinpot dictator to use the authorities or money Congress allocates to our Armed Forces in an un-American campaign\u2014especially when that campaign abuses our servicemembers and disrespects their sacrifices by ordering them to intimidate Americans in their own communities rather than defend our nation against its adversaries.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-pushes-for-long-term-funding-certainty-for-air-traffic-control-system-modernization-project-and-calls-on-faa-to-invest-in-both-technology-and-training", "Duckworth Pushes for Long-Term Funding Certainty for Air Traffic Control System Modernization Project and Calls on FAA to Invest in Both Technology and Training", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 At today\u2019s U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (CST) Aviation Subcommittee hearing, Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reiterated the urgent need to modernize our nation\u2019s air traffic control system, expressing support for providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an additional $20 billion to ensure long-term funding certainty, while calling on the FAA to prioritize phase one investments on the systems and infrastructure that is guaranteed to deliver long-term value. Video of the Senator\u2019s opening remarks are available on her YouTube.\n\n\u201cIf we want any chance of success at ATC modernization, we simply cannot afford to deny FAA the certainty of long-term funding\u2014$12.5 billion is a meaningful downpayment, but it\u2019s not nearly enough,\u201d said Duckworth. \u201cOver the past several decades, the FAA has neglected the capabilities and capacity of the ATC system\u2019s most important asset\u2014its people. The bottom line is that successfully building a \u2018Brand New\u2019 ATC system will require rebuilding a depleted and demoralized workforce.\u201d\n\nIn addition to upgrading radars and replacing telecom equipment, Duckworth urged FAA Administrator Brian Bedford to invest a portion of the modernization project\u2019s existing $12.5 billion downpayment toward enhancing the FAA\u2019s workforce infrastructure to enhance its capabilities and capacity to hire, train and retain more desperately needed air traffic controllers and FAA technicians. Specifically, Duckworth expressed support for the FAA using modernization funds to procure ATC training equipment to entice far more academic institutions to join the FAA\u2019s Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative and pushed Administrator Bedford to invest in additional FAA Academies in population centers across the country.\n\nDuckworth also stressed her concerns over the FAA\u2019s self-imposed 2028 deadline to complete the latest massive ATC modernization project, and she pressed FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on how he plans to ensure standards aren\u2019t compromised for the sake of speed\u2014especially after Donald Trump slashed the FAA workforce in his indiscriminate mass firings. Video of the Senator\u2019s questioning are available on her YouTube.\n\n\u201cI am concerned by the focus on meeting an arbitrary, unrealistic three-year timeline,\u201d continued Duckworth. \u201cWithout stringent oversight, such an environment is at high risk for less stringent quality control, malfunctioning systems and inadequate time to train controllers on new technology. We cannot afford to cut corners when it comes to our aviation system. The American people need us to be sure we have worked out issues before we entrust their lives to any new system or technologies.\u201d\n\nDuckworth has long been a leading voice in the push to strengthen our air traffic control system and workforce. Earlier this month, after the Trump Administration cruelly provided only four percent of the ATC and technician workforce with $10,000 bonuses\u2014despite all of them working without pay during the Republican-led government shutdown\u2014Duckworth demanded Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to award those bonuses to every single ATC and technician.\n\nFor years, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings\u2014one last December and the other a year prior\u2014to address our aviation industry\u2019s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public.\n\nLast year, Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization that was signed into law to extend the FAA\u2019s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-highlights-the-senates-responsibility-to-hold-the-executive-branch-accountable-amid-president-trumps-abuses-of-powers", "Durbin Highlights The Senate\u2019s Responsibility To Hold The Executive Branch Accountable Amid President Trump\u2019s Abuses Of Powers", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "During Durbin\u2019s opening statement in a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, he also condemned President Trump\u2019s attempts to undermine the Senate blue slip tradition\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing highlighted the Senate\u2019s responsibility to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees; called out President Trump\u2019s cruel immigration tactics, as well as his unlawful and un-American actions; and commented on the longstanding bipartisan Senate tradition, the blue slip. Durbin also condemned Secretary Hegseth\u2019s refusal during a classified briefing yesterday to share with all Senators the full, unedited video of the September 2nd lethal strikes on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors.\n\nToday\u2019s hearing is on the nominations of Daniel Edward Burrows, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy (OLP); Megan Blair Benton, to the U.S District Court for the Western District of Missouri; Brian Charles Lea, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee; and Justin Ross Olson, to the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n\u201cThe Senate, as part of the legislative branch, must provide advice and consent on presidential nominees. It is a responsibility that goes back to our nation\u2019s founding\u2026To ensure the president could not become a despot like King George III, our Founders designed a system of checks and balances [that] separated the federal government\u2019s powers among its three branches.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Senate\u2019s role in providing advice and consent on presidential nominees is one critical check on the executive branch. Today\u2019s hearing is a step in that process. And it has never been more important that the Senate exercise this role\u2014because the President is determined to push the bounds of his power at every opportunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cAcross the country, immigration agents are racially profiling and arresting American citizens\u2014even veterans. At a spotlight forum last week, I spoke about how one Chicagoan\u2014a U.S. citizen on her way to work\u2014was physically assaulted, arrested, and detained for several hours after ICE agents crashed into her car and pointed their weapons at her\u2026 [This] is not conduct that we can or should tolerate in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut the Trump Administration\u2019s unlawful and un-American actions are not limited to our own shores or our fellow citizens. The President has ordered extrajudicial killings of at least 95 people off the coast of Venezuela. Yesterday, our self-styled \u2018Secretary of War\u2019 essentially told Senators to \u2018go to hell\u2019 when we asked to see videos of the episode where two stranded victims may have been executed in violation of international, legal standards.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration alleges that these individuals are \u2018narco-terrorists.\u2019 Drug trafficking is a serious crime and should be prosecuted. But that is not what is happening here. Instead, President Trump is engaging in the summary executions of criminal suspects. That is a violation of law\u2014in both peacetime and wartime.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing is part of our effort to fulfill our obligation. But we must also conduct oversight and hold accountable a President who too often ignores the limits of power\u2026 We are now about to finish this calendar year with the Department of Homeland Security spurning every effort made to bring and hold her [Secretary Noem] accountable for what\u2019s happening [in regard to immigration raids across the country].\u201d\n\n\u201cIn closing, I want to note that multiple nominees on today\u2019s panel are here because of this Committee\u2019s longstanding, bipartisan tradition of requiring blue slips from Senators supporting district court nominees from their states.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust this week, the President falsely claimed, \u2018if you have one Democrat in a state, it is not possible to appoint because of blue slips.\u2019 In fact, this year the Committee has reported\u2014and the Senate has confirmed\u2014numerous judicial and U.S. Attorney nominees from blue states with the support of Democratic Senators.\u201d\n\n\u201c[Blue slips] simply require that President Trump do what every other President before him has done\u2014work with home-state Senators to identify well-qualified nominees who will follow the law. Blue slips remain a critical part of this body\u2019s advice and consent [responsibility] even when they frustrate the party in power. I want to thank Chairman Grassley for continuing to follow this practice.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-secures-key-provisions-to-support-rock-island-arsenal-defense-manufacturing-in-illinois-in-national-defense-authorization-act", "Durbin Secures Key Provisions To Support Rock Island Arsenal, Defense Manufacturing In Illinois In National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The FY26 NDAA, which passed the Senate today and now heads to the President\u2019s desk, includes a number of Durbin-led measures & authorizations for military construction projects in Illinois\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today highlighted the critical provisions he secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by the Senate today and now heads to the President\u2019s desk for signature. The bill includes significant support for Rock Island Arsenal, provides security aid to Ukraine, and authorizes $113 million in military construction funds for Illinois.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA is a strong, bipartisan show of support for our national defense and to our men and women in uniform. The bill, which has earned the support of both chambers of Congress, includes my provisions to ensure that Rock Island Arsenal remains central to our nation\u2019s effort to modernize the military and strengthens security cooperation with our allies around the world,\u201d said Durbin.\n\nDurbin-led measures included in the FY26 NDAA are:\n\nRock Island Arsenal:\n\nAuthorizes a new pilot program modeled after Durbin\u2019s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act to give contracting preference to public-private partnerships between industry and Army arsenals such as at Rock Island. This provision will help ensure Rock Island Arsenal remains active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment, and production capacity critical to the nation\u2019s defense industrial base.\n\nRestricts the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about its proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping to ensure operations and protect jobs at Rock Island Arsenal from unnecessary cuts.\n\nAuthorizes the Army to expand robotic munitions manufacturing capabilities at government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, which will help boost workload for facilities such as the Quad City Cartridge Case Facility.\n\nOversight\n\nRequires the Department of Defense (DoD) to notify Congress on immigration enforcement support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to include the use of military aircraft for deportation flights, the use of DoD bases for detention, and other support to improve congressional and public oversight amid the Trump Administration\u2019s increased use of the military for immigration operations.\n\nEnhances oversight of the use of service members to support domestic law enforcement, including increased legal training for all service members on rules of engagement and appropriate public identification of service members providing support on U.S. soil.\n\nRequires a congressional notification if the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers them to another position before the end of their term to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration\u2019s actions.\n\nLimits funding for the consolidation of geographic combatant commands to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration\u2019s actions.\n\nPFAS\n\nRequires DoD to develop a plan to procure chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear personnel protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals.\n\nGovernment Contracts\n\nSupports APEX Accelerators, including in Illinois, which help small businesses be more competitive for DoD and other government contracts.\n\nForeign Relations\n\nCodifies Durbin\u2019s Baltic Security Initiative, particularly timely amid reports that the Pentagon was seeking to eliminate such security assistance programs. Durbin created this program in Fiscal Year 2021 to strengthen U.S. security cooperation with the Baltics amid an increase of Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, and Russia\u2019s ongoing war in Ukraine.\n\nCondemns Russia\u2019s illegal abduction of Ukrainian children.\n\nProhibits funds to recognize sovereign Ukrainian territory forcibly seized by Russia.\n\nExtends and increases the authorization for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative from $300 million to $400 million and authorizes continued intelligence sharing for Ukraine.\n\nProhibits the reduction of U.S. Armed Forces stationed and equipment in Europe, over concerns that President Trump may remove U.S. troops from Germany, Poland, or the Baltics.\n\nStrengthens the trilateral AUKUS security pact.\n\nQuantum\n\nAccelerates quantum research efforts across the Department of Defense, which will support work at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago.\n\nVeterans\u2019 Health\n\nReauthorizes for another year the Treasury account to provide for the operations of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.\n\nImpact Aid\n\nAuthorizes $80 million for Impact Aid programs to provide financial assistance to school districts that support military families in compensation for the lost local tax base imposed upon by a neighboring military installation.\n\nMilitary Construction\n\nAuthorizes Military Construction funds for the following projects in Illinois:\n\n$50 million for construction of a new Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal;\n\n$5 million in planning and design funds to house the expanding forging capability at the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center;\n\n$5 million in planning and design funds for the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago for the Army Guard;\n\n$3.05 million in planning and design funds for an operations and maintenance facility in Marseilles for the Army Guard;\n\n$8 million in planning and design funds for a new Readiness Center in Peoria for the Army Guard;\n\n$6 million in planning and design funds for a new aircraft hangar at Scott Air Force Base for the Air Guard; and\n\n$36 million in maintenance support at Fort Sheridan.\n\nLaw Enforcement and Survivor Support\n\nIncludes four bills that were unanimously reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee during National Police Week in May:\n\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 Reauthorization, which reauthorizes and modernizes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program;\n\nThe Improving Police CARE Act, which establishes baseline standards for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Byrne JAG program;\n\nThe Chief Herbert D. Proffit Act of 2025, which expands Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits Program eligibility criteria; and\n\nThe Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which expands access to federal support through the Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits Program for first responders and their families.\n\nSupreme Court Security\n\nAuthorizes the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to protect retired or former Supreme Court justices and their immediate families if they determine there is a need.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-jack-smiths-closed-door-house-testimony", "Durbin Statement On Jack Smith\u2019s Closed Door House Testimony", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Jack Smith\u2019s closed-door testimony to the House Judiciary Committee today:\n\n\u201cIf Senate Republicans and the Attorney General are truly committed to transparency, they\u2019ll allow Jack Smith to testify publicly under oath, as he\u2019s offered. They also must release the unredacted Volume II of his report and any materials not already produced related to Volumes I and II. But they refuse.\n\n\u201cMr. Smith is the only person with direct knowledge of decisions and actions taken under his leadership as Special Counsel. If Republicans have so many questions, a transparent means of answering is necessary. Anything less than public testimony under oath is unacceptable.\u201d\n\nOn October 30, Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats called on Chairman Grassley to allow Former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify publicly before the Committee. In their letter, the Senators also urged Grassley to request the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) release Volume II of the unredacted \u201cFinal Report of the Special Counsel\u2019s Investigations and Prosecutions,\u201d which was submitted to then-Attorney General (AG) Merrick Garland in January 2025.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jackson-urges-gop-leadership-and-secretary-rubioto-halt-trumps", "CONGRESSMAN JACKSON URGES GOP LEADERSHIP AND SECRETARY RUBIOTO HALT TRUMP\u2019S RECKLESS \u201cEPSTEIN WAR\u201d AGAINST VENEZUELA", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 With President Trump set to deliver a 9 p.m. address and new Epstein files exposing elite networks of corruption scheduled for release this week, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prevent any unauthorized U.S. military action against Venezuela.\n\nJackson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, attended Secretary Rubio\u2019s confidential closed-door briefing this week. He expressed deep disappointment with Rubio\u2019s lack of candor and specificity, saying the Secretary \u201cfailed to identify any imminent threat to U.S. personnel or assets that could justify armed action\u201d and \u201cdodged basic constitutional questions about authority, targeting, and legality.\u201d\n\nJackson warned that Trump\u2019s escalating \u201cnarco-terrorism\u201d rhetoric, reported lethal double-tap strikes in the Caribbean, and threats of a full blockade constitute a dangerous and unconstitutional diversion meant to distract from mounting revelations connected to Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s criminal network, not a legitimate national security effort.\n\nJackson\u2019s Urgent Demands\n\nSpeaker Johnson and Leader Thune: Publicly commit to no new funding and no Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) for operations in Venezuela. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution vests war powers in Congress, and existing 2001 and 2002 AUMFs cover neither Venezuela nor any \u201cnarco-terror\u201d claims in the Caribbean. Congress must enforce the War Powers Resolution\u2019s 60-day limit and block any attempt to bypass a formal vote through an \u201cemergency\u201d supplemental.\n\nSecretary Rubio: Certify to Congress today that no blockades or strikes have been authorized against Venezuelan state assets. Release full intelligence on the 80-plus people reportedly killed in recent Caribbean strikes, including target verification, rules of engagement, and civilian casualty assessments. The Pentagon\u2019s own admission of a September \u201cdouble-tap\u201d strike killing 11 survivors raises serious concerns of potential violations under the Geneva Conventions.\n\nJackson further called on Trump to directly address the Epstein files and cease using foreign military action to deflect public scrutiny:\n\n\u201cThe timing is unmistakable. As documents surface exposing elite complicity in Epstein\u2019s crimes, the administration launches boat strikes and war rhetoric in Latin America. This is not policy , it\u2019s a panic-induced distraction,\u201d Jackson said.\n\nHe emphasized that Congress must not allow another executive overreach or \u201cpardons-for-politics\u201d cycle, pointing to reports that the administration has traded clemency for donor favors and political loyalty.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump shut down the government to obstruct the release of the Epstein files, branded them a \u201choax,\u201d and pressured members of Congress to prevent a vote on the discharge petition. Now he is saber-rattling toward Venezuela. How many people are expected to die to protect powerful pedophiles from justice?\u201d\n\nDiplomatic Solutions, Not Distractions\n\n\u201cMike Johnson, John Thune, Marco Rubio , history will not absolve your silence,\u201d Jackson added. \u201cDon\u2019t let this President turn the Caribbean into a battlefield to shield the powerful. If you believe in the Constitution, bring this to Congress before another life is lost.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-s-statement-condemning-return-of-masked-agents-and-holiday-time-enforcement", "Congressman Garc\u00eda\u2019s Statement Condemning Return of Masked Agents and Holiday Time Enforcement", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda issued the following statement about a new wave of federal agents arriving to Chicago:\n\n\u201cMy office and I are aware that a large group of masked federal agents arrived in our city, once again terrorizing our community.\n\n\u201cAt a time when families should be celebrating the holidays in safety and peace, these agents are instead carrying out operations to separate families, sow panic, and intimidate hardworking people. Investigative reporting has made it clear that these ICE raids are targeting individuals with no criminal records.\n\n\u201cThese operations are a choice. Masked agents, unannounced raids, and holiday timing are tactics designed to maximize fear. My office will continue to confront these practices and take every step necessary to protect our constituents and hold federal agencies and their leaders accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-del-congresista-garcia-condenando-el-regreso-de-agentes-enmascarados-y-las-redadas-durante-las-fiestas-navidenas", "Declaraci\u00f3n del Congresista Garc\u00eda Condenando el Regreso de Agentes Enmascarados y las Redadas durante las Fiestas Navide\u00f1as", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 El Congresista Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n sobre la llegada de una nueva oleada de agentes federales a Chicago:\n\n\u201cMi oficina y yo estamos al tanto de que un numeroso grupo de agentes federales enmascarados ha llegado a nuestra ciudad, aterrorizando una vez m\u00e1s a nuestra comunidad.\n\n\u201cEn un momento en que las familias deber\u00edan estar celebrando las fiestas con seguridad y tranquilidad, estos agentes est\u00e1n llevando a cabo operaciones para separar familias, sembrar el p\u00e1nico e intimidar a personas trabajadoras. Las investigaciones period\u00edsticas han dejado claro que estas redadas de ICE est\u00e1n enfocadas en personas sin antecedentes penales.\n\n\u201cEstas operaciones son una decisi\u00f3n deliberada. Los agentes enmascarados, las redadas sin previo aviso y el hecho de que se realicen durante las fiestas navide\u00f1as son t\u00e1cticas dise\u00f1adas para maximizar el miedo. Mi oficina continuar\u00e1 enfrentando estas pr\u00e1cticas y tomar\u00e1 todas las medidas necesarias para proteger a nuestros vecinos y exigir responsabilidades a las agencias federales y a sus l\u00edderes.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-payer-state-transparency-act", "Foster Introduces Payer State Transparency Act", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) reintroduced the Payer State Transparency Act to help shed light on the \u201cPayer State\u201d problem, wherein certain states, including Illinois, pay more in federal taxes than they get back in federal spending. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service and USASpending.gov, Illinois sent $63 billion more in taxes in FY 2024 to the federal government than we received back.\n\nThe Payer State Transparency Act would require the Office of Management and Budget, in conjunction with the Council of Economic Advisors and the Treasury Department, to produce annual assessments of the net economic effect of all federal spending programs on each state and compare these figures against the state\u2019s tax burden.\n\n\u201cAs a businessman who co-founded a manufacturing company, I understand the financial burden that federal Payer State policies put on companies that are committed to keeping good jobs in Illinois,\u201d said Foster. \u201cI also recognize the burden the Payer State problem places on middle-class families here in Illinois, taking our hard-earned tax dollars without giving us the same level of federal support in return. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve introduced legislation to help us gain a better understanding of the problem and find ways to make sure Illinois taxpayers are getting their fair share of federal resources.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jes\u00fas \u2018Chuy\u2019 Garc\u00eda (D-IL).\n\nA copy of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/jackson-blasts-removal-wwii-memorials-honoring-black-veterans-backs-cleaver", "Jackson Blasts Removal of WWII Memorials Honoring Black Veterans, Backs Cleaver-Led Push to Restore Displays", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO, IL; Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration quietly directed the removal of memorial panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, following pressure from right-wing activists:\n\n\u201cIt is unconscionable that any administration; American or otherwise; would seek to erase the sacrifice of Black soldiers who fought, bled, and died to defend democracy around the world. These men helped defeat fascism abroad while enduring segregation and discrimination at home. To strip their memory from sacred ground is not only disrespectful; it is historical vandalism.\u201d\n\nThe removed displays, dedicated in 2024 at the cemetery where more than 8,000 Americans and approximately 172 Black soldiers are buried, told the story of the \u201cBlack Liberators of Margraten,\u201d including telephone engineer George H. Pruitt, who died while trying to save a fellow soldier. One panel described how over one million African Americans served in World War II, often confined to support roles and forced to fight both the enemy abroad and entrenched racism within their own military.\n\nReports indicate that the decision to pull the panels followed complaints from the Heritage Foundation, which accused the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) of violating Trump-era directives targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Local Dutch officials and political parties have condemned the removal as \u201cindecent\u201d and \u201cunacceptable,\u201d underscoring the deep respect in the Netherlands for the Black Liberators of Margraten.\n\n\u201cWhen the record of our nation grows inconvenient to those who trade in revisionism, they reach for the eraser instead of the truth,\u201d Congressman Jackson said. \u201cThis decision dishonors the very freedoms those Black GIs defended. We must never let their stories be buried a second time.\u201d\n\nCongressman Jackson is a proud supporter and signatory of the effort led by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), in which more than 30 Members of Congress have called on ABMC to immediately restore the displays honoring Black servicemembers at Margraten and to explain the circumstances of their removal. The Cleaver-led letter emphasizes that more than one million African Americans served in World War II and that the 172 Black soldiers interred at the Netherlands American Cemetery must be fully and permanently recognized in the visitor center and public interpretation.\n\n\u201cIn addition to pursuing my own oversight efforts, I have joined Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and many of my colleagues in a formal letter demanding that the Black servicemember displays at Margraten be restored without delay,\u201d Jackson stated. \u201cTheir letter makes clear that the service and sacrifice of more than a million African American troops, and of the Black Liberators of Margraten in particular, are not optional footnotes; they are central to the history of World War II.\u201d\n\nCongressman Jackson is calling for vigorous oversight, including hearings in the House committees with jurisdiction, to ensure that U.S. historical representations overseas are not manipulated by partisan or ideological pressures. He has expressed support for requiring ABMC to adopt policies that guarantee permanent, prominent recognition of Black servicemembers\u2019 contributions at Margraten and at all American cemeteries and memorials under its care.\n\n\u201cEvery American who wears the uniform deserves to be remembered with dignity; regardless of race or rank,\u201d Jackson added. \u201cI stand shoulder to shoulder with Congressman Cleaver and every member of Congress insisting that ABMC restore these displays, commit to permanent recognition of the Black Liberators of Margraten, and ensure that the truth of their service is never again subject to partisan pressure or quiet removal.\u201d\n\nCongressman Jackson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has long advocated for correcting racial disparities in veterans\u2019 benefits and for elevating the stories of Black servicemembers whose heroism was too often ignored upon their return home.\n\n\u201cHistory is truth in service of justice,\u201d Jackson concluded. \u201cThe story of the Black Liberators of Margraten will not be erased; not on my watch and not on behalf of the people I serve.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-senator-warner-introduce-bill-help-workers-adapt-ai", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Senator Warner Introduce Bill to Help Workers Adapt to AI-Driven Economy", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Investing in American Workers Act, legislation to help workers gain the skills they need to succeed as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and rapid technological change reshape the economy. The Investing in American Workers Act would modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials, particularly for lower- and moderate-income workers, so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy.\n\n\u201cBusinesses across the country are still struggling to find workers with the training needed for today\u2019s jobs, and workers need better access to affordable, employer-supported opportunities to build new skills,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. \u201cThis legislation expands access to high-quality training programs that help workers move into good, stable careers while strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses and growing the middle class. If we want the United States to remain the world\u2019s economic leader, we must invest in the workers who drive our economy. When people have the skills they need to get ahead, our communities grow stronger and the entire country benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs artificial intelligence and automation transform nearly every sector of our economy, the question isn\u2019t whether jobs will change \u2013 it\u2019s whether workers will be given a fair shot to keep up. If we want the United States to lead in innovation, we must also lead in preparing workers for the jobs of the future,\u201d Sen. Warner said. \u201cRight now, our tax code rewards companies for investing in machines and software, but not nearly enough for investing in people. This bill applies a proven model, the R&D tax credit, to incentivize employers to offer workforce training, so workers can build new skills, businesses can stay competitive, and the benefits of technological change are more widely shared.\u201d\n\nAs AI tools increasingly alter job requirements in sectors from manufacturing and logistics to health care, finance, and professional services, many workers lack access to affordable, employer-supported training. At the same time, businesses often face little incentive to make long-term investments in their employees. While the tax code offers a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for investments in technology and capital assets, it provides no comparable incentive for workforce training.\n\nThe Investing in American Workers Act addresses this gap by:\n\nEstablishing a tax credit for employers who increase spending on worker training, equal to 20 percent of increased training expenditures for eligible workers earning $96,000 or less per year.\n\nIncentivizing high-quality, industry-aligned training, including registered apprenticeships, WIOA-certified programs, community college and career and technical education programs, and employer- or labor-sponsored training that leads to recognized postsecondary credentials.\n\nEncouraging participation by small businesses, allowing eligible small employers and tax-exempt entities to apply the credit against payroll taxes through a simplified filing process.\n\nPromoting accountability and transparency, including data collection to ensure training investments are reaching a diverse workforce.\n\nSupporters note that aligning workforce policy with the pace of technological change is critical to maintaining U.S. economic leadership and ensuring that AI-driven productivity gains benefit workers as well as employers.\n\n\u201cThe accelerating pace of change in the workplace is reshaping workforce needs and reinforcing the importance of proactive, sustained investment in skills. Workday strongly supports the reintroduction of the Investing in American Workers Act, which recognizes the critical role employers play in helping workers build the agility needed for the future of work. This legislation affirms a powerful truth: reskilling is not an operational burden, but a strategic investment in an organization\u2019s most valuable resource \u2013 its people,\u201d said Chandler Morse, Vice President of Public Policy, Workday.\n\n\"Workers need access to high-quality skills training, and employers need a workforce with the skills required to meet rapidly changing hiring needs. By incentivizing employer investments in training, including small businesses, this bill helps meet hiring needs while expanding workers\u2019 access to good jobs and strengthening communities more broadly,\u201d said Megan Evans, Senior Government Affairs Manager, National Skills Coalition.\n\n\u201cAI is transforming jobs at unprecedented speed, putting many workers at risk of being left behind unless we act quickly to help them build new, in-demand skills before they exit the labor market. The Investing in American Workers Act offers a smart, scalable solution - modeled on the R&D credit - by incentivizing employers to expand high-quality training that leads to portable credentials and enables workers to advance while staying connected to the workforce.\u201d - Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future\n\nThe legislation has also been endorsed by Jobs for the Future and the American Association of Community Colleges.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-responds-return-masked-federal-immigration-raids-chicago-area", "Krishnamoorthi Responds to the Return of Masked Federal Immigration Raids to Chicago-Area Communities", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SCHAUMBURG, IL \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today issued the following statement in response to renewed deployments of masked federal agents conducting surprise immigration raids in Chicago-area neighborhoods during the holiday season:\n\n\u201cMy office is actively monitoring and responding to the renewed deployment of masked federal agents in Chicago-area neighborhoods. Conducting surprise raids during the holidays that chase people through our streets, separate families, and target non-criminal residents is not about public safety. It is about fear and intimidation. I will use every oversight and legislative tool available to confront these abuses, defend due process, and hold federal agencies and their leaders accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-help-introduce-no-check-no-sale-bill-to-close-the-charleston-loophole", "Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce \u201cNo Check, No Sale\u201d Bill to Close the Charleston Loophole", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "In 2024, nearly 3,000 firearms were sold to people who legally shouldn\u2019t have access to firearms because dealers were not required to wait for completed background checks\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) with 23 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to close a current loophole that allows firearm sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a firearm. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of firearm sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston\u2019s Emanuel AME Church.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s just common sense that if you can\u2019t pass a background check, you shouldn\u2019t be able to purchase a firearm\u2014and the vast majority of Americans agree,\u201d said Duckworth. \u201cThis legislation will help us close this senseless loophole and help keep weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn\u2019t have them. Enough is enough.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have seen the tragic consequences when guns end up in the hands of prohibited buyers because a background check was not able to be completed in time. The Background Check Completion Act would finally ensure that no one will be able to purchase a firearm from a gun dealer without first passing a background check,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cIt\u2019s long past time that we fixed this loophole.\u201d\n\nWhen a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a firearm. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, firearm dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a firearm.\n\nThe Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for every buyer who purchases a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer.\n\nAlong with Duckworth, Durbin and Blumenthal, the Background Check Completion Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Brady, Sandy Hook Promise and Newtown Action Alliance.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-celebrates-seventh-anniversary-of-the-first-step-act-in-speech-on-senate-floor", "Durbin Celebrates Seventh Anniversary Of The First Step Act In Speech On Senate Floor", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA)\u2014bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to re-enter society successfully. The First Step Act was signed into law by President Trump in December 2018, and was championed by Durbin and U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Lee (R-UT).\n\n\u201cThis December marks the seventh anniversary of the passage of the First Step Act\u2014the most significant reform to our criminal justice system in a generation. That victory was born out of years of bipartisan negotiations led by myself and my colleagues, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The end result was\u2014and continues to be\u2014life-changing for the people who were impacted. The First Step Act delivered much-needed reforms to our outdated sentencing laws and provided opportunities for incarcerated Americans to safely reenter their communities. Those reforms have reduced populations in overcrowded prisons, reunited families, and revitalized the communities these men and women reenter as productive neighbors. And the evidence backs that up.\u201d\n\nDurbin noted that the reforms made by the First Step Act have been tremendously successful. Of more than 40,000 people released under the law through January 2024, just under 10 percent have been rearrested compared to the Bureau of Prisons\u2019 overall recidivism rate of about 45 percent.\n\nDurbin went on to share the story of Eugenia Jennings from Alton, Illinois, who sadly experienced the injustice of our antiquated sentencing laws firsthand. Eugenia was terribly abused as a child, and by age 15, she was addicted to crack cocaine. At age 23, then a mother of three, Eugenia was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for selling less than 14 grams of the drug.\n\n\u201cIn prison, she was a model for others. She took all the courses available to her, overcame her addiction, and talked to students about the dangers of drug addiction. Sadly, while she was incarcerated, she developed leukemia. I asked President Barack Obama, my former colleague in the Senate, to commute Eugenia\u2019s sentence, and he did just that\u2026 Eugenia was released just in time to see her oldest daughter graduate from high school. I cannot tell you the joy in her voice when she told me that. She passed away two years later, but her story has lived on\u2014and served as a driving force behind my efforts to reform our federal drug sentencing laws. Eugenia\u2019s story led me to meet more individuals whose lives were forever altered by unfair sentencing laws\u2014including Matthew Charles.\u201d\n\nDurbin then shared the story of Matthew Charles who, like Eugenia, also had a difficult childhood, enduring both physical and verbal abuse. He joined the Army at age 18, but found himself still filled with anger and hurt\u2014eventually turning to what he has called \u201cwayward living\u201d and selling drugs. Matthew received a state conviction and then a federal conviction. Because he had a prior conviction when he ended up in federal court, and because he had been selling crack rather than powder cocaine, Matthew received a 35-year sentence.\n\n\u201cWhile in prison, he worked as a GED tutor and a law library clerk, in addition to mentoring younger people. He helped other incarcerated individuals who could not read to understand their letters and court documents, and he drafted filings for them. In 21 years in prison, Matthew did not receive a single disciplinary infraction. After Matthew\u2019s conviction and sentence, Congress passed a law I wrote, called the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine offenses. But the law was not retroactive,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cWhen Eugenia and Matthew were sentenced, the hands of their sentencing judges were tied\u2014because Congress severely limited a judge\u2019s discretion to impose an individualized sentence and instead mandated overly-harsh one-size-fits-all penalties. The First Step Act took one giant step toward correcting that unfair system. Among other reforms, it made the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Matthew Charles was one of the first people released from prison after the First Step Act became law.\u201d\n\nDurbin then spoke about a package of bipartisan bills he introduced this week with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to expand on the progress of the FSA. Durbin and Grassley reintroduced the First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act. They also introduced new legislation to extend the FSA\u2019s annual reporting requirement by five years.\n\n\u201cBut, as the name of the First Step Act suggests, it is just that\u2014one first step. There is more to be done. To make our justice system fairer and our communities safer, we must continue reforming our sentencing laws in a smart way,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nDurbin concluded, \u201cThe First Step Act\u2019s passage was a glimmer of bipartisanship in a political arena\u2026 and its success shows what we can accomplish on behalf of the American people when we put aside our differences and come to the table with reasonable approaches. We need evidence-backed solutions to reduce crime and make our communities safer. So, as we celebrate this anniversary, I will continue to work with my colleagues to reform outdated sentencing laws. Let\u2019s rekindle that spirit of bipartisanship and get something done in the Senate\u2026 Together, we can reduce crime, improve our justice system, and make our communities safer.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\nDurbin has long championed efforts to address inequities in our criminal justice system. Durbin was also the lead sponsor of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan legislation signed into law by then-President Obama that reduced the unjust sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and eliminated the mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grassley-introduce-criminal-justice-reform-bills", "Durbin, Grassley Introduce Criminal Justice Reform Bills", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "As lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, Durbin and Grassley are working to continue to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer, including introducing new legislation to extend the First Step Act\u2019s annual reporting requirement by five years\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Around the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced four pieces of criminal justice reform legislation to further implement the FSA and advance its goals. Durbin and Grassley were the lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, which is bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. It was signed into law in December 2018. Durbin and Grassley reintroduced the First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act. They also introduced new legislation to extend the FSA\u2019s annual reporting requirement by five years.\n\n\u201cSeven years ago, Congress came together to pass the most important criminal justice reform law in a generation. But as its name suggests, it was just the first step,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cIn order to keep making our justice system fairer and our communities safer, we must continue reforming our antiquated and outdated sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. I appreciate Senator Grassley\u2019s partnership in this important endeavor.\u201d\n\n\u201cCriminals must face just penalties, and our nation\u2019s criminal justice system should seek to prevent recidivism,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m committed to advancing efforts that will help reduce crime, improve our nation\u2019s justice system and safeguard American communities.\u201d\n\nFirst Step Implementation Act\n\nThe bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2025 aims to further implement the FSA and advance its goals. The First Step Implementation Act would further the goals of the FSA by:\n\nAllowing courts to apply the FSA sentencing reform provisions to reduce sentences imposed prior to the enactment of the FSA;\n\nBroadening the safety valve provision to allow courts to sentence below a mandatory minimum for nonviolent controlled substance offenses, if the court finds the defendant\u2019s criminal history over-represents the seriousness of the defendant\u2019s criminal record and the likelihood of recidivism;\n\nAllowing courts to reduce sentences imposed on juvenile offenders who have served more than 20 years;\n\nProviding for the sealing or expungement of records of nonviolent juvenile offenses; and,\n\nRequiring the Attorney General to establish procedures ensuring that only accurate criminal records are shared for employment-related purposes.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Human Rights for Kids, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Tzedek Association, Prison Fellowship, Prison Fellowship Ministries, R Street Institute, and Right On Crime.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\nSafer Detention Act\n\nThe bipartisan Safer Detention Act of 2025 would reauthorize and reform the now-expired Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, clarify applicability of compassionate release from federal prisons, and implement other reforms, including:\n\nClarifying that the percentage of time served required for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program should be calculated based on an inmate\u2019s sentence, including reductions for good conduct time credits;\n\nExpanding the eligibility criteria for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program to include nonviolent offenders who have served at least 50 percent of their terms of imprisonment;\n\nClarifying that elderly nonviolent D.C. Code offenders in BOP custody are eligible for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program and that federal prisoners sentenced before November 1, 1987 are eligible for compassionate release; and,\n\nSubjecting elderly home detention eligibility decisions to judicial review (based on the First Step Act\u2019s compassionate release provision).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Prison Fellowship, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Right on Crime, Sentencing Project, and Tzedek Association.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\nProhibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act\n\nThe bipartisan Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act of 2025 would end the unjust practice of judges increasing sentences based on conduct for which a defendant has been acquitted by a jury. Our criminal justice system rests on the Fifth and Sixth Amendment guarantees of due process and the right to a jury trial for the criminally accused. These principles require the government to prove a defendant\u2019s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. Under the Constitution, defendants may be convicted only for conduct proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, at sentencing, courts may enhance sentences if they find, by the lower preponderance of the evidence standard, that a defendant committed other crimes. The difference in those standards of proof means that a sentencing court can effectively nullify a jury\u2019s verdict by considering acquitted conduct.\n\nThe Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act would end this practice by:\n\nAmending 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 3661 to preclude a court of the United States from considering, except for purposes of mitigating a sentence, acquitted conduct at sentencing, and\n\nDefining \u201cacquitted conduct\u201d to include acts for which a person was criminally charged and adjudicated not guilty after trial in a Federal, State, Tribal, or Juvenile court, or acts underlying a criminal charge or juvenile information dismissed upon a motion for acquittal.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Human Rights for Kids, Innocence Project, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, R Street Institute, Right on Crime, Tzedek Association, and Sentencing Project.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\nFSA Reporting Extension Act\n\nThe bipartisan FSA Reporting Extension Act would extend the FSA\u2019s annual reporting requirement by five years. The FSA requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress on the FSA\u2019s implementation and impact for five consecutive years starting two years after implementation. This information is crucial for Congressional oversight of the continued implementation and operation of the FSA. This simple legislation extends this reporting for the next five years.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-at-spotlight-forum-raising-alarm-about-president-trumps-crusade-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education", "Durbin Speaks At Spotlight Forum Raising Alarm About President Trump\u2019s Crusade To Dismantle The Department Of Education", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled \u201cDismantling Education: What the Trump Administration\u2019s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators.\u201d The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), focused on the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for the nation\u2019s students, families, and schools.\n\n\u201cThe creation of the Department of Education, in my mind, was an effort to take Brown v. Board of Education to a new level. Once we established equality of opportunity in the law, we looked around and said, \u2018This isn\u2019t even close to being equal. We\u2019re going to have to focus resources and expertise into improving schools to get rid of the disparities.\u2019 Now comes the Trump Administration, which says we don\u2019t need it [ED] anymore. They\u2019ll parcel out the functions of the Department of Education,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nDurbin then asked Ms. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, about her thoughts on the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle ED.\n\n\u201cMs. Weingarten, I noticed that you\u2019re not only a professional teacher but also went to law school. So with that combination of education and law that I just made, would you like to comment on that?\u201d Durbin asked.\n\nMs. Weingarten replied that the initial destruction of ED by the Trump Administration is a direct challenge to the constitutional standard that all children in the United States, regardless of race and immigration status and including students with disabilities, deserve equal opportunity.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks are available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks are available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-plan-to-eliminate-more-than-35000-va-health-care-positions", "Duckworth Statement on Trump\u2019s Plan to Eliminate More Than 35,000 VA Health Care Positions", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement in reaction to the Trump Administration\u2019s reported plan to eliminate more than 35,000 VA health care positions this month\u2014on top of the almost 30,000 employees cut from the VA workforce earlier this year:\n\n\u201cTrump has already fired more Veterans than any other President in history. And now, by cruelly planning to eliminate tens of thousands of VA health care positions in addition to the indiscriminate cuts he made to the VA workforce earlier this year, Trump is proving once again that he couldn\u2019t care less about those actually brave enough to wear the uniform of this great nation. Not only is Trump guaranteeing that our VA won\u2019t have the number of staff needed to handle the influx of new claims, but he is also ensuring that our Veterans will wait even longer to get treated\u2014if they can get treatment at all.\n\n\u201cIn his first year in office, Trump\u2019s track record easily makes his Administration the most anti-Veteran Administration our country has ever seen. He continues to make it clear that once our troops have completed their service to our country and hang up their uniform, Trump will not keep his promise to ensure these heroes have the support, care and benefits they\u2019ve earned.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s downright insulting, un-American and the ultimate betrayal.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-antisemitic-attack-at-bondi-beach-as-hanukkah-begins-violent-shooting-at-brown-university", "Durbin Condemns Antisemitic Attack At Bondi Beach As Hanukkah Begins, Violent Shooting At Brown University", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Durbin: \u201cAs we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders\u2014who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia as Hanukkah begins, as well as the shooting at Brown University.\n\n\u201cIn Skokie, Illinois, just a few miles north of Chicago, is America\u2019s second largest Holocaust Museum. Those who visit see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their families. And there is one lesson that every visitor takes away: All who walk through its doors learn the importance of tolerance\u2014the need to choose love over hate. I have been reflecting on this lesson in the wake of two awful acts of violence that took place this past weekend,\u201d said Durbin.\n\n\u201cOn Sunday night in Australia, as hundreds of people gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, two men opened fire on the crowd. The attendees at Bondi Beach were targeted simply for one reason: they were Jewish. They were out to celebrate their faith. At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured. I am offering my prayers for the victims and their families. I am thankful for the heroic actions of both first responders and civilians to end the gunmen\u2019s rampage. This act of horrific violence is a grim reminder that we cannot stop combatting antisemitism. This tragedy occurred just hours after Brown University here in the United States experienced its own mass shooting.\u201d continued Durbin.\n\nDurbin then offered acknowledgment and support to two men who exhibited tremendous bravery at these horrific events.\n\n\u201cIn the aftermath of these two tragedies, I am in awe of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by those caught up in these attacks. One of them, Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the shooters at Bondi Beach, saving countless lives. He is now undergoing surgery, and I wish him a swift and full recovery. Another, Spencer Yang, after being shot in the leg, continued to help one of his fellow students at Brown hide from the gunman. To Spencer, too, I wish full and swift recovery. Ahmed, Spencer, and countless others should never be put in these unimaginable situations. And yet, their selfless acts in the face of such violence are the ultimate demonstrations of love\u2014a willingness to risk their own lives to save a stranger,\u201d said Durbin.\n\n\u201cAs we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders\u2014who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate,\u201d Durbin concluded.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s speech on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s speech on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s speech on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-cuts-to-nih-medical-research-in-speech-on-the-senate-floor", "Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Cuts To NIH, Medical Research In Speech On The Senate Floor", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the Trump Administration\u2019s dangerous cuts to medical research. In his remarks, Durbin stressed that the President\u2019s decision to cut medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will set back medical advancement by decades by disrupting research into cancer, brain diseases, mental health, drug development, and more.\n\nDurbin began his speech by recalling his first time meeting Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of NIH, who urged him to steadily increase NIH\u2019s budget year over year. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual, real five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin\u2019s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $48 billion today. However, President Trump continues to target NIH by cancelling hundreds of grant awards, firing or forcing out thousands of scientists, and freezing billions of dollars in research funding\u2014which jeopardizes new breakthroughs that provide hope for patients.\n\n\u201cTen years ago, I met with Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of the National Institutes of Health, the world\u2019s premier biomedical research agency. I admired his work so much I asked what I could do to help. He said, \u2018if you could provide a five percent increase to NIH\u2019s medical research budget year after year, we\u2019ll light up the scoreboard,\u2019\u201d Durbin said. \u201cWith the help of colleagues on both sides of the aisle\u2014[including] Republican Senators Roy Blunt, Lamar Alexander, and Democratic Senator Patty Murray\u2014we increased NIH funding from $30 billion to $48 billion over those next ten years. [That was a] 60 percent increase in research; a 60 percent increase in cures, hope, and breakthroughs. But what took us 10 years to build, President Donald Trump has all but dismantled in less than 11 months.\u201d\n\nDurbin then emphasized the consequences of these dangerous cuts. This year, the President and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) instituted a new set of rules at NIH that have resulted in 3,500 fewer grants going to researchers.\n\n\u201cRecent reporting from the New York Times shed light on the dire consequences of President Trump\u2019s medical research cuts\u2026Funding for mental health was reduced by 31 percent, brain diseases by 26 percent, cancer research by 19 percent. All of these reductions are in real areas of opportunity, which we are walking away from under Trump. This is a fundamental blow to how America supports medical research, and it has real implications for the progress we\u2019ve made,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nWhile the Trump Administration has sought to formalize these funding cuts, the Senate Appropriations Committee has pushed back by including an increase in funding for NIH in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).\n\n\u201cI am pleased the Senate Appropriations Committee, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump\u2019s proposed cuts and actually provided an increase for next year [FY26]. But if the Administration ignores Congress\u2019 wish and continues to upend research funding, it could create irreparable harm,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nRelaying his own experience as a once-uninsured father of a newborn with a severe heart condition, Durbin spoke about the hope that medical research provides for families facing a serious diagnosis.\n\n\u201cAs the father of a child born with a severe medical condition, I know personally that families across this country depend on the hope and promise that research holds. Cures and treatments come from the National Institutes of Health, which funded the research behind 99 percent of the new drugs approved by FDA in the last decade,\u201d Durbin continued. \u201cSo, when Donald Trump handicaps NIH\u2019s work, he is telling patients: your cure can wait.\u201d\n\nDurbin concluded his remarks by reminding his Senate colleagues that research institutions in both red and blue states will be harmed by the Trump Administration\u2019s crusade to cut funding for medical advancements.\n\n\u201cOur universities\u2014not just in blue states, but great research institutions in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma\u2014will be unable to pursue more cures. Our hospitals\u2014already scaling back operations thanks to budget cuts in the President\u2019s so-called \u2018Big, Beautiful Bill\u2019\u2014will be forced to diminish services even more. The scientists and doctors of tomorrow may decide to forgo the profession entirely or bring their talents to other countries,\u201d Durbin said.\n\n\u201cAs we fight to protect health care for millions of Americans, let us also not forget to fight for the research that fuels that care. We cannot stand for this assault on medical research funding\u2026 It\u2019s a matter of finding cures and drugs that will help people all around the world. That has defined America for decades. We cannot let the Trump Administration kill off medical research,\u201d Durbin concluded his speech.\n\nThis year, Durbin has twice asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution he introduced with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as 21 other Senators, that would pledge support for NIH. The resolution simply said that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirmed that the NIH workforce is essential to sustaining medical progress. The first UC request was blocked by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and the second was blocked by U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).\n\nDurbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical research. His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America\u2019s top four biomedical research agencies: NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-congressional-republicans-let-us-come-together-and-give-american-families-the-gift-of-health-coverage-for-christmas", "Durbin To Congressional Republicans: Let Us Come Together And Give American Families The Gift Of Health Coverage For Christmas", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "On the Senate floor and following Senate Republicans rejecting the Democratic ACA proposal last week, Durbin continues to push his Republican colleagues to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats on a solution to address the looming health care crisis\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 As open enrollment for 2026 individual market health insurance plans is underway and Americans across the country are facing astronomic increases in their monthly premiums for next year, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor about the health care affordability crisis, caused by congressional Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act\u2019s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Last Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats\u2019 proposal to extend the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits.\n\n\u201cIn 17 days, 22 million Americans will be asked to pay double or triple for their health insurance premiums. Rural hospitals will be facing closure. Small businesses won\u2019t be able to cover expenses. And more than four million Americans will lose their insurance if we fail to do anything in Congress,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nShortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits last week, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans\u2019 health care coverage.\n\n\u201cLast Thursday, Senate Democrats put forward a bill to prevent this catastrophe. Our bill would have provided a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits, which 22 million Americans rely on to help them pay their insurance premiums. These credits expire at the end of this year, but too many Senate Republicans voted against extending them. They instead rushed to vote on a partisan proposal that would upend the Affordable Care Act and the American health care system, less than a month before the insurance premiums spike. Their bill was introduced last week, [was] not debated in committee, and no member had a chance to amend it. I say this to my friends on the other side of the aisle: You are in the majority\u2026 You have the power to go through a serious process to reform health care,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nIn his remarks, Durbin underscored that Congress must swiftly address the rising cost of health care to ensure that Americans are not priced out of their insurance. He spoke about a constituent working at a diner in Chicago who relies on the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits to afford her insurance, but she is worried that she will not be able to afford her insurance come January.\n\n\u201cEach additional day we delay an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits, more Americans forgo their health insurance because it\u2019s too darn expensive. Time is running out,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cI recently spoke to a waitress at Lou Mitchell\u2019s restaurant in Chicago. She is personally worried that she will not be able to afford her health care next year without the enhanced premium tax credits\u2026 This waitress does not care about who is winning the political fight in Washington; she cares about whether her and her family can pay for their doctors\u2019 appointments and medications. I want to go back to that restaurant soon and tell my friend that the Senate did something to help her. We can help her, so long as we act on a bipartisan basis.\u201d\n\nDurbin concluded, \u201cIf you don\u2019t like our proposal for a clean, three-year extension, then counter with a reasonable offer. Show that there is a beating heart that cares to address the real problems Americans face. Let us come together and give American families the gift of health coverage they can afford for Christmas.\u201d\n\nThese tax credits lower health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. Due to Republicans voting against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-antisemitic-terrorist-attack-hanukkah-celebration", "Krishnamoorthi Condemns Antisemitic Terrorist Attack at Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney", "2025-12-14", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SCHAUMBURG, IL \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today released the following statement in response to the deadly shooting attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia:\n\n\u201cThe antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney is a heartbreaking tragedy and a brutal act of hatred and violence. My heart is with the victims, their families, and all those mourning this devastating loss. This attack reflects a dangerous rise in antisemitic violence worldwide, with Jewish communities increasingly targeted for their faith. Antisemitism must be rejected and confronted wherever it appears. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia and with Jewish communities across the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-antisemitic-anti-indian-and-racist-graffiti-nyu", "Krishnamoorthi Condemns Antisemitic, Anti-Indian, and Racist Graffiti at NYU Library", "2025-12-13", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SCHAUMBURG, IL \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi released the following statement after reports of antisemitic, anti-Indian, and racist graffiti, including swastikas, inside NYU\u2019s Bern Dibner Library in Brooklyn:\n\n\u201cThe hateful graffiti discovered at NYU\u2019s Bern Dibner Library, including antisemitic symbols and slurs targeting Indian students and other communities, is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Acts of hatred and intimidation have no place on our campuses or anywhere in our society. This incident must be fully investigated, and we must remain united in confronting antisemitism, anti-Indian hate, racism, and all forms of bigotry so every student can learn and live free from fear.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-ross-veasey-introduce-resolution-ending-trumps-illegal-tariffs", "Krishnamoorthi, Ross, Veasey, Introduce Resolution Ending Trump\u2019s Illegal Tariffs on India", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump\u2019s national emergency authorizing tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from India, helping to restore Congress\u2019s constitutional authority over trade. The resolution follows a bipartisan Senate-passed measure to end Trump\u2019s Brazil tariffs and rein in his abuse of emergency powers to raise duties on imports.\n\nThe resolution would terminate the national emergency that President Trump invoked to impose sweeping tariffs on Indian goods under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act (IEEPA) and rescind the additional 25 percent \u201csecondary\u201d duties that took effect on August 27th on top of earlier reciprocal tariffs. Together, these measures raised duties on many Indian-origin products to 50 percent.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. \u201cInstead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina\u2019s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,\u201d Congresswoman Ross said. \u201cIndian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state \u2013 especially in the Research Triangle\u2019s life sciences and technology sectors. Meanwhile, North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India each year, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery. When Trump destabilizes this relationship with illegal tariffs, he puts North Carolina jobs, innovation, and our long-term competitiveness at risk.\u201d\n\n\u201cIndia is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,\u201d Congressman Veasey said.\n\nRepresentatives Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi have been leading voices in Congress opposing Trump\u2019s tariff agenda and calling for a reset of U.S.\u2013India relations. In October, they partnered with Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) and 19 Members of Congress in urging President Trump to repair America\u2019s strained relationship with India and reverse his harmful tariff policies.\n\nEnding Trump\u2019s India tariffs is part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress\u2019 constitutional authority over trade and to stop the President from using emergency powers to unilaterally impose his misguided trade policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-honor-hanukkah-calls-action-against-antisemitism", "Quigley Statement in Honor of Hanukkah, Calls for Action Against Antisemitism", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement in honor of the start of Hanukkah this weekend, and issued a reminder to condemn antisemitism:\n\n\u201cThis weekend, Jewish families across Chicago, the country, and the world, are celebrating Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights is a time for reflection and celebration \u2013 a time to find gratitude for life\u2019s blessings. As we celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people, we must also recognize the struggles the community continues to face.\n\n\u201cLast year, anti-Jewish hate crimes rose almost 60 percent. Across the city, we have seen racist flyers, synagogue windows smashed, and schools defaced with hate symbols. Though three percent of Chicago\u2019s residents are Jewish, the community makes up almost 40 percent of hate crime victims. The way to fight antisemitism and prejudice here at home is to identify it, speak out against it, and take action. We must work together to make sure every member of our community feels protected. That requires each of us to show up for our neighbors and reject attempts to divide us.\n\n\u201cI am committed to taking steps to fight antisemitism at the federal level. This includes by supporting the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act, which directs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to study and report on Holocaust education efforts and the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would take comprehensive action to combat antisemitism in America.\n\n\u201cThe story of Hanukkah and the Jewish people is one of trial and triumph, throughout history and in the present day. I wish all of my Jewish friends a Chag Sameach!\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-takano-blumenthal-lead-52-members-congress-investigation-vas-plan", "Ramirez, Takano, Blumenthal lead 52 Members of Congress in Investigation into VA\u2019s Plan to Create Database of Non-U.S. Citizens", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, led 52 members of Congress in opening an investigation into VA\u2019s plans to create a database of all non-U.S. citizens employed by or affiliated with the VA. The members are demanding answers from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins and U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem after a spokesperson for the agency confirmed in The Guardian\u2019s report that the data will be shared with immigration enforcement.\n\n\u201cThe potential of VA data being used by DHS to advance the mass detention and deportation agenda of the Trump Administration will seed fear in noncitizens who perform duties in service to our nation's veterans. This database is yet another obvious attempt by the Trump Administration to stifle political dissent and suppress free speech through baseless threats to immigrants,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter follows a leaked memo revealing that the VA would share the collected data for immigration enforcement purposes. Lawmakers emphasized the damaging consequences the database could have on VA care and benefits.\n\n\u201cVA\u2019s approach comes at a time when nationwide healthcare provider shortages are limiting access to care for all Americans, including veterans. Further, VA\u2019s approach also risks serious diplomatic consequences for countries where veterans reside and receive VA care and benefits. Worst of all, the proposed data collection could lead to the unlawful imprisonment or deportation of veterans who served our country and continued their service at VA, but were denied U.S. citizenship following their military service,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nVA employs more than 450,000 people and thousands of contractors who provide critical services to veterans, including health care, rehabilitation, and financial services. The letter raises concerns that the database would lead to more illegal detention and deportation of veterans and those who are improving veterans\u2019 lives, to push the Trump Administration\u2019s harmful immigration policies.\n\n\u201cFor the past year, the Trump Administration has shown a complete disregard for individuals\u2019 immigration statuses, including those of veterans; haphazardly and illegally detaining Dreamers, immigrants with valid work permits, visas, and even U.S. citizens. We are concerned the database of all non-U.S. citizens employed by or affiliated with VA will lead to more illegal detentions and deportations of individuals who dedicate themselves to improving veterans' lives,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter was signed by Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Donald Beyer, Julia Brownley, Andr\u00e9 Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, Gilbert Cisneros, Herbert Conaway, Diana DeGette, Christopher Deluzio, Markn DeSaulnier, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Al Green, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Timothy Kennedy, RajaKrishnamoorthi, Summer Lee, Ted Lieu, Sarah McBride, Morgan McGarvey, Kelly Morrison, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frank Pallone, Nellie Pou, Jamie Raskin, Janice Schakowsky, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Melanie Stansbury, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Lauren Underwood, Juan Vargas, Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Federica Wilson.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-new-office-location-dekalb-illinois", "Underwood Announces New Office Location in DeKalb, Illinois", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DEKALB \u2013 Today, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new office location at 2179 Sycamore Road, #107, DeKalb, Illinois. The office officially opens to the public on Friday, December 12. To celebrate the office\u2019s opening, Underwood will be hosting an Open House for constituents at the DeKalb office in January 2026.\n\n\u201cRemaining accessible and listening to the 14th District has always been a top priority, and I\u2019m thrilled to be opening a new community space in DeKalb,\u201d said Underwood. \u201cI invite everyone in our community to visit our new space to learn more about the support and resources my office offers and our work on their behalf.\u201d\n\nInformation on Underwood\u2019s office locations can be found below and on her website at http://underwood.house.gov/. Underwood and her staff are available for in-person and virtual appointments in her Washington, D.C., DeKalb, and Joliet offices; constituents can call 630-549-2190 and staff will determine whether an appointment is necessary to resolve their issue. District offices are open Monday \u2013 Friday from 9am-5pm CT.\n\nDeKalb, Illinois Office\n\n2179 Sycamore Road, #107\n\nDeKalb, IL 60115\n\n116 N. Chicago Street, Suite 201\n\nJoliet, IL 60432\n\nPhone: (630) 549-2190\n\n2228 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nPhone: (202) 225-2976\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-release-gao-report-recommending-expansion-of-fdas-personnel-and-authority-to-oversee-medical-device-recalls", "Durbin, Blumenthal Release GAO Report Recommending Expansion Of FDA\u2019s Personnel And Authority To Oversee Medical Device Recalls", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report in December 2023 after reporting uncovered Philips Respironics\u2019 failure to recall faulty machines despite the company\u2019s knowledge that patients could be harmed by the medical devices\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the Government Accountability Office\u2019s (GAO) newly-completed report on the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) oversight of medical device recalls. In December 2023, Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report from GAO following the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette\u2019s and ProPublica\u2019s reporting on Philips Respironics\u2019 failure to submit timely and comprehensive adverse event reports, or recall faulty CPAP machines for more than a decade, despite the company\u2019s knowledge that patients could be experiencing severe health consequences from using the medical devices.\n\nThe report, which is entitled \u201cMedical Device Recalls: HHS and FDA Should Address Limitations In Oversight of Recall Process,\u201d lays out how FDA\u2019s lack of legal authority jeopardizes patients\u2019 safety. GAO reports that \u201cFDA does not have the legal authority to require the manufacturer to implement FDA\u2019s recommendations.\u201d For example, there have been instances in which the agency wanted a medical device manufacturer to inform patients about a recall, but the manufacturer believed communicating with the providers about the recalled device was sufficient. This issue leaves some patients with medical devices\u2014including implanted ones\u2014uninformed and at risk of significant health consequences.\n\nFurther, the report underscored the damaging impact of insufficient FDA staffing. GAO reports that FDA has insufficient staff to oversee medical device recalls, forcing FDA to forgo critical recall activities like conducting in-person recall audit checks. Despite these shortages, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired 3,500 FDA workers earlier this year, including personnel who worked to oversee medical devices.\n\n\u201cThis report sounds the alarm on the shortcomings of how our government handles medical device recalls, detailing the harms caused by drastic staffing cuts to HHS and how weak enforcement authority has made it even more difficult for FDA to carry out critical oversight activities,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cNow that we have a blueprint for improving medical device recall procedures, we must act. That begins with implementing GAO\u2019s recommendations and passing my legislation, the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act, to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, health care professionals, and patients about the medical devices that Americans rely on. HHS and FDA also must take GAO\u2019s recommendations to heart and implement them right away.\u201d\n\n\u201cGAO\u2019s report makes clear: FDA needs additional resources and staff to adequately protect Americans from unsafe medical devices. After FDA left patients vulnerable to defective Philips Respironics ventilators, I am glad GAO heeded our call for a thorough review into how these faulty devices reached consumers. Current and future staffing cuts at FDA will only further undermine the agency\u2019s ability to protect people from unnecessary harm. GAO\u2019s report must inform an effective response that protects the public and bolsters FDA\u2019s oversight,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\nMain takeaways from GAO\u2019s report include:\n\nInsufficient Staffing at FDA. Even before HHS fired 3,500 FDA employees earlier this year, the agency did not have sufficient staff to conduct necessary medical device recall oversight activities. As a result, FDA will often forgo reviewing manufacturer Recall Status Reports or conducting in-person recall audit checks. FDA currently does not have sufficient resources or staffing to efficiently process the volume of medical device recalls, which is more than three times higher than the number of pharmaceutical recalls.\n\nIn the report, GAO recommends that HHS develop a new workforce strategy to support efforts to conduct oversight on medical device recalls.\n\nLack of Legal Authority. FDA does not have the legal authority to require manufacturers to implement FDA\u2019s recommendations during a medical device recall. For instance, some manufacturers believed that communicating about a recall with only health care providers, and not directly reaching out to patients, was sufficient. This lack of authority puts patients at risk because they may not have received the proper details about a recall of their medical device.\n\nIn the report, GAO recommends that HHS work with FDA to assess additional legislative authorities to oversee medical device recalls.\n\nA copy of the final report can be found here.\n\nAddressing some of the concerns laid out in GAO\u2019s report, Durbin reintroduced the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act earlier this week. The legislation would require FDA to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and further instructs hospitals and health care professionals to share that information with patients.\n\nFDA oversees the regulation of almost 200,000 medical devices in the U.S., from contact lenses and contraceptive devices to prosthetics and pacemakers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 32 million Americans have an implanted medical device, and countless others use them throughout their lives. These devices improve and save lives. However, medical devices that are recalled for safety issues or manufacturing defects can cause severe harm to patients.\n\nMedical device manufacturers communicate recall information to FDA and health care professionals through letter and email. This extends the amount of time it takes FDA to review recall information, determine a recall classification, and communicate the recall to the public. It also extends the amount of time it takes hospital coordinators to track and pull recalled medical devices from inventories. As a result, patients are often the last informed about a recall\u2014if ever. According to Consumer Reports, most Americans are not aware of recalls for their products, including medical devices.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-out-republican-vote-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums", "Durbin Calls Out Republican Vote To Raise Health Insurance Premiums", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a press conference at Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation\u2019s (SIHF) Cahokia Heights Health Center following Senate Republicans\u2019 vote yesterday to raise health insurance premiums for tens of millions of Americans.\n\nSenate Republicans voted against the Democratic legislation to extend the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, meaning Illinoisans who purchase marketplace health plans will see an average 78 percent increase in their monthly ACA premium expenses next year. Families in St. Clair and Madison Counties, which Cahokia Heights Health Center serves, will see an average $1,500 per year increase and a $1,700 per year increase, respectively.\n\n\u201cBecause congressional Republicans refused to extend the expiring tax credits, 160,000 Illinoisans are expected to lose health care coverage,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cOur health care providers, like the ones here at Cahokia Heights Health Center, know all too well how devastating this will be. If Republicans don\u2019t get serious about negotiating with Democrats to extend these tax credits, our nation\u2019s affordability crisis is going to get worse on January 1, and families will suffer.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe premium spikes to the ACA will impact the coverage of over 5,000 individuals we presently care for at SIHF Healthcare locations across southern Illinois. This in return will increase uncompensated care and place financial risk to our communities served,\u201d said Larry McCulley, CEO of SIHF Healthcare.\n\nShortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans\u2019 health care coverage.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-on-impeachment-vote", "Casten Statement on Impeachment Vote", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (December 11, 2025) \u2014 U.S. Congressman Sean Casten released the following statement regarding today\u2019s vote on a motion to table articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump should not be president. He has been impeached twice, and the only reason he is president today is because the Senate failed to uphold its duty and convict him after inciting a violent insurrection in an attempt to overthrow American democracy.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump has committed innumerable impeachable offenses in his second term. His administration is rife with lawless actions that meet the bar of high crimes and misdemeanors. He should be removed from office, and I by no means condone Republican arguments to the contrary.\n\n\u201cBut to support an impeachment resolution today would be to put the Senate in a position to once again ignore its duty. It would allow Speaker Johnson to appoint Republican impeachment managers who would turn his Senate trial into an embarrassment to our country. The next attempt to impeach the president must be done only once Congress has taken the necessary steps to secure removal. That is the way forward.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-speaks-support-bill-restore-collective-bargaining", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Speaks in Support of Bill to Restore Collective Bargaining to Federal Workers Before House Passage", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives before passage of the bipartisan Protect America\u2019s Workforce Act. During his remarks, the congressman praised the legislation for restoring collective bargaining rights for certain federal workers, 67 percent of whom had that right stripped from them by an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year. Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the right to collective bargaining also protects workers from having to take forced \u201cloyalty pledges\u201d by a president or their political party.\n\n\u201cRemoving their limited bargaining rights doesn\u2019t improve efficiency; it threatens the integrity of our civil service,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi said on the floor. \u201cThese rights exist for one essential reason: to shield federal employees from political pressure so they serve the American people, not the agenda of any one President or political party.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-ice-hazardous-chemical-agents-deployed-elgin", "Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers From ICE On Hazardous Chemical Agents Deployed in Elgin And Pattern Of Chemical Use Near Illinois Families", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is demanding immediate accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following reports that ICE personnel deployed hazardous chemical agents, including tear gas, and a flash-bang grenade during a December 6 enforcement operation in a residential Elgin neighborhood that sent multiple residents for medical evaluation. In a letter to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Krishnamoorthi warns that the release of hazardous chemical agents near homes, children, elderly residents, and individuals with respiratory conditions \u201craises serious concerns about public safety and the safeguards ICE employs to prevent unintended civilian exposure.\u201d\n\nHe notes that DHS\u2019s own 2023 Use of Force Policy requires all officers to follow constitutional standards, yet ICE\u2019s publicly available guidance \u201cdoes not detail specific procedures for the deployment of chemical irritants in residential settings\u201d despite the clear risk such deployments pose in densely populated areas.\n\nKrishnamoorthi also underscores that the Elgin incident is not isolated, writing that it \u201cappears to be part of a broader pattern of ICE\u2019s use of chemical irritants during enforcement operations, including those conducted under Operation Midway Blitz.\u201d His letter details recent deployments in Chicago neighborhoods, including Old Irving Park and Albany Park, near Funston Elementary School, and at a shopping center where \u201ca toddler should never have to know what a tear-gas canister looks like.\u201d\n\nThe Congressman states:\n\n\u201cIncidents like these, and now the one in Elgin, underscore the urgent need for oversight to ensure that federal enforcement actions do not endanger the safety or trust of the communities they are meant to serve.\u201d\n\nTo determine whether ICE followed proper safeguards and to ensure future operations do not put families at risk, Krishnamoorthi is demanding answers by December 24, 2025 to the following questions:\n\nWhat public-safety protocols and risk-assessment procedures were followed before chemical irritants were deployed in this residential neighborhood, and what criteria guide these decisions when bystanders may be present?\n\nWhat specific steps did ICE personnel take before, during, and after deployment to limit the risk of exposure to nearby residents, including families in surrounding homes and individuals on adjacent streets?\n\nHow does ICE evaluate environmental and public health risks prior to using chemical agents, particularly in densely populated areas where vulnerable individuals may be present?\n\nWhat coordination occurred with local police, fire departments, EMS personnel, or public-health authorities before or after the deployment of chemical irritants? Please describe any notifications, joint planning, or post-incident communication.\n\nWhat follow-up procedures does ICE implement after deploying chemical agents?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-votes-no-defense-bill-citing-lack-oversight-politicization", "Krishnamoorthi Votes No on Defense Bill Citing Lack of Oversight, Politicization of the Pentagon, and Harmful Policy Riders", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today released the following statement explaining his vote against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing the bill\u2019s failure to impose necessary oversight and guardrails on the Trump Administration despite including several bipartisan provisions he advanced to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security:\n\n\u201cTonight, I voted to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act. While I am glad that many provisions I advanced to strengthen our competitiveness against the economic and security threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party were included, the final bill failed to provide the oversight and guardrails of the Trump Administration that our national security demands. In the face of this Administration\u2019s escalating military actions in the Caribbean, the use of National Guard forces in our communities, and the dangerous politicization of the Pentagon, Congress cannot look the other way. The bill offers no real constraints on unilateral boat strikes, no checks on Secretary Hegseth\u2019s politicization efforts, and folds in culture-war measures that could undermine servicemembers\u2019 access to essential health care, including IVF treatment . I am also disappointed that language restoring collective-bargaining rights for civilian DOD employees was also removed. For these reasons, I voted no.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ramirez-takes-first-step-towards-impeachment-dhs-secretary-noem", "Congresswoman Ramirez Takes First Step Towards Impeachment of DHS Secretary Noem", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) requested that the House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin conduct a complete investigation into the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's unlawful and potentially impeachable actions.\n\n\u201cSecretary Noem, you have misused resources appropriated by Congress and engaged in unethical behavior. You have repeatedly made false and misleading statements to Congress and to the press. And you have undermined the separation of powers and disregarded the role of Congress and the Courts. Bottom line: you LIE, act with impunity, reject checks and balances, and ignore Congress and the Courts,\u201d said Ramirez during the hearing. \u201cYour options are limited. You either resign, Trump fires you, or you will be impeached.\u201d\n\n\u201cI urge you to reconsider resignation, because I have taken the first step towards your impeachment, and called on the Judiciary Committee to open an investigation into your lawlessness,\u201d added Ramirez, who was the first member of Congress to demand Secretary Noem's resignation, back in April, and personally handed the letter to Noem on May 14.\n\nFor the full request, CLICK HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/15/2025/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on", "Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance:\n\n\u201cToday, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets\u2014with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could\u2019ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance\u2014or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should\u2019ve been a no-brainer.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secured-hearing-on-domestic-deployments-exposes-three-damning-revelations-from-top-trump-defense-officials", "Duckworth-Secured Hearing on Domestic Deployments Exposes Three Damning Revelations from Top Trump Defense Officials", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "In first Senate hearing on Trump\u2019s illegal deployments, Duckworth warned that Trump\u2019s continued misuse of the military in our communities risks making Americans fear, rather than respect, our troops\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 At this morning\u2019s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) exposed three damning revelations from top leaders at the Department of Defense (DoD) and she underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump\u2019s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. During her questioning of top Trump Defense officials, the Administration refused to rule out the possibility that the mission would expand beyond protecting federal property and personnel, the possibility that troops could be deployed for law enforcement functions or the possibility that the DoD would fail to provide legal protection for servicemembers who try to protect civilians from abusive federal agents. The Senator also slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them\u2014something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Duckworth\u2019s full opening remarks, initial questioning and closing questioning can be found on the Senator\u2019s YouTube.\n\nIn her opening statement at the hearing, Duckworth said: \u201cMilitary service involves risks. And our servicemembers accept those risks knowingly... selflessly. So we better be damn sure that the mission is the right one...that it is clear and effective...and that it serves our national security. If we stand by while this Administration pursues another irresponsible, open-ended campaign with no defined mission, no clear authorities, no set timeline and no transparent end state, we fail our troops. We fail their families. And we fail the American people.\n\n\u201cThe power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law\u2014not in one man's judgment about what constitutes disorder.\u201d\n\nDuckworth explained that by forcing our troops to defend Trump\u2019s abusive federal law enforcement agents who repeatedly used excessive force against American civilians, he is forcing our heroes to make impossible decisions between upholding the Constitution by protecting peaceful protestors and executing the President\u2019s questionable orders.\n\n\u201cFor the past two months, Illinoisans have seen DHS federal agents abusing our communities\u2014and President Trump wanted to put our troops in the middle,\u201d continued Duckworth. \u201cIn the face of violent federal agents repeatedly using excessive force, Trump is forcing our servicemembers to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters\u2014or execute questionable orders from the President. I fear the day when Americans stop thanking our troops for their service because they\u2019re afraid of them.\u201d\n\nDuring her questioning, the Defense Department's Acting General Counsel, Charles Young, refused to commit to providing legal representation for servicemembers who intervene to stop a civilian from being wrongfully harmed by a federal agent. Duckworth underscored that law enforcement agents have a legal duty to intervene to prevent a fellow officer from using excessive force\u2014while uniformed servicemembers have no comparable obligations, nor accompanying legal protection if they decide to intervene against a federal agent to protect a civilian. They do so at their own risk.\n\nDuckworth continued: \u201cThe courts have stopped Trump so far\u2014finding again and again that there is no legal reason for what Trump is doing. But in his ideal world, Trump wants our professional military to defend unprofessional and abusive federal law enforcement agents. It is not ICE agents who are being attacked. It is ICE agents who were tear-gassing toddlers... Pointing loaded weapons at unarmed bystanders... Hauling preschool teachers from daycare in front of kids... And rappelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings in the dead of night to rip families from their beds and detain them for hours\u2014just to admit later that they have no basis to file any charges. That is the terror that is happening in Chicago.\u201d\n\nDuckworth also criticized Trump and his Administration for repeatedly trying to blur the lines between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, which is eroding public trust in our military. During her questioning, Duckworth pressed U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Commander General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, about whether the Department was ensuring differentiation between our troops and federal agents. He confirmed that he had not received any guidance or orders from the Administration on making this distinction. However, he assured that he has the authority to direct members under his command to distinguish themselves from ICE.\n\nIn this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, a Duckworth-led provision was included that would require servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to deploy our nation\u2019s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly\u2014to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.\n\nDuckworth successfully secured this hearing in early October\u2014weeks after she led all of her fellow SASC Democrats in calling on SASC Chairman Wicker to hold this hearing, and shortly after she blocked expedited passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in order to secure it.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on", "Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance:\n\n\u201cToday, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets\u2014with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could\u2019ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance\u2014or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should\u2019ve been a no-brainer.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-trump-is-forcing-our-servicemembers-to-make-a-horrible-choice", "Duckworth: Trump is Forcing Our Servicemembers to Make a Horrible Choice", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 At this morning\u2019s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump\u2019s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. The Senator slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them\u2014something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Video of the Senator\u2019s questioning can be found on her YouTube.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n\u201cFor the past two months, Illinoisans have seen DHS federal agents abusing our communities, and President Trump wanted to put our troops in the middle. He wants our military to protect agents who were tear-gassing toddlers, pointing loaded weapons at unarmed bystanders, hauling preschool teachers from daycare in front of kids and propelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings in the dead of night to rip families from their beds and detain them for hours\u2014just to admit later that they have no basis to file any charges.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat are our troops supposed to do if they witness an agent throw a child to the ground? Do they intervene and pull the agent off the kid? Do they stand by and do nothing? Trump is forcing them to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters, or execute orders from the President\u2026Our troops could be dragged into court and would be on their own to plead their case to a jury, all because their Commander in Chief put them in an unprecedented situation that they don\u2019t regularly train for. And if that servicemember decides not to intervene, what will Americans think when they see someone in uniform\u2014who they were taught serves to protect them\u2014standing by as a child is harmed by one of Trump\u2019s abusive DHS agents?\u201d\n\n\u201cI fear the day when Americans stop thanking our troops for their service because they\u2019re afraid of them. We know that this Administration is trying to borrow the respected image of the military. Across the country, we\u2019ve seen DHS agents dressing in camo and wielding military-style weapons. They are making it hard for Americans to tell the difference between abusive federal agents and professional troops. If we fail to draw a bright line between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, I fear our public\u2019s trust in our military may never recover.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-capito-introduce-bipartisan-rise-from-trauma-act-to-address-childhood-trauma", "Durbin, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Rise From Trauma Act To Address Childhood Trauma", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The legislation would expand support for children who have experienced trauma and address the cycle of violence and addiction\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase support for children who have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, including witnessing community violence, parental addiction, or abuse. The Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act dramatically increases funding for community-based efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma, and it expands training and workforce development efforts to support health care, education, social services, first responders, and community leaders to foster resilience and deliver services to heal the impact of trauma. U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07) and Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) plan to re-introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nPortions of the Senators\u2019 legislation were recently signed into law by President Trump through the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act, which will extend and increase funding for: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data collection activities on ACEs; an interagency task force to establish best practices on addressing trauma; and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration\u2019s (SAMHSA) National Child Traumatic Stress Network to develop and deliver mental health services in communities.\n\nSince Durbin, Capito, Duckworth, and Murkowski began working on child trauma issues together, among other provisions, they have increased appropriations for SAMHSA\u2019s National Child Traumatic Stress Network from $47 million to $99 million today. In Illinois, this is supporting research and services at Lurie Children\u2019s Hospital, Sinai Health, University of Chicago, La Rabida Children\u2019s Hospital, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Chicago.\n\n\u201cWhile we work to effectively address the root causes of violence and addiction in our communities, we must also focus on the ripple effect that exposure to violence and traumatic experiences has on our children and their future,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cUnaddressed trauma can harm mental and physical health, life expectancy, school success, and employment. Our bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act invests in our communities and our workforce to support children and families facing trauma so they can heal their emotional scars and build a brighter future.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to once again address the impact of trauma on children by helping to introduce the RISE from Trauma Act. This legislation builds on the work we have done over the past several years and reflects the needs I continue to hear from West Virginians across the state,\u201d Capito said. \u201cBy aiming to increase resources for our communities and taking steps to educate and expand our workforce, this legislation will help to prevent future substance abuse and violence, provide assistance and hope to our most vulnerable, and empower our next generation.\u201d\n\nNationwide, nearly 35 million children have had at least one traumatic experience, and nearly two-thirds of children have been exposed to violence. A recent study found that nearly 60 percent of the youngest children in Chicago lived in neighborhoods that accounted for 91 percent of homicides.\n\nFar too many children carry the emotional weight of community violence and other traumatic experiences, such as the daily stress of abuse or neglect at home, a parent battling addiction, or an incarceration or a deportation of a loved one. Trauma can create stress on the developing brain and force children into constant \u201csurvival mode\u201d, impacting the way they process fear or form healthy relationships. Decades of research, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have established the link between a child\u2019s exposure to trauma, its effect on neurological and behavioral development, and long-term negative outcomes. In fact, studies show that individuals who have experienced six or more ACEs have a 20-year shorter average life expectancy, and those who have experienced four or more ACEs are ten times more likely to use illicit narcotics and 12 times more likely to attempt suicide. Yet only a small fraction of the children in need of support to address trauma receive such care.\n\nThe RISE from Trauma Act builds upon the conclusions published in a 2019 GAO report requested by Durbin and Rep. Davis and calls for increased resources and trauma-informed workforce for communities to support children who have experienced trauma.\n\nThe RISE from Trauma Act would expand the trauma-informed workforce in schools, health care settings, social services, first responders, and the justice system, and increase resources for communities to address the impact of trauma. Specifically, the bill:\n\nCreates a new, $600 million HHS grant program to fund community-based coalitions that coordinate stakeholders and deliver targeted local services to address trauma;\n\nCreates a new HHS grant program to support hospital-based trauma interventions, such as for patients that suffer violent injuries, to address mental health needs, prevent re-injury, and improve long-term outcomes;\n\nIncreases funding for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program, in order to recruit more mental health clinicians\u2014including from under-represented populations\u2014to serve in schools;\n\nEnhances federal training programs at HHS, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education to provide more tools for early childhood clinicians, teachers, school leaders, first responders, and community leaders; and\n\nReauthorizes four critical federal programs that Durbin and Capito helped to pass in 2018: the Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the CDC\u2019s ACEs Data Collection program, and SAMHSA\u2019s Trauma Support in Schools grant program.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics, Futures Without Violence, Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of School Psychologists, National Head Start Association, Big Brother Big Sisters of America, YWCA, Trust for America's Health, National PTA, American Psychological Association Services, and Zero to Three.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-president-trumps-racist-comments-towards-immigrants-in-senate-judiciary-committee-executive-meeting", "Durbin Condemns President Trump\u2019s Racist Comments Towards Immigrants In Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Meeting", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "During his opening remarks, Durbin again called on DHS Secretary Noem to testify in front of the Committee, urged Chairman Grassley to consider a subpoena if she refuses to appear\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today\u2019s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting condemning the Trump Administration\u2019s failing immigration enforcement tactics and the diversion of necessary resources away from drug trafficking, gun violence, and other threats that put our nation\u2019s security at risk\u2014all while pardoning drug kingpins, including former Honduras President, Juan Orlando Hern\u00e1ndez. Durbin also again called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to testify in front of the Committee.\n\nDurbin also spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur \u201cshithole countries\u201d to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.\n\nKey Quotes\n\n\u201cConsider President Trump\u2019s extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers\u2026 Since September, the Administration has carried out at least 22 attacks, killing at least 87 people. The President and Secretary Hegseth allege they are killing \u2018narco-terrorists\u2019\u2014but the Administration refused to provide any evidence of an imminent threat justifying lethal force. If these are actually drug traffickers, law enforcement should stop the boats, confiscate and destroy the drugs, and prosecute the traffickers. The Justice Department\u2019s Office of Legal Counsel has tried to provide legal cover for these summary executions in a deeply flawed legal opinion, which it refuses to make public to the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the same time, President Trump has pardoned Juan Orlando Hern\u00e1ndez, the former President of Honduras who was convicted of orchestrating a massive conspiracy to flood our country with illegal narcotics\u2026 This follows the President\u2019s pardon of another drug kingpin, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. He created the largest online black market for illegal drugs in our nation\u2019s history.\u201d\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, President Trump is targeting communities that didn\u2019t vote for him, like Chicago. Instead of arresting dangerous murderers, rapists, and terrorists, as promised, the Trump Administration is rounding up tens of thousands of immigrants with no criminal history. In Illinois, a mere two and a half percent of immigrants arrested by ICE between September 8 and October 15 had been convicted of a violent crime. Sixty-six percent of the people detained and deported had no criminal history whatsoever.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe President is making no secret about his true motivation. I will never forget my 2018 meeting in the Oval Office when the President rejected a bipartisan immigration deal because he didn\u2019t want any more immigrants from \u2018s***hole countries.\u2019 There were some questions [about whether] he actually said that for years. He not only said it, he bragged about it at a rally in Pennsylvania\u2026 Two Republican Senators claimed I was lying when I confirmed [the comments]. Now, President Trump isn\u2019t hiding his true feelings\u2026 This is racism, plain and simple.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank Chairman Grassley for committing to bring Secretary Noem before the Committee before the end of the year. Unfortunately, Secretary Noem has stiff-armed the Committee, refusing to commit to a hearing date. Mr. Chairman, you have the power to issue a subpoena. It will be bipartisan. It is time for Secretary Noem to end her galivanting across this country and come before this Committee and be held accountable by the American people.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\nDurbin then spoke against the nomination of Darin Smith, nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming. Mr. Smith has no criminal or federal court experience; nor has he ever tried a case to verdict, judgment, or final decision. Mr. Smith could not list one significant litigated matter on his Questionnaire submitted to the Committee.\n\n\u201cSeemingly, Mr. Smith\u2019s only qualification is his loyalty to right-wing MAGA orthodoxy. He was on the Capitol grounds on January 6. As my colleagues remember, a violent mob assaulted police officers, destroyed government property, and attempted to thwart our democratic process. Mr. Smith baselessly claimed that the hundreds of Capitol Police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of \u2018massive incompetence.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout evidence, he claimed that rioters who breached the Capitol were victims of entrapment. Mr. Smith has stood by his radical and dangerous claim that Vice President Pence should not have certified the results of the 2020 election because there were \u2018imperfections\u2019 in the process.\u2019 Mr. Smith also falsely claimed that the FBI agents who interviewed him regarding his presence at the Capitol were sent by former Representative Liz Cheney and \u2018her goons\u2019 after he demanded that she be censured by the Wyoming Republican Party.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am also troubled by Mr. Smith\u2019s stunning lack of judgment. He baselessly accused Vice President Harris of being a murderer and refused to retract this slanderous comment. He attacked Republican Senators for finding credible the sexual assault allegations made by multiple women against Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore and claimed\u2014again without evidence\u2014that the allegations were \u2018probably false.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cI urge my colleagues that there must be some standard of qualification. To give this kind of power to an individual that has no background, none whatsoever when it comes to criminal or federal court experience, there\u2019s no excuse\u2014please vote no.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-republicans-voting-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums-for-tens-of-millions-of-americans", "Durbin Statement On Republicans Voting To Raise Health Insurance Premiums For Tens Of Millions Of Americans", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats\u2019 proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits to ensure millions of Americans could continue to afford their health care plans in 2026:\n\n\u201cNeed I remind my Republicans colleagues that their votes have real consequences for the people of this country?\n\n\u201cShame on Republicans for, once again, voting to push millions of their own constituents off their health care. Senate Republicans\u2019 vote today was the latest action in their 15 year crusade to demolish the Affordable Care Act despite the law putting affordable, quality health care within reach for tens of millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cI want to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make the Affordable Care Act better. But we need buy-in from congressional Republicans to move forward. I hope that my Republican colleagues, after today\u2019s failed vote to extend the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits, will finally understand the urgency of this health care crisis and make a real effort to protect Americans\u2019 health care.\u201d\n\nShortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans\u2019 health care coverage. In his remarks, he underscored that Congress must swiftly address the rising cost of health care to ensure that Americans are not priced out of their insurance. He spoke about a constituent working at a diner in Chicago who relies on the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits to afford her insurance, but she is worried that she will not be able to afford her insurance come January 1.\n\n\u201cI met a waitress at a Chicago Loop restaurant during breakfast last Sunday. She\u2019s 63 years old, and she spent her life as a waitress. It\u2019s taken its toll on her physically. She was in tears as she described to me about what is going to happen to her if we fail to act the right way on this legislation. She\u2019s going to see her health care bill more than double - $300 or $400 more per month. She doesn\u2019t know how she can do it [pay for her insurance], and I don\u2019t either. That\u2019s what we have to address first,\u201d Durbin said.\n\n\u201cThe question today is whether the Senate will extend the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits... If we fail to extend these tax credits, that waitress and 22 million Americans will begin to pay double or triple for their insurance in three weeks, including 500,000 people living in Illinois. More than four million Americans will not be able to afford their insurance at these high rates and will be forced to forgo health coverage for next year,\u201d Durbin said.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats have sounded the alarm bell about the need to prevent this catastrophe. We have told the stories of our constituents who called our offices crying because they are afraid that they will not be able to afford their health care next year. We have shared reports from the farmers, small businesses owners, and rural hospitals who rely on these tax credits,\u201d Durbin said.\n\n\u201cEvery Senate Democrat is united behind a plan just to extend the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits and ensure continued access to quality, affordable health coverage. Republicans are not united behind any plan. They haven\u2019t been for 15 years\u2026 You\u2019re [Senate Republicans] in the majority. We need 13 of you today to join us and show the bravery that Senator McCain did in that early morning hour [when he voted to save the ACA],\u201d Durbin concluded his remarks.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\nTo combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA\u2019s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million this year.\n\nDespite millions of Americans relying on these tax credits, congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires.\n\nCongressional Democrats have been pushing to make quality health care more accessible for millions of Americans for more than 15 years. The ACA, championed by Democrats, changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. by expanding and ensuring coverage. Prior to the passage of the legislation in 2010, insurance companies routinely denied patients coverage if they had pre-existing conditions, preventing millions of Americans from securing an affordable health care plan.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-sessions-introduce-bipartisan-bill-requiring-government-agencies-label", "Foster, Sessions Introduce Bipartisan Bill Requiring Government Agencies to Label Content Generated with Artificial Intelligence", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, U.S. Congressmen Bill Foster (D-IL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced the Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling (REAL) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would require federal agencies and officers to clearly label any content published via official government channels that is generated or manipulated using generative artificial intelligence. Specifically, the bill would require labeling on any AI-generated images or videos published by an agency, or any AI-generated text that is not reviewed by a human prior to publication.\n\n\u201cIn an age of disinformation, Americans should be able to trust that information coming from official government sources is legitimate and based in reality. With the rapid proliferation of AI-generated content, there must be clear guidelines to ensure those at our federal agencies and in our nation\u2019s highest office are not using AI in a way that could purposefully or inadvertently mislead the American public,\u201d said Congressman Foster.\n\n\"I\u2019m proud to Co-lead the REAL Act, which brings greater transparency and accountability to the federal government\u2019s use of artificial intelligence. Our bill requires federal agencies and officials to clearly disclose when text, images, audio, or video shared with the public in their official capacity has been generated or manipulated using AI. This legislation protects agencies\u2019 ability to use AI internally while ensuring that anything released publicly is clearly and consistently labeled. It is a commonsense step to maintain trust and strengthen transparency in government communications,\u201d said Congressman Sessions.\n\nA copy of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-uses-oversight-hearing-press-colleagues-extend-aca", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Uses Oversight Hearing to Press Colleagues to Extend ACA Tax Credits and Protect Illinois Families from Rising Costs", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 During today\u2019s joint Oversight Committee hearing on lowering health care costs, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, pressed his colleagues to take immediate action to prevent steep premium hikes for Illinois families and to block deep Medicaid and ACA cuts that would destabilize hospitals across the state.\n\nFirst, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that allowing the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to expire at the end of the year would create an immediate affordability crisis. Without action, half a million Illinoisans will see sharp premium increases, with rural families facing hikes of more than 100 percent.\n\n\u201cIf we don\u2019t extend these tax credits, in Illinois alone half a million people will see their premiums go from $260 a month to $464 a month\u2014an almost 80 percent increase. Rural families will be hit even harder, with premiums rising by more than 100 percent. People will not stop needing medical care. Safety-net and rural hospitals will pay the price, and communities will be pushed into health care deserts unless we act.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi also highlighted the separate, longer-term threat posed by the Republican so-called \u201cBig Beautiful Bill,\u201d which contains sweeping Medicaid and ACA cuts. Drawing on his visits to Loretto Hospital in Chicago\u2019s Austin neighborhood and Franklin Hospital in Benton, he noted that hospital leaders warned the cuts would force program reductions, staff layoffs, and potential service shutdowns. With eleven Illinois hospitals already at risk of closure, these cuts would accelerate an emerging statewide crisis.\n\nFinally, Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored the human stakes of failing to extend the ACA tax credits by sharing the story of Krystle, a mother from central Illinois whose three medically complex children rely on ACA subsidies to access care.\n\n\u201cWith the ACA\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits, she can buy coverage for her three children at $800 a month. If we let those credits expire, her premiums will nearly double to $1,400 a month, trapping her in a coverage gap. The only alternative would be leaving her job just so her kids can get health coverage. No parent should ever face that choice.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi urged Congress to move quickly to extend the ACA tax credits and reject cuts that would shutter hospitals and deepen health care deserts. He emphasized that both challenges are preventable, and that decisive bipartisan action is needed to protect Illinois families from higher costs and reduced access to care.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-durbin-introduce-legislation-improve-medical-device-recall-process", "Schakowsky, Durbin Introduce Legislation to Improve the Medical Device Recall Process", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced legislation to improve the medical device recall process in order to protect patients. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and instruct hospitals and health care professionals to provide that information to patients. The legislation was inspired by Illinois constituents who had shared their personal stories about medical harms and other concerns related to recalled devices.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve to know that the medical devices they depend on for their health and wellbeing are safe and effective,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Dick Durbin on the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act. Our bill ensures that all medical device recall information is sent to the Food and Drug Administration electronically, rather than through physical mail, so providers and patients can receive critical updates faster. With more than 1,000 recalls issued each year affecting millions of devices, timely communication saves lives. This important legislation makes sure patients get the information they need when they need it.\u201d\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans rely on a medical device to stay healthy. But if their medical device is recalled, patients have the right to know as soon as possible so that they can understand the risks and consult with their health care provider,\u201d said Senator Dick Durbin. \u201cThe Medical Device Recall Improvement Act is an obvious solution to ensure that medical device manufacturers, FDA, and health providers can quickly share up-to-date information with patients.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would:\n\nRequire FDA to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications;\n\nRequire medical device manufacturers to use the electronic format to contact FDA and hospitals and health providers; and\n\nRequire medical device manufacturers to include information in recall notifications about the risks of the recalled device, and instruct hospitals and health providers to distribute the information to patients.\n\nFDA oversees the regulation of almost 200,000 medical devices in the U.S., from contact lenses and contraceptive devices to prosthetics and pacemakers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 32 million Americans have an implanted medical device, and countless others use them throughout their lives. These devices improve and save lives. However, medical devices that are recalled for safety issues or manufacturing defects can cause severe harm to patients.\n\nMedical device manufacturers communicate recall information to FDA and health care professionals through letter and email. This extends the amount of time it takes FDA to review recall information, determine a recall classification, and communicate the recall to the public. It also extends the amount of time it takes hospital coordinators to track and pull recalled medical devices from inventories. As a result, patients are often the last informed about a recall\u2014if ever. According to Consumer Reports, most Americans are not aware of recalls for their products, including medical devices.\n\nThe Medical Device Recall Improvement Act has earned endorsements from Public Citizen; National Center for Health Research; Device Events; and UCSF Team for High Value Care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-vote-against-fy26-ndaa", "Schakowsky Statement on Vote Against FY26 NDAA", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after voting against final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA):\n\n\"Today, I once again voted against passage of the Republican\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While I support several important components of this legislation, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill in its entirety. The FY26 NDAA authorizes over $890 billion in additional Pentagon spending. That is $8 billion more than the Pentagon itself said it needed. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. We must instead make the investments in health care, education, housing, clean air and water, and public transit that Americans deserve.\n\n\u201cFurther, this legislation removed House-passed provisions that would lead to In vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage under TRICARE and restore collective bargaining rights to civilian employees. I was also discouraged to see that the bill still discriminates against the transgender community. With this year\u2019s illegal military strikes against innocent boats in the Caribbean, the last thing we need to do is give the Pentagon even more power.\n\n\"Although I opposed this bill, there were several bright spots, including a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), and a new requirement for military personnel to display the name of the military service they are affiliated with when supporting civilian law enforcement activities in our communities.\n\n\"Despite these important provisions, this legislation exacerbates an already over-bloated Pentagon budget and funds several defense policies which will not make people any safer. This is why I could not support its final passage.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-bipartisan-legislation-halt-counterfeit-imports-advances-us-house", "SCHNEIDER BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HALT COUNTERFEIT IMPORTS ADVANCES IN US HOUSE", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 The House Ways and Means Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation authored by Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Blake Moore (UT-01) to halt counterfeit and pirated imports into the United States. The bill, H.R. 4930, changes how Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can share the packing and shipping information of suspected counterfeit products with key intellectual property rights holders, transportation carriers, and e-commerce platforms. This unanimously bill passed the Ways and Means Committee.\n\n\u201cCounterfeit goods undercut American businesses, threaten jobs, and endanger public safety,\u201d said Rep. Schneider. \u201cWe need to help CBP disrupt counterfeit trafficking networks and better safeguard our economy and communities. I\u2019m proud that this commonsense legislation \u2013 co-authored by my colleague Rep. Blake Moore \u2013 has received bipartisan and unanimous support in the Ways and Means Committee. I urge the Speaker to bring it to the floor for a vote.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe global economy is flush with threats from counterfeiters, IP thieves, and black-market traders,\" said Rep. Moore \"This bill will unlock real-time intelligence sharing between CBP and the private sector that will help shut down these networks and cut off the flow of counterfeit products before they reach American shores. This will safeguard American businesses and protect our citizens from dangerous counterfeit goods. I\u2019m thrilled that this bill has generated strong bipartisan support and unanimously passed through the Ways and Means Committee today.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nWhile CBP\u2019s job is to identify counterfeit products at U.S. ports of entry and flag for businesses when they suspect a particular shipment might be counterfeit or pirated, they are currently only allowed to provide limited information about shipments in question. CBP is not permitted to share packing materials (such as the external container in which goods are shipped), images, labels, invoices, or packing slips that identify the product\u2019s country of origin, with key parties such as property rights holders, carriers like DHL, UPS, or FedEx, and e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Amazon.\n\nThis bill would provide explicit authority for CBP to share all relevant information with companies, carriers, and platforms where a shipment in question contains suspected counterfeit or pirated products. The bill also broadens the range of parties with whom CBP can disclose such information, including shipping companies and e-commerce sites where the product in question may be sold.\n\nUnder this bill, CBP would be allowed to share:\n\nShipping labels and tracking numbers\n\nSender and recipient addresses\n\nInvoices and manifests\n\nOuter packaging images, like courier tape, weight notations, and box markings\n\nContainer-level packaging information and data\n\nThis means CBP could flag patterns of behaviors such as:\n\nRepeat senders across multiple shipments\n\n\u201cDrop addresses\u201d used by organized counterfeiters\n\nCommon entry ports or air routes\n\nExample: A counterfeit electronics shipment from Shenzhen repeatedly enters via the Port of Los Angeles, using the same fake return address and tracking patterns. With this bill, CBP can share these patterns with carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx to intercept future parcels earlier in the pipeline.\n\nThe Moore-Schneider bill is supported by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, American Apparel & Footwear Association, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, Baby Safety Alliance, International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, International Trademark Association, Partnership for Safe Medicines, Pharmaceutical Security Institute, and Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade.\n\nYou can read the full bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-defense-bill-sorensen-highlights-wins-rock-island-arsenal-and-il", "House Passes Defense Bill, Sorensen Highlights Wins for Rock Island Arsenal and IL-17", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce major victories for the Rock Island Arsenal and communities across Illinois\u2019 17th Congressional District in this year\u2019s national defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Sorensen voted to support the defense bill after securing critical provisions to protect jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal, support the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and strengthen Central and Northwestern Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to put our servicemembers and military families first. These investments give our neighbors the support they deserve and help safeguard the jobs that drive our local economy,\u201d said Congressman Sorensen. \u201cImproving childcare, protecting the C-130 fleet and investing in the Arsenal all deliver meaningful results for Central and Northwestern Illinois.\u201d\n\nEarlier this summer, Sorensen announced a series of major IL-17 victories included in the House-passed NDAA. Those provisions strengthen the Arsenal, support working families, and reinforce our national security.\n\nKey wins for IL-17 and the Rock Island Arsenal include:\n\nCongressman Sorensen\u2019s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which incentivizes private industry to partner with arsenals by giving preference to public-private partnerships in Army contracting, creating a more predictable, sustained workload to protect and create jobs.\n\nThe bill bans the Army\u2019s funding to restructure the Rock Island Arsenal\u2019s Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), until they provide a plan that includes a timeline and information about any job cuts and the impact to our readiness.\n\nAuthorizes $50 million for the Rock Island Arsenal\u2019s Child Development Center to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at the Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare.\n\nAuthorizes $5 million in design funding for a forging equipment annex at the Rock Island Arsenal\u2019s Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center to support a wide array of weapon systems across all of the services.\n\nThe Army will be required to provide more information about upcoming changes tied to its Army Transformation Initiative\u2014ensuring communities like those around the Rock Island Arsenal are informed and prepared.\n\nTo protect the civilian workforce, the bill requires DoD to justify major reductions in force by considering readiness, effectiveness, and fully burdened costs and notify Congress.\n\nThe Department of Defense is directed to explore public-private partnerships at arsenals and other key military industrial sites, opening the door to local innovation and economic growth.\n\nAn extension of the Army\u2019s online real estate tool pilot program that the Rock Island Arsenal participates in.\n\nThe bill ensures the Air Force maintains at least 271 C-130 aircraft and prohibits the reduction of C-130 aircraft assigned to the Air National Guard, preserving critical operations tied to the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria.\n\nBig wins that benefit our servicemembers and national security include:\n\n3.8% pay raises for all military personnel.\n\nAuthorizes funding for new and improved barracks, dormitories, child development centers, and family housing.\n\nRequires any troop deployed in the U.S. to clearly identify their service branch.\n\nRepeals the 1991 and 2002 Iraq and Gulf War Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs).\n\nReauthorizes the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and extends a limitation on recognizing Russian sovereignty over any part of Ukraine.\n\nAuthorizes funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.\n\nWhile Congressman Sorensen voted in support of the NDAA, he strongly opposes the inclusion of the provision that discriminates against LGBTQ+ servicemembers at the military service academies and Republican leadership\u2019s decision to remove protections for collective bargaining. Congressman Sorensen will keep working to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and union workers on the Armed Services Committee.\n\nThe bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-cruz-cantwell-moran-criticize-widening-of-military-aircraft-safety-loophole-in-2026-ndaa", "Duckworth, Cruz, Cantwell, Moran Criticize Widening of Military Aircraft Safety Loophole in 2026 NDAA", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate\u2019s Aviation Subcommittee Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined fellow U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) leaders Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in issuing a joint statement criticizing the inclusion of a provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) widening a loophole for military helicopters that threatens the safety of the flying public. Almost a year after the fatal crash near DCA, the Senators\u2014who are working to close that loophole completely with their bipartisan ROTOR Act\u2014join with the Families of Flight 5342 and the Lilley family in voicing serious concern that the NDAA, as written, would make American skies less safe.\n\n\u201cAlmost a year after 67 lives were lost when a military helicopter hit American Airlines flight 5342 over the Potomac River, the NDAA fails to make the skies safer. As drafted, the NDAA protects the status quo, allowng military aircraft to keep flying in DC airspace under different rules and with outdated transmission requirements,\u201d said the Senators.\n\n\u201cThis comes as Pentagon data shows a spike in military aircraft accidents since 2020. The families of the victims deserve accountability. The NDAA should be stripped of this new loophole and instead include the ROTOR Act -- a bipartisan bill that closes the dangerous exemption that allows military aircraft to operate in domestic skies without communicating their position. We must act decisively to prevent future tragedies,\u201d the Senators said.\n\nThe Families of Flight 5342 issued a statement in solidarity with the Senators:\n\n\"Over the past year the Families of Flight 5342 have united to push for meaningful aviation safety reforms so that no other families suffer the same devastating loss. While we appreciate congressional attention to rotary-wing operations in the National Defense Authorization Act, Section 373 does not resolve the visibility and coordination failures that contributed to the tragedy. As written, it leaves the status quo largely unchanged.\n\nSection 373 applies only to training missions \u2014 even though military helicopters in the National Capital Region fly a wide range of missions that routinely place them near commercial aircraft. It focuses narrowly on TCAS-compatible alerts rather than true visibility and broadcast requirements, and it preserves broad national-security exceptions similar to those in place at the time of the Flight 5342 collision. These gaps mean the provision does not meaningfully mitigate the risks that proved fatal for our loved ones.\n\nWe urge Congress to strengthen Section 373 by requiring real, enforceable visibility standards for all military aircraft operating near civilian traffic. And we continue to call for swift passage of the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which provides the comprehensive, nationwide reforms needed to ensure that a tragedy like Flight 5342 never happens again.\"\n\nTim and Sheri Lilley, whose son, Sam, was the First Officer of Flight 5342 also issued a statement:\n\n\u201cAs it is currently drafted, the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act has several unsatisfactory provisions related to aviation safety.\n\nAs such we call on members to reject this language. At a minimum language should become law as soon as possible to require ADS-B out.\n\nThe national security waivers allowed by this draft are also deeply concerning. As has been highlighted by public statements of several Members of Congress and Administration officials, the national security waivers that have been abused by operators in the DC area are problematic and subject to abuse. This bill addresses that with a \u201cwindow dressing\u201d fix that will continue to allow for the setting aside of requirements with nothing more than a cursory risk assessment.\n\nSafety that depends on exemptions cannot be the foundation of a secure airspace system.\n\nThe flying public and all those that utilize our airspace deserve better than what this bill provides.\n\nThe January 29 midair accident that took 67 souls, including our son AA5342 First Officer Sam Lilley, showed us exactly what is at stake. Congress now has a choice: strengthen this provision and protect the traveling public or leave in place the same vulnerabilities that have already cost too many people their lives.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-urges-senate-republicans-not-to-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on", "Duckworth Urges Senate Republicans Not to Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow\u2019s vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance:\n\n\u201cTomorrow, my Republican colleagues will have a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans can\u2019t run away from the healthcare crisis they created any longer. If they vote no, millions of middle-class Americans will feel the pain in their own wallets\u2014with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.\u201d\n\n\u201cTomorrow\u2019s vote will be Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We can stop millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance\u2014or losing their health care completely, but only if Republicans finally get off the sidelines and vote to help us. This should be a no-brainer.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-the-senates-aca-tax-credit-vote-durbin-joins-spotlight-forum-highlighting-the-importance-of-the-aca", "Ahead Of The Senate\u2019s ACA Tax Credit Vote, Durbin Joins Spotlight Forum Highlighting The Importance Of The ACA", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "During his remarks, Durbin highlighted how the ACA addressed addiction treatment and mental health services\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum hosted by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) focused on the need to extend the Affordable Care Act\u2019s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the Senate\u2019s vote tomorrow on the Democratic proposal for a clean three-year extension of the ACA tax credits. These tax credits have put health care within reach for Americans by lowering health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans.\n\nIf Republicans vote against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage next year, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple.\n\nDurbin began his remarks by reflecting on his own family\u2019s experience of being uninsured when his newborn daughter was in need of critical care.\n\n\u201cMany members are motivated and inspired by their own personal experiences. This is one for me. I was a student at Georgetown Law School when I got married\u2026 and God sent us a baby. She was a beautiful little girl with a serious medical condition, and I had no health insurance\u2026 What was next was to go to the old Children\u2019s Hospital here in Washington and to sit in the charity ward for people who couldn\u2019t afford to pay and didn\u2019t have any insurance\u2026 I\u2019ll never forget that moment and that has inspired me to be part of this conversation [on health care] for a long time,\u201d said Durbin.\n\nDurbin then commented on the ACA including provisions to address mental health and addiction.\n\n\u201cIt made so much sense we included it and thank God we did. As we faced the opioid crisis, many lives [were] saved by the fact there was paid-for counseling available through the ACA,\u201d said Durbin.\n\nHe asked Susan Stearns, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire, about the importance of including addiction treatment and mental health treatment in the ACA.\n\n\u201cTell me a little about your experience with your family with this [in regard to the ACA including provisions to address addiction and mental health resources],\u201d Durbin asked.\n\nMs. Stearns replied that her father lived with an alcohol use disorder. She continued to say, \u201cwithout the ACA including Medicaid expansion and subsidies for the marketplace plan, we would not have turned the tide [on the opioid epidemic] as we seemingly have at this point. Lives are literally being saved.\u201d She continued to say that we will backslide if we allow these ACA tax credits to expire.\n\nDuring his remarks, Durbin emphasized that we can work in a bipartisan way to address the Republicans\u2019 concerns with the ACA, but we must immediately address the tax credits\u2014as millions of people will see their premiums skyrocket come January 1.\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\nTo combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA\u2019s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million this year. Despite millions of Americans relying on these tax credits, congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires\n\nCongressional Democrats have been pushing to make quality health care more accessible for millions of Americans for more than 15 years. The ACA, championed by Democrats, changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. by expanding coverage options. Prior to the passage of the legislation in 2010, insurance companies routinely denied patients coverage if they had pre-existing conditions, preventing millions of Americans from securing an affordable health care plan.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-surge-in-ice-hiring-durbin-remarks-on-low-standards-of-ice-recruits-who-have-failed-drug-tests-have-pending-criminal-charges-and-more", "Amid Surge In ICE Hiring, Durbin Remarks On Low Standards Of ICE Recruits Who Have Failed Drug Tests, Have Pending Criminal Charges, And More", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin again denounced President Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cOperation Midway Blitz\u201d and called on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the President\u2019s cruel mass deportation scheme\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today denounced the low hiring standards of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits amid a surge in hiring. The Trump Administration announced their goal of onboarding 10,000 new agents by the end of the year\u2014which would double the number of deportation officers, from roughly 6,000 to 16,000. Durbin also spoke out on the Administration\u2019s so-called \u201cOperation Midway Blitz,\u201d which has been used as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as immigration officials have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration\u2019s cruel mass deportation scheme.\n\nDurbin began by denouncing the Trump Administration\u2019s false narrative that federal agents are only going after the \u201cworst of the worst\u201d during these aggressive immigration raids.\n\n\u201cOf more than 600 immigrants recently arrested, do you know how many of them had significant criminal history? Sixteen\u201416 out of more than 600. Nationwide, ICE arrested nearly 75,000 people with no criminal history between January 20 and October [15]. Federal immigration agents have arrested and detained: a mother on her way to visit her 15-day-old baby in the NICU; a teacher at a preschool in front of her young students; [and] day laborers, vendors, construction workers, and cooks simply trying to make a living and support their families. Immigration agents arrested and detained at least 40 U.S. citizens in Illinois alone between late August and early November. Does that sound like we\u2019re getting rid of \u2018the worst of the worst\u2019? People with no criminal history,\u201d Durbin said.\n\nDurbin continued his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the Trump Administration\u2019s cruel campaign against immigrants.\n\n\u201cI have urged my Republican colleagues\u2026 to consider the possibility that these raids could come to a city they represent, and they would be faced with the same reality. Would they call out these abuses of power? Well, I regret to inform them that that time has come. After wreaking havoc in Illinois, Border Patrol official Greg Bovino and his traveling circus have hit the road and descended on more communities, including in red states. Last month, in Charlotte, North Carolina, a video posted to social media showed a U.S. citizen construction worker being swarmed by federal agents while in his vehicle,\u201d Durbin continued. \u201cThe man said the agents \u2018didn\u2019t believe I was an American citizen\u2019 and \u2018wanted to know where I was born.\u2019 He was released only after agents verified his citizenship.\u201d\n\nIn another incident in Marrero, Louisiana, a viral video showed a silver, unmarked SUV pulling up to a woman and two masked agents exiting to chase her. She repeatedly yelled that she was a U.S. citizen and to \u201cleave [her] alone\u201d before making it to her property. Other states, including Florida and Texas, have also witnessed increased federal immigration enforcement operations.\n\nDurbin then proceeded to talk about the Trump Administration\u2019s increase in hiring ICE recruits.\n\nDurbin continued, \u201cThe Trump Administration should be working to improve screening, hiring, and training of recruits before unleashing them onto the streets of America. Instead, they have lowered requirements\u2014including [by] loosening the age restrictions for prospective agents and shortening the training period from 13 weeks to a mere six weeks... Recent reporting suggests that these new, lowered hiring standards have resulted in ICE recruits who have: barely been able to read or write; failed drug tests; displayed tattoos associated with gangs and white supremacists; failed to meet basic physical fitness requirements; and even have pending criminal charges.\u201d\n\nDurbin concluded, \u201cThese are the people that President Trump is attempting to release onto our streets to restore \u2018law and order.\u2019 With these lower standards, these troubling incidents I described are definitely going to increase. Given all of this, I ask my Republican colleagues: if you think we need to keep an eye on the federal government, why don\u2019t we start here? Will any of you rebuke this lawlessness and cruelty? What will it take for you to finally do so? We ought to be united in calling out these abuses. Secretary Noem wants to play dress up in her camo wardrobe, demanding government jets to tour her battleground states\u2026 [and] arrest ordinary people who are working hard on tough jobs. I believe [this] is an attempt to change basic Constitutional principles. We have to stand up and speak out. Is this what America is really all about?\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delauro-introduce-the-federal-food-administration-act", "Durbin, Delauro Introduce The Federal Food Administration Act", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) reintroduced the Federal Food Administration Act, legislation that would streamline our food safety system by consolidating the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) food oversight responsibilities into a single agency dedicated to keeping the foods Americans eat safe.\n\n\u201cThe sad reality is that FDA has failed to protect Americans from preventable foodborne illnesses and death. In recent years, FDA has failed to protect babies from bacterial infections in their infant formula and lead-tainted applesauce pouches,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cThis is why Congresswoman DeLauro and I are introducing legislation to create a Federal Food Administration. With the Federal Food Administration Act, we hope our nation will have greater success in protecting the foods in our kids\u2019 lunch boxes and on our dining room tables.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need a single food safety agency to ensure the food Americans eat is safe,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cCurrently, food safety oversight is scattered across multiple agencies with the bulk of the responsibility falling to the Food and Drug Administration \u2013 where food safety has often been treated like a second-class citizen. This legislation would put one agency clearly in charge with the singular mission of protecting our food supply with the resources, staff, and focus to achieve that goal. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin in this effort, because Americans deserve peace of mind that the government is keeping companies accountable with clear, consistent safety standards.\u201d\n\nFDA regulates approximately 80 percent of our food supply. Consumers and companies depend on FDA to perform its regulatory role effectively. Yet, despite increased authorities included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the creation of the Human Foods Program at FDA, the agency has failed to make significant inroads in reducing rates of foodborne illness and death in the U.S.\n\nAbout one in six Americans\u2014or 48 million people\u2014get sick from a foodborne illness each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 128,000 Americans also are hospitalized and 3,000 Americans die of foodborne diseases each year.\n\nThe Federal Food Administration Act would establish a Federal Food Administration under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by incorporating the existing food programs within FDA into this separate agency: the Human Foods Program, Center for Veterinary Medicine, and the Office of Inspections and Investigations. This food safety agency, with a Senate-confirmed Commissioner, will strengthen oversight of the food supply, improve the health and well-being of Americans, and ensure companies that cut corners on food safety are properly held accountable.\n\nJoining Durbin and DeLauro as original cosponsors of this legislation are U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Consumer Reports, Consumer Federation of America, Environmental Working Group, and STOP Foodborne Illness.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-schakowsky-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-medical-device-recall-process", "Durbin, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation To Improve The Medical Device Recall Process", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would bolster communication between medical device manufacturers, hospitals and health care professionals, and patients\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today reintroduced legislation to improve the medical device recall process in order to protect patients. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and instruct hospitals and health care professionals to provide that information to patients. The legislation was inspired by Illinois constituents who had shared their personal stories about medical harms and other concerns related to recalled devices.\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans rely on a medical device to stay healthy. But if their medical device is recalled, patients have the right to know as soon as possible so that they can understand the risks and consult with their health care provider,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cThe Medical Device Recall Improvement Act is an obvious solution to ensure that medical device manufacturers, FDA, and health providers can quickly share up-to-date information with patients.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve to know that the medical devices they depend on for their health and wellbeing are safe and effective,\u201d said Schakowsky. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Dick Durbin on the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act. Our bill ensures that all medical device recall information is sent to the Food and Drug Administration electronically, rather than through physical mail, so providers and patients can receive critical updates faster. With more than 1,000 recalls issued each year affecting millions of devices, timely communication saves lives. This important legislation makes sure patients get the information they need when they need it.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would:\n\nRequire FDA to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications;\n\nRequire medical device manufacturers to use the electronic format to contact FDA and hospitals and health providers; and\n\nRequire medical device manufacturers to include information in recall notifications about the risks of the recalled device, and instruct hospitals and health providers to distribute the information to patients.\n\nFDA oversees the regulation of almost 200,000 medical devices in the U.S., from contact lenses and contraceptive devices to prosthetics and pacemakers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 32 million Americans have an implanted medical device, and countless others use them throughout their lives. These devices improve and save lives. However, medical devices that are recalled for safety issues or manufacturing defects can cause severe harm to patients.\n\nMedical device manufacturers communicate recall information to FDA and health care professionals through letter and email. This extends the amount of time it takes FDA to review recall information, determine a recall classification, and communicate the recall to the public. It also extends the amount of time it takes hospital coordinators to track and pull recalled medical devices from inventories. As a result, patients are often the last informed about a recall\u2014if ever. According to Consumer Reports, most Americans are not aware of recalls for their products, including medical devices.\n\nIn December 2023, Durbin sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) calling on the agency to update its 2011 report entitled \u201cMedical Devices: FDA Should Enhance Its Oversight of Recalls\u201d by conducting a review of FDA\u2019s oversight of medical device recalls. The letter followed the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette\u2019s and ProPublica\u2019s reporting on Philips Respironics\u2019 failure to submit timely and comprehensive adverse event reporters or recall faulty CPAP machines for more than a decade, despite the company\u2019s knowledge that patients could be experiencing severe health consequences form using the medical devices.\n\nThe Medical Device Recall Improvement Act has earned endorsements from Public Citizen; National Center for Health Research; Device Events; and UCSF Team for High Value Care.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-trumps-2018-racist-reference-to-s-hole-countries-was-an-embarrassment", "Durbin: Trump\u2019s 2018 Racist Reference To \u201cS-Hole\u201d Countries Was An Embarrassment", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "After nearly eight years, Trump admitted to using the slur \u201cshithole countries\u201d to denigrate Black immigrants during a meeting in the Oval Office, confirming Durbin\u2019s statement from that time\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur \u201cshithole countries\u201d to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania last night. Following the 2018 meeting, Durbin was criticized by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and then-Senator David Perdue (R-GA), as well as President Trump himself, for corroborating media reports of Trump\u2019s \u201cshithole countries\u201d comment, with Trump claiming Durbin \u201ctotally misrepresented\u201d what he had said.\n\n\u201cThe meeting was historic\u2026 The President spoke at length about his views on immigration. The conversation declined at some point to a level I\u2019d never expected to witness in my life. The President started saying things about immigrants in ways I thought had never been said before in the White House,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cHe used terminology, which I will not repeat on the Senate floor, but he referred to a phrase of \u2018s-hole\u2019 nations. I was shocked to hear it. I heard him refer to several countries in this fashion. And I thought to myself, how have we reached a point where we discuss immigration in such crude and vulgar terms. After I left the White House, it leaked out what the President had said, and the White House denied it. They said it didn\u2019t happen. I said it did, they said I\u2019m lying to the point where two of my Republican Senate colleagues went on television several days later and said that I lied when the President made those statements. Well yesterday at his rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump admitted that he used the slur that I referred to earlier to disparage Haiti and African nations during that 2018 meeting with lawmakers, bragging about a comment that sparked global outrage during his first term.\u201d\n\nDurbin continued, \u201cFor [nearly eight] years, I have lived with the shadow of people saying that I misled the American people as to what the President said. Yesterday, he admitted what he said\u2026 We have to get beyond crudity and vulgarity and what we\u2019ve seen in the extreme in the last several months when it comes to immigration.\u201d\n\nDurbin concluded, \u201cWe are a nation of immigrants, and I\u2019m proud of that fact\u2026 The reference in 2018 was an embarrassment\u2014an embarrassment to the White House, to the Oval Office, and to the presidency. I\u2019m glad that the President has finally admitted what happened on that day.\u201d\n\nVideo of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-push-back-against-fbi-doj-investigation-threats-into-six-members-of-congress", "Senate Judiciary Democrats Push Back Against FBI, DOJ Investigation Threats Into Six Members Of Congress", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Richard J. Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", "durbin", "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "FBI political leadership is reportedly pressuring the Washington Field Office to open a seditious conspiracy investigation into Senators Kelly and Slotkin, Representatives Goodlander, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in pushing back against the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) attempt to use the threat of investigation to harass and intimidate U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), as well as U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-01), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06)\u2014after the Members of Congress reiterated current law when they released a video telling active members of the Armed Forces not to obey unlawful or illegal orders.\n\nIn a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, the Senators began by characterizing the threats of investigation as retributive, writing: \u201cWe write with grave concern that the Trump Administration is weaponizing the FBI against federal lawmakers who merely restated current law. This abuse of federal law enforcement authority as an instrument of retribution against the President\u2019s political opponents is a threat to the constitutional freedoms of all Americans.\u201d\n\nThe Senators then reiterated current law, which aligns with the Democratic Members of Congress\u2019s message to military members, writing: \u201cAs you know, the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires servicemembers to follow \u2018lawful government order[s] or regulation[s],\u2019 and the Manual for Courts-Martial explicitly states that the \u2018inference [of lawfulness] does not apply to a patently illegal order.\u2019 With regard to violations of the law of war, the Department of Defense\u2019s Law of War Manual also states that \u2018each member of the armed services has a duty to refuse to comply with clearly illegal orders to commit violations of the law of war.\u2019 Indeed, servicemembers may be prosecuted for carrying out a patently unlawful order to commit a war crime. Nothing these Members of Congress said in this video is unlawful\u2014they were simply restating existing law.\u201d\n\nThe Senators then expressed concern over conflicting reports of political retribution against these Members of Congress by Director Patel\u2019s FBI, writing: \u201cDespite no predicate whatsoever, the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) political leadership is reportedly pressuring the Washington Field Office to open a seditious conspiracy investigation into the six federal lawmakers for these lawful statements. This contradicts Director Patel\u2019s public promise that the question of \u2018is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation or is there not\u2019 would be \u2018made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.\u2019 This is particularly alarming because President Trump himself has publicly claimed that the lawmakers\u2019 lawful statements are \u2018SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.\u2019 The President also shared a different post that read: \u2018HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.\u2019\u201d\n\nThe Senators concluded with a condemnation of the Trump Administration\u2019s treatment of these Members of Congress and our nation\u2019s military members, before making a series of information requests, writing: \u201cIt is facially unconstitutional to prosecute protected speech, whether that speech is by the American people or their representatives in Congress, and it is absurd to contend that statements reiterating the law alone are a predicate for a seditious conspiracy investigation. President Trump has repeatedly weaponized the federal law enforcement against American citizens as part of his increasingly desperate attempts to distract from the lawlessness, corruption, and incompetence of his Administration. This country deserves federal law enforcement that uphold the law, not use the threat of prosecution to chill speech\u2014particularly speech urging government officials and members of the Armed Forces to comply with the law. The Department of Justice\u2019s resources would be better spent ensuring that the Department of Defense is following the law as it conducts military action.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nClick herefor a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 2397, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 2397, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 1248, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1149, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 2397, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 2397, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-12-10,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-judiciary-democrats-push-back-against-fbi-doj-investigation-threats-into-six-members-of-congress", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IL&year=2025&_next=2025-12-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-judiciary-democrats-push-back-against-fbi-doj-investigation-threats-into-six-members-of-congress&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 481.8324241787195, "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"}