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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
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How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

2,647 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "IL" sorted by date descending

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year 6

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “There was nothing untoward about Special Counsel Smith and his fellow prosecutors conducting this investigation. The aspersions cast on Mr. Smith nonstop are petty, personal, and political.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case and 40 counts in the classified documents case. Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction. Key Quotes: “Republicans have spent months spreading baseless conspiracy theories about Mr. Smith’s investigation instead of hearing from him directly. Nearly a year ago, Mr. Smith volunteered to testify under oath before this Committee, and we Democrats joined in that offer, saying let’s get to the bottom of it. Put him under oath and let’s ask questions.” “House Republicans called Mr. Smith to testify in January, but Senate Republicans refused his offer to testify and instead [said they would hold] eight hearings on [Mr. Smith’s] supposed wrongdoing—never calling him directly. In fact, this Committee held only three hearings to question telecom companies for following the law and hear from MAGA loyalist witnesses with no first-hand knowledge of Mr. Smith’s investigation. Finally, Senate Repub… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-director-vought-abandon-any-plan-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding Durbin, Duckworth Join Senate Democrats In Demanding OMB Director Vought Abandon Any Plan To Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The lawmakers emphasize the need for Republicans to join Democrats in supporting new guardrails to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following a long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and of 27 their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grantmaking process. The Trump Administration considering an executive order to establish and empower an external committee of political appointees with no discernable qualifications to veto any awards selected by NIH and its panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer-review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump Administration has shown time and again it wants to cancel NIH funding that misaligns with its political agendas and vendettas, all at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump Administration considering, at the highest level, an executive order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers write. “Injecting political interference into the NIH gra… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-president-trumps-pocket-rescission-is-an-illegal-power-grab Durbin: President Trump’s Pocket Rescission Is “An Illegal Power Grab” 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin condemned President Trump’s illegal pocket rescission, which will rescind $810 million in congressionally-appropriated funding to education programs, health research, immigration services, and foreign aid WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the Trump Administration’s illegal move to rescind $810 million for federal programs, cutting off bipartisan funding Congress has allocated for education programs, health research, assistance for minority-owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries. This pocket rescission by the President is a clear violation of the Constitution, which explicitly gives Congress the power to determine how federal funds are spent. While the President can make a rescission request, Congress must approve that rescission with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the President must release the withheld funds. With only a few days left in the fiscal year, President Trump is unlawfully using a pocket rescission, denying Congress the time or ability to reject the rescission request in a move that the Government Accountability Office has stated is illegal. Durbin began his remarks by calling out President Trump for this illegal power grab. “On Friday night, the Trump Administration announced that the President had unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress had approved for spending on a bipartisan basis. This funding was meant for education programs, health research, assistance for businesses, immigration services, and support to other countries,” Durbin began. “This move is an illegal power grab by the Trump Administration—plain and simple,” Durbin said. President Trump has repeatedly used pocket rescissions to rip federal funding from critical programs, including support for forei… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-previews-tomorrows-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith Durbin Previews Tomorrow’s Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case, and 40 counts in the classified documents case. Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction. “Tomorrow, finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from former Special Counsel Jack Smith,” said Durbin. “In 2020, President Trump spent months spreading the ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen… He pressured state election officials, his own Vice President, the Justice Department, and Members of Congress to overturn the results of the election. This culminated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, where President Trump’s supporters tried to violently prevent the constitutional certification of the 2020 election.” Durbin continued, “But instead of condemning this egregious criminal conduct… my Republican colleagues are spreading baseless conspiracy theories and attacking career prosecutors and FBI agents, claiming the so-called ‘deep state’ is out to get Donald Trump.” When Trump was re-elected president in November 2024, Special Counsel Smith moved to dismiss the cases against him based on the Department of Justice’s position that the Constitution forbids the fed… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-director-vought-abandon-any-plan-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Director Vought Abandon Any Plan to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The lawmakers emphasize the need for Republicans to join Democrats in supporting new guardrails to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following a long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and of 27 their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grantmaking process. The Trump Administration considering an executive order to establish and empower an external committee of political appointees with no discernable qualifications to veto any awards selected by NIH and its panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer-review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump Administration has shown time and again it wants to cancel NIH funding that misaligns with its political agendas and vendettas, all at the expense of life-saving research, treatments and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump Administration considering, at the highest level, an executive order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers write. “Injecting political interference into the… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-rescission-of-nearly-1-billion Durbin Statement On Trump’s Illegal “Pocket Rescission” Of Nearly $1 Billion 2026-09-26 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced that he has unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress has already approved for education programs, health research, assistance for minority owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries: “The illegal power grab by Donald Trump continues. The real question is whether my Republican colleagues will finally find their collective backbone and do something about it. “Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the CR so this could never happen again, but Republicans refused—fearing retribution from the White House. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express anger now, but where were they this summer during these negotiations? “Billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead, but money for schools is cut. Vanity projects like the Golden Arch are a priority, but medical research for cancer cures is cut. Taxpayer funded political ads of the wartime President are a must, but medical care for children is cut.” President Trump’s rescissions requests are made under a fast-tracked process, established in the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, in which a president can request that Congress rescind federal funding with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the president must release it. However, President Trump is attempting an unlawful maneuver called “pocket rescissions,” in which he seeks to rescind funding less than 45 days before the end of the fiscal year, believing this provides him with the power to cancel the funding with or without the approval of Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has stated that pocket rescissions are illegal. Last year, President Trump canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid via a “pocket recission.” And earlier in 2025, Republicans supported… 1 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-trump-craters-economy-duckworth-and-meng-reintroduce-resolution-to-empower-mothers-in-the-workforce As Trump Craters Economy, Duckworth and Meng Reintroduce Resolution to Empower Mothers in the Workforce 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Donald Trump’s reckless policies continue to crater our economy and leave families behind, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY-06) reintroduced the Mom Economy Resolution to promote and empower mothers in the workforce across the nation. While the Trump Administration cuts critical lifelines that so many depend on and offer nothing to support Americans struggling to get by, the lawmakers’ bicameral resolution lays out a plan to support moms who enter and stay in the workplace through investments in childcare, the child tax credit, SNAP, increasing the minimum wage and paid leave. The legislation also includes additional provisions seeking to assist LGBTQ+ mothers and maternal care/family planning resources. “Costs are climbing, child care is more expensive and too many moms are feeling left behind by an Administration that promised to help,” said Duckworth. “If we want to build a stronger economy, it’s past time we stop treating moms’ time as both expendable and endless. Our resolution recognizes the urgent need to invest in moms and make it easier for them to succeed in our workforce by advancing policies like universal child care, paid leave and beyond. Republicans in Congress must stop prioritizing harmful tax cuts that only benefit the ultra-wealthy and start working with Democrats to pass meaningful legislation that meets the needs of mothers across the country.” “Moms are the backbone of our economy, but too often, the economy doesn’t work for them,” said Congresswoman Meng. "Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even as so many are bringing home half—or all—of their family’s income. That has to change. I’m proud to introduce the Mom Economy Resolution with Senator Duckworth, which builds on my Marshall Plan for Moms, to recognize the burdens working moms face and renew the call for paid leave, affordable childcare, and the support families need to thrive.” "The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 bill… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hoeven-bipartisan-bills-to-support-the-health-of-our-aviation-workforce-and-strengthen-aviation-safety-pass-the-senate Duckworth-Hoeven Bipartisan Bills to Support the Health of Our Aviation Workforce and Strengthen Aviation Safety Pass the Senate 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Two bipartisan pieces of legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee—and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to support the health of our aviation workforce and strengthen aviation safety today passed the Senate with unanimous consent. Duckworth’s Aviation Medication Transparency Act, co-led by Senator Hoeven, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue accessible, user-friendly guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding, applying for or training for a position that requires an FAA medical certificate—helping ensure these individuals don’t unknowingly take medications that could put their careers in jeopardy. “Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress. Their careers should never be threatened because they weren’t properly informed about which medications they’re allowed to take, or simply sought the mental health care they need,” said Duckworth. “These two bipartisan, commonsense bills will help make it easier for those in our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security—while also sending this important message to future recruits. Now that they’ve passed the Senate with unanimous consent, the House must do the same so we can address bureaucratic shortcomings within the FAA, dismantle the dangerous culture of silence surrounding mental health in the aviation industry and ultimately make our skies safer.” Additionally, Hoeven’s John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, co-led by Senator Duckworth, would require the FAA to modernize and strengthen access to mental health care—removing barriers to timely treatment, promoting early intervention and supporting the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) that lead to safer skies. “Our nation faces a severe shortage o… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-senate-democrats-in-renewed-push-to-help-prevent-police-involved-deaths-and-provide-justice-for-families Duckworth Leads Senate Democrats in Renewed Push to Help Prevent Police-Involved Deaths and Provide Justice for Families 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the 29th birthday of Laquan McDonald, an Illinoisan teen who was shot and killed at the hands of a Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer with a recorded history of excessive force, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is leading her Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would help restore trust between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve by helping prevent police-involved deaths and encouraging independent, impartial investigations into law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. The Police Training and Independent Review Act—the second piece of legislation that Senator Duckworth ever introduced in the Senate—would create financial incentives for states to require training for law enforcement officials on fair and impartial policing and best practices for working with members of the community who are disabled and have mental illnesses. Additionally, it would encourage communities to use independent prosecutors to investigate law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. When implemented, the legislation would authorize the U.S. Attorney General to award grants to states that require an independent investigation and, if warranted, prosecution in cases where one or more of the alleged offenses result in death or serious bodily harm. Companion legislation will soon be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09). “From Chicago to Louisville or anywhere in America, we cannot allow ourselves to accept that Black teenagers, men and women are still being unjustly executed at the hands of law enforcement without judge or jury,” said Duckworth. “Laquan McDonald’s death was preventable, and Congress still has yet to do enough to ensure tragedies like his never happen again. In honor of Laquan 29th heavenly birthday, I’m proud to lead Senate Democrats in reintroducing this overdue legislation that would help save lives and restore trust between law enforcement and local communities by increasing resources fo… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-padilla-introduce-new-legislation-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions Durbin, Padilla Introduce New Legislation To Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests & Detentions 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Immigration Warrant Reform Act would push back on the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement across the country WASHINGTON – After immigration enforcement agents have arbitrarily arrested countless U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors. In a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration agents may make stops based solely on apparent race and ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent, and presence at certain worksites. The Trump Administration has gone beyond “stops” to arrest and even brutally attack U.S. citizens and immigrants without probable cause or a warrant for the arrest. The Trump Administration has further interpreted immigration laws to require immigration judges to deny bond to any noncitizen who entered the United States without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in the country, and severely limit the opportunities for an immigration judge to release noncitizens on bond. “The disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,” Durbin said. “As Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: ‘United States citizens are … being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support … 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-allowing-trump-administration-to-proceed-with-flawed-voter-screening-database-ahead-of-midterms Durbin Statement On Supreme Court Allowing Trump Administration To Proceed With Flawed Voter Screening Database Ahead Of Midterms 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled today that the Trump Administration can move forward with an expansive and flawed database that states can use for potential voter purges. The database attempts to combine citizenship information, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data about millions of Americans and is rife with errors: “The Supreme Court just allowed the Trump Administration to weaponize an unreliable database against Americans’ fundamental right to vote less than six weeks before a consequential midterm election. With his poll numbers lagging, Donald Trump continues to attack Americans’ right to vote because he knows his party can’t win on the issues. “Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and every eligible voter across America has the right to cast a ballot—and should be able to do so without fear of being wrongly purged from the voting rolls. The right to vote is fundamental to our nation’s democracy, and President Trump’s efforts to chip away at that fundamental right and interfere with the election must be rejected.” In an unsigned per curiam opinion, over the objections of at least three dissenting justices, a majority of the Court granted a request for emergency relief from the Justice Department to stay a June ruling which had blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) overhauled database—called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)—which the Administration allows states and localities to use to verify citizenship and immigration status of registered voters. As Justice Jackson pointed out in her dissent, the Court “focuse[d] only on the harms the Government will purportedly suffer absent a stay, disregarding the harms that the modified SAVE system has caused, and will likely continue to cause, to lawful voters.” In April, Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking … 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-demands-faa-dod-reject-trumps-plan-to-turn-triumphal-arch-into-military-complex-this-is-not-about-national-security Duckworth Demands FAA, DoD Reject Trump’s Plan to Turn Triumphal Arch into Military Complex: “This Is Not About National Security” 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The Senator excoriated FAA and DoD for focusing their energy on Trump’s pointless vanity project while failing to implement NTSB safety recommendations post-DCA midair collision [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—today urged Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to secure the safety of the D.C. airspace by rejecting President Donald Trump’s plan to turn his “Triumphal Arch” project into a military installation that houses a large number of drones, snipers and ammunition. In her letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Duckworth slammed the FAA and DoD for wasting precious time and energy on this pet project that will jeopardize aviation safety as they continue failing to implement the many urgent safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the wake of the tragic DCA mid-air collision that claimed the lives of 67 people. This is the second time the Senator has called on the FAA to reject any pressure to rubberstamp President Donald Trump’s latest taxpayer-funded vanity project, the so-called “Triumphal Arch,” that could put the flying public at risk. Duckworth wrote, “The Trump Administration’s failure to faithfully and urgently implement NTSB’s recommendations is compounded by FAA and DoD wasting finite time and attention to stroke President Trump’s fragile ego by focusing efforts on approvals for the construction of his pathetic arch. It is a disservice to the flying public and dishonors the legacy of the lives tragically lost in the DCA midair collision.” The Senator also lambasted the FAA for allowing Trump to steamroll the agency’s review process to expedite arch construction. She noted that the FAA’s September 18 determination came two weeks after Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the Department of the Interior would begin breaking ground on the “Great Triumphal Arch and … 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-issued-statement-alongside-their-colleagues-on-president-trump-and-president-xis-summit-in-washington Duckworth, Durbin Issued Statement Alongside Their Colleagues on President Trump and President Xi’s Summit in Washington 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined their Senate Democrat colleagues in releasing the following statement after the conclusion of President Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. “Diplomacy with China remains vital to preventing conflict and protecting American interests, but it must ultimately produce results for hardworking Americans. President Trump’s summit today with President Xi Jinping failed to deliver. This outcome was predictable: Over the past 19 months, President Trump has systematically hollowed out the foundations of American competitiveness. The Trump Administration has traded away long-term technological dominance for short-term commercial gains, decimated the scientific and talent ecosystem that drives our domestic innovation and inflicted lasting damage on the network of global alliances that keep Americans safe, prosperous and free. “At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs of gas, electricity and groceries, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi. Rather than confronting China’s unfair trade practices, technology theft, complicity in attacks against our troops or economic and military aggression against our allies, President Trump opted for pageantry over purpose—trading tough diplomacy for a ballroom tour and a lavish dinner with his billionaire friends. “On the economic and security issues that will shape America’s future, this summit’s results fell short: Artificial Intelligence: The President cannot claim to defend American AI dominance while greenlighting sales of high-end chips and manufacturing equipment to China. Instead of establishing a framework to manage AI safety risks, the Trump Administration doubled down on its failure to implement and enforce meaningful guardrails at home. Trade and Critical Minerals: Extending the tariff truce is a temporary band-aid on a crisis of the President's own making. Airplane and agricultural deals do nothing t… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-boozman-lead-bill-to-enhance-support-of-women-veterans Duckworth, Boozman Lead Bill to Enhance Support of Women Veterans 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The VOICE for Women Veterans Act would require a comprehensive look at VA care, benefits and services to identify areas for improvement [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Boozman (R-AR), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen oversight of women Veterans’ health care and improve access to the services and resources they need. The Veterans’ Outcomes, Inclusion, Care, and Experience (VOICE) for Women Veterans Act would modernize an annual report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so legislators, the VA and Veteran advocates have a comprehensive reference to drive change and resolve issues affecting the care and benefits women Veterans have earned and deserve. “Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform. For all they’ve sacrificed for our country, we owe it to our women heroes to ensure the VA is equipped to provide them the high-quality, tailored care that they have earned through their service,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation would require the VA to take a deep look at how well female Veterans are actually being served and how we can improve health outcomes. As the primary health care home for Veterans, this comprehensive review at the VA is long overdue to better care for the fastest growing Veteran group in the country.” “Women veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and they deserve access to the quality care and resources they have earned. As we look to improve the quality of care for women veterans in Arkansas and across the country, we must ensure the VA gathers the data and information necessary to identify gaps, address challenges and improve health outcomes. This bipartisan legislation will help strengthen accountability and ensure women veterans receive the care and support they are owed,” said Boozman. This bill is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. T… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-trump-for-targeting-military-families-for-deportation Duckworth Slams Trump for Targeting Military Families for Deportation 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Donald Trump and his Administration for targeting military families in their extreme immigration enforcement campaign, arguing that their efforts are hurting military readiness, morale and national security. Appearing at a press conference beside other Veterans, military family members and advocates, Duckworth stressed how the Administration’s tactics are not only inhumane, but also send an unacceptable message to the brave servicemembers currently fighting in Trump’s war of choice and to future recruits. Key quotes from Duckworth’s remarks can be found below and the full livestream can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. Key Quotes: “It’s a betrayal to our heroes to have a family member detained or deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend. No servicemember should be forced to choose between fulfilling their military obligations and protecting their families. And with fewer and fewer people enlisting as the years go on, we should be celebrating every person who serves, including their families who sacrifice so much to support them…I’m here today to call out that five-time draft-dodging coward for dodging his most sacred responsibility: honoring those who were actually brave enough to serve.” “The Trump Administration’s actions are inhumane, and they’re disastrous from a national security perspective. We don’t need our troops who are heading into a firefight to be worried about whether their husband or wife is going to get picked up on the streets, leaving their toddler in foster care…What does any of that do to our military’s morale? To our national strength? To our reenlistment numbers? What message does any of that send to our troops—or to our enemies?” “I’m grateful that last spring I was able to help secure the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after she was arrested with no warrant and no explanation. But she should never have been in that situation in the first place…There are countless other ‘De… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-introduces-care-for-moms-act-to-address-maternal-mortality Durbin Introduces Care For Moms Act To Address Maternal Mortality 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The CARE for Moms Act is a comprehensive solution to the crisis of mortality and morbidity among American mothers, particularly Black mothers WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) for Moms Act as maternal mortality and morbidity continues to rise across the United States, disproportionately impacting Black women. The CARE for Moms Act builds upon Durbin’s MOMMA Act, a provision of which was passed as part of the American Rescue Plan. The provision ensured that states had the option to expand Medicaid coverage to new moms from 60 days postpartum to a full year postpartum. Illinois was the first state to do so. U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced companion legislation in the House. “In the U.S., Black women are three times more likely to die as a result of their pregnancy. It is unacceptable that in this country we are losing mothers and their babies to deaths that could have been prevented with the right interventions and health care,” said Durbin. “We must act to address this national tragedy. I’m introducing the CARE for Moms Act to provide more comprehensive and culturally competent maternal and postpartum health care for mothers, especially women of color, and their babies.” The CARE for Moms Act supports the maternal health workforce, promotes access to prenatal and postpartum care, and provides the resources that moms and babies need to thrive. The legislation includes provisions to: Establish a State-Based Perinatal Quality Collaborative Grant Program; Establish Regional Centers of Excellence to tackle implicit bias and promote cultural competence among health professionals; Support federal efforts to grow and diversify the doula workforce; Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in all 50 states; Establish grants for Rural Obstetric Mobile Units; Require 90-day prior notification to HHS for hospital obstetric unit closure; Extend Medicaid and CHIP to Oral Health Coverage to pre… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-peters-release-gao-report-detailing-reckless-expansion-of-immigration-detention-under-trump Durbin, Reed, Peters Release GAO Report Detailing Reckless Expansion Of Immigration Detention Under Trump 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senators release damning findings on rushed efforts to expand unsuitable immigration detention facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), led the release of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) newly-completed report examining the Trump Administration’s flawed immigration detention expansion, including ill-conceived plans to convert warehouses to detention facilities, and waste and performance issues at facilities such as Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay. GAO found that despite unprecedented funding, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has wasted and will continue to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on immigration detention expansion efforts due to a failure to appropriately plan for facilities that would meet immigration detention standards. The Senators asked GAO to investigate detention expansion at the start of this Administration due to concerns of deteriorating conditions in detention facilities across the country. This is the second installment on the effects of rapid expansion after GAO’s scathing report about the Department of Defense and ICE detention facility on Fort Bliss, Camp East Montana. “This report has uncovered more of what we’ve come to expect from the Trump Administration—cavalier and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars without any benefit to the American people. Remember when Donald Trump promised to get rid of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ in Washington? Well, GAO now has exposed a shocking pattern of waste within the Administration’s unconscionable mass deportation campaign,” said Durbin. “The American people have rightfully expressed outrage at its detention expansion and enforcement policies, and it’s time to hold DHS … 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-chairman-grassley-to-hold-a-hearing-to-investigate-donald-trump-jr-accepting-a-lavish-gift-from-a-russian-oligarch Durbin Urges Chairman Grassley To Hold A Hearing To Investigate Donald Trump Jr. Accepting A Lavish Gift from A Russian Oligarch 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’s (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’s letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch. During his opening, Durbin reiterated that the Committee could take up the investigation during the lame duck session—rebutting Republicans’ statements that there is not enough time in the year. Key Quotes: “As I told the Chairman privately, I support Senator Curtis’s request. Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup. Hunter Biden, who has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue twice, has offered to appear before the Committee voluntarily.” “Some claim that it’s too late in the year to investigate. Come on. This is September. Putting together the questions for a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. is not going to take more than a week, is it?... Republicans are about to take a six-week recess from the people’s business, but we have staff who can conduct a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden and we can hold a hearing when the Senate reconvenes in November.” “Yesterday, the Chairman tried to justify ignoring Senator Curtis’s request by claiming the Democrats failed to conduct oversight during the Biden Administration. Not true. When I was Chair of the Committee, we held regular oversight hearings over the Justice Department, FBI, and DHS. And I frequently criticized the Biden Administration and compelled Biden officials… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-durbin-raskin-padilla-press-dhs-secretary-on-refugee-admission-during-refugee-consultation-with-congress Ranking Members Durbin, Raskin, Padilla Press DHS Secretary On Refugee Admission During Refugee Consultation With Congress 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Trump Administration provided minimal details on a plan to abandon American values and focus solely on admitting more white-only Afrikaner refugees WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration; and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, yesterday pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration’s uncertain refugee policies during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting occurred as the Trump Administration announced a plan to welcome up to 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next year. During the meeting, Durbin urged Secretary Mullin to process more refugees from around the world, including our Afghan allies stranded abroad. “The Trump Administration’s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,” said Durbin. “Although we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration’s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore our longstanding asylum policies and admit lawful refugees—including the Afghan allies who served alongside our troops abroad.” “Yesterday’s consultation reinforces our sense that the Administration has turned America’s traditional refugee program into a whites-only airplane ride for South African Afrikaners into Trump’s America. Afghan allies who risked their lives fighting alongside our troops, religious minorities facing intensified persecution in Iran and tens of thousands of approved and pre-vetted refugees flee… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hosts-we-cant-afford-this-telephone-town-hall Duckworth Hosts “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Tonight, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted a telephone town hall to hear firsthand how Illinois families are enduring higher grocery, gas and health care costs. During her “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall, Duckworth discussed the devastating consequences that Trump’s Medicaid cuts, tariffs and ongoing illegal war are having on their wallets. She also highlighted her ongoing work to hold the Trump Administration accountable while supporting Illinois families and protecting the essential programs they rely on. “Grocery bills, energy bills and health care bills are piling up. From Elgin to Romeoville to Chicago, families all across Illinois are telling me the same thing: ‘We can’t afford this,’” said Senator Duckworth. “Donald Trump promised families he would lower costs and protect their wallets, but instead, he has delivered a cratered economy where Illinoisans are getting left behind. Families deserve better, and I’m laser-focused on doing everything I can to lower costs, protect access to health care and hold this Administration accountable. The damage Republicans have done will take more than a repair job—we need a top-to-bottom renovation that puts families first.” The average Illinois household has paid more than $4,200 in higher costs for everyday essentials under the Trump Administration, including an additional $1,091 on housing costs, $310 for groceries and approximately $654 more in gas costs. Earlier this month, Duckworth hosted a roundtable discussion with local Quad Cities leaders to discuss how they can address what too many Americans are feeling every day: “We Can’t Afford This.” Over the summer, Duckworth also hosted a telephone town hall and a listening session alongside U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) focusing on the devastating consequences of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” one year later, including cuts that jeopardize health care, food assistance and economic security for thousands of Illinoisans. -30- 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-durbin-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project Duckworth Joins Durbin, Great Lakes Senators in Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses of the Brandon Road Project 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement. “We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.” The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp. “While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north… If invasive carp were to become esta… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-backs-senator-curtis-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr Durbin Backs Senator Curtis’ Call For Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr. 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “We have enough resources, staff, and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition, to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’ (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’ letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch. “[Senator John Curtis] sent a letter raising a question as to whether there has been a violation of ethical standards at the highest level of our government. Now, John showed real courage in doing this. As a Republican to say anything critical of the Trump Administration is a risk. But he’s been a brave man, and he’s a man of principle. What he called on is for Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and myself, as [the] Ranking Democratic Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to have an investigation and hearing [into] Donald Trump Jr.’s recent wedding, where he received lavish gifts from a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin. This sort of thing cannot be allowed to happen without some response from Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee is the place to start,” said Durbin. “There are those who argue we only have a few months left in this year. Well, let me tell you something: we’re not overworking ourselves during those few months. We have enough resources and staff and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony,” Durbin continued. “Now, in fairness, Senator Curtis also asked the same of Hunter Biden. To be fair to Hunter Biden, who has already responded by saying he’s willing to a… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-denounces-judiciary-committee-republicans-hearing-on-transgender-athletes Durbin Denounces Judiciary Committee Republicans’ Hearing On Transgender Athletes 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senate Republicans and Republican witnesses spent hearing attacking the very existence of trans kids instead of addressing critical issues before the Committee’s jurisdiction WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on transgender athletes in his opening statement. Durbin noted that he refuses to treat this hearing like a responsible exercise of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s authority. And therefore, he will not ask questions and did not call Democratic witnesses. Key Quotes: “If you ask the American people, what are the priority issues you hope Congress will address as soon as possible, the issue of this hearing would not be in the top 10, maybe not the top 20.” “People are concerned about the cost of living. They are concerned about the ability to pay for the college education of their kids. They are concerned about their utility bills. They are concerned about their grocery bills. They want to know what we are doing about it. The President has dismissed these concerns and said he doesn’t want to talk about affordability.” “If you ask people where we should be focusing if we want to help children and make sure they are protected, I think they would start off by saying ,‘how are we going to get these damn cellphones out of their hands.’” “We took this issue on because young people and their families are being exploited today. The social media firms stonewall and try to keep us from doing anything. But we have passed several major bills on a bipartisan basis in this Committee to protect children from the harms of these social media platforms. But for some reason, the bills never move on the floor. And the control of floor traffic is in the hands of the Republican Leader.” “We had a hearing when I was Chair several years ago, and the hearing invited the CEOs of the major companies. We had the CEOs from Meta, [Discord, X,] TikTok, and Snap… why aren’t those CEOs back again? … it is st… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-we-have-got-to-find-a-way-to-balance-privacy-and-security Durbin in Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras: “We Have Got To Find A Way To Balance Privacy And Security” 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In his opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, Durbin spoke about the need to adopt guardrails on Automated License Plate Reader technology to protect Americans’ right to privacy WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” In his opening remarks, Durbin spoke about the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans. Durbin also referenced the story of a witness in today’s hearing, Lindsey Isaacs, who was wrongfully arrested and spent 13 days in jail on eight felony charges for a crime she did not commit. She was jailed after a Flock camera misidentified her car, yet it took seven months for the case against Ms. Isaacs to be thrown out. Key Quotes: “For the Flock CEO, obviously they are nervous about being on camera, but I wish they would have joined us today. It would be interesting to hear their explanation.” “The collection of information and data is what it’s all about these days… Hard to imagine, but that [personal] information is being sold and collected constantly.” “I support law enforcement… We trust them with keeping us safe in our homes and in our businesses. We also value privacy.” “We also know that as we look at the information being gathered, this is nothing new. The volume of the undertaking is not new. The state of Illinois has had an ALPR, an Automated License Plate Reader, as part of their state effort to catch people on the tollway who don’t pay their fair share. It’s been around for a long time. It’s been used to locate people that … 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shares-153rd-dreamer-story-on-the-senate-floor Durbin Shares 153rd Dreamer Story On The Senate Floor 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “I may be leaving the Senate in a few months, but I am not leaving this fight [for Dreamers].” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared his 153rd Dreamer story. During his time in Congress, Durbin has continuously shared stories of Dreamers—young people who have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. Under current law, there is no pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. “For 25 years, I have come to the Senate floor with a simple request—for Congress to protect children who know no other home than the United States of America. I first made this request after I heard from a constituent—a young high school graduate in Chicago and a brilliant piano prodigy. She was brought to the United States when she was only two years old and didn’t know how to fill out her college applications because of her undocumented status. I couldn’t believe our nation had no path to citizenship for young people like her, so I introduced a bill to change that,” said Durbin. Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001. The Dream Act is bipartisan legislation that would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. This Congress, Durbin introduced the bill with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “I have pushed for this legislation to make them [Dreamers] legal in the eyes of the law—to be included in bipartisan legislation like the 2013 ‘Gang of Eight’ immigration bill, which passed the Senate with 68 votes. Over the years, the Dream Act passed the Senate, and it has passed the House of Representatives, but never at the same time so that we could send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law. As I near the end of my time in the Senate, Congress continues to fai… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-witnesses-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-and-protecting-americans-right-to-privacy Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras & Protecting Americans’ Right To Privacy 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” Today’s hearing examined the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), including Flock cameras, that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans. Durbin began his questioning by asking Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel for ACLU, about how data collected by Flock cameras could be used during the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation campaign. “We are concerned in Illinois with Operation Midway Blitz, where ICE and the Department of Homeland Security came into our state and started looking for people to deport… It turned out that the majority of people they were deporting were not committing any crimes. Our state passed a law which limits law enforcement from using Flock data for immigration purposes. Have you heard of such laws in other states?” Durbin asked Mr. Marlow. Mr. Marlow explained that while some states have laws limiting the use of Flock data for immigration purposes, federal law supersedes those laws. As a result, if a federal agency were to present a judicial warrant or administrative subpoena, any state would be required to comply. Further, one actor within a state government who has access to a data-sharing database could easily search and release information on someone else’s behalf. Durbin then asked Alasdair Whitney, legislative counsel for the Institute for Justice, about how warrants could prevent federal agencies from unconstitutionally obtaining information through the use of Flock cameras. “Mr. Whitney, I heard your testimony, saying the answer is a warrant. A warrant is certainly reco… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-at-center-for-american-progress-by-praising-xi-trump-is-leaving-american-consumers-and-our-indo-pacific-partners-behind Duckworth at Center for American Progress: “By Praising Xi, Trump is Leaving American Consumers and Our Indo-Pacific Partners Behind” 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Just two days ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping at the White House, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) outlined the stakes of this Trump-Xi summit and the impact it will have on our national security, our economy and our partners in the Indo-Pacific region. At the Center for American Progress (CAP), Duckworth shared her firsthand takeaways from her official trips this year to Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore where top government, defense and economic leaders told her how Trump’s reckless trade wars and defense policies are hurting them, leaving them feeling left behind as Trump embraces President Xi, who continues to engage in economic coercion and aggression. Full video of the event can be found on CAP’s YouTube and photos from the event can be found on the Senator’s website. “President Trump is fundamentally unable to manage the United States’ relationship with the People’s Republic of China,” said Senator Duckworth, a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC). “A successful bilateral relationship doesn’t look like chaotic tariffs, leaving American farmers devastated, throwing our allies under the bus to cozy up to dictators and creating more challenges for Americans. It looks like protecting Americans from economic coercion and instability, finalizing real commitments on AI, protecting human rights and maintaining our advantages in the areas that matter the most while building our national security—not sacrificing all of these, which Trump continues to do.” During the event, Duckworth underscored the importance of being a reliable partner to our friends in the Indo-Pacific who are facing PRC coercion, emphasizing the need to secure our supply chains and protect American consumers. She pointed to the President’s reckless tariffs and illegal war as examples of how supply chain insecurity can impact our economy. The Senator also stressed that regional … 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-president-trump-to-push-for-release-of-chinese-political-prisoners-during-meetings-with-president-xi-jinping-this-week Durbin Calls On President Trump To Push For Release Of Chinese Political Prisoners During Meetings With President Xi Jinping This Week 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Ekpar Asat WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor advocating for the release of several Chinese political prisoners ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States this week. Specifically, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who was reportedly imprisoned as retaliation for her family’s public criticism of the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs; Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai; Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, who were imprisoned for serving as church leaders; and Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur. Beginning his remarks, Durbin noted the tension between the U.S. and Chinese governments, but he spoke about the need for both nations’ leaders to discuss the evolution of AI, nuclear proliferation, and global economic stability. “The meeting between the leaders of our two countries is important and timely. Both nations have a great deal to discuss, including areas of shared concern and disagreement,” Durbin began. “Our nations have many areas of shared concern, including the dangers of AI, North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change and energy supplies, global economic stability, and reduced tensions in and around the South Pacific,” Durbin said. “We undoubtedly have points of continued disagreement on issues such as the future of Taiwan, Chinese harassment of allies, the war in Ukraine, economic espionage, and stemming fentanyl precursors from being exported by China, and of course, basic political freedoms and human rights.” In May, the Senate unanimously passed Durbin’s bipartisan resolution calling for the release of several political prisoners in China, including Pastor Ezra Jin. “Not long after [Durbin’s resolution was passed], and with the assistance of President Trump, Pastor Ezra Jin was released after 266 days in a Chinese prison for the ‘crime’ of opera… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-sounds-the-alarm-on-trumps-attacks-on-a-free-and-open-press Durbin Sounds The Alarm On Trump’s Attacks On A Free & Open Press 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “President Trump has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called out President Trump banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds because of his personal disagreements with their coverage. The three news outlets have filed a First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access. “If a person walks the halls of the United States Capitol, there is a pretty good chance that you will bump into a reporter. They are seemingly around every corner, with their phones out, ready to ask your opinion on a recent statement or the news of the day. Those of us who serve in this chamber have become used to their presence—and their many, many questions,” Durbin said. “While we may bristle when they press us, we know that these journalists serve an indispensable purpose: they shine a light on the Senate, and they keep the American people informed about their government. The work these reporters perform is a great service to our nation—one that deserves our thanks.” Durbin continued, “Yet you won’t hear that kind of gratitude coming out of the Trump White House. Since President Trump returned to the Oval Office, he has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.” Durbin noted that last year, after the Associated Press refused to use the President’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, he barred the organization from the Oval Office and Air Force One. At the same time, President Trump launched an unprecedented number of baseless defamation suits against respected news outlets for their factual reporting on his failed businesses, relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. “This ban is unconstitutional retaliation for factual reporting. It is something you would expect to read about in the communist Russia days… or perhaps … 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr Durbin Statement On Call for Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr. 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) calling for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests: “Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. Senator Curtis has made a good faith request that the Senate Judiciary Committee investigate the lavish gift of a Russian oligarch to President Trump’s son as well as any wrongdoing by the son of former President Biden. “In fairness, Hunter Biden has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue of corrupt activity. Donald Trump Jr. has not. For the Committee to ignore this matter is to run the risk of being complicit in a coverup. I will join in supporting Senator Curtis’ request of the Senate Judiciary Committee.” -30- 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-young-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning Durbin, Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Children From Lead Poisoning 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to update its lead poisoning prevention measures WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today reintroduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to update its lead poisoning prevention measures to reflect modern science and ensure that families and children living in federally-assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning. “Children should not be at risk from lead poisoning in their own home. We have to do more to address this health hazard before it harms more kids,” Durbin said. “Senator Young and I are leading the push to reform outdated federal housing standards and put additional prevention measures in place. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our children.” “All children deserve the opportunity to grow up without the fear of harmful toxins in their home, but sadly lead exposure continues to be an ongoing problem for millions of children with devastating long-term effects. The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act will help ensure the health and safety of our children by improving federal lead poisoning detection and prevention measures,” said Young. Lead hazards in a home pose serious health and safety threats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead hazards such as dust and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children. A 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that lead-based paint is in 34.6 million U.S. homes, 89 percent of which were built before 1978––the year lead-based paint use in housing was banned in the United States. While the available science for detecting and remediating lead hazards in a home has evolved significantly in the last two decades, federal laws and regu… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians Duckworth Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)— led a bipartisan group of 30 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the Senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them. Along with Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Mu… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-leads-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project Durbin Leads Great Lakes Senators In Demanding Answers On Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses Of The Brandon Road Project 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In today’s letter, the Senators emphasized that the Brandon Road Project Interbasin Project cannot be halted again as invasive carp have been found dangerously close to Lake Michigan WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), today sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement. “We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.” The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp. “While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great … 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-schumer-call-on-airlines-to-guarantee-that-emergency-medical-kits-aboard-their-commercial-planes-include-life-saving-epinephrine Duckworth, Schumer Call on Airlines to Guarantee That Emergency Medical Kits Aboard Their Commercial Planes Include Life-Saving Epinephrine 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The Senators’ push comes after the FAA proposed a rule that wouldn’t require epinephrine delivery methods designed for self-administration on every flight, jeopardizing passenger safety [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—and U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today called on every U.S.-based passenger airline to guarantee that the emergency medical kit (EMK) kept on-board their aircraft include epinephrine—a life-saving medication to treat passengers who go into anaphylactic shock—in delivery methods designed that can be easily self-administered by individuals without medical training. The Senators’ letter comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule that wouldn’t require medications to be standard, consistent and dependable for passengers in need on commercial flights. In the landmark FAA Reauthorization Law that she co-authored, Duckworth successfully secured a provision which required the FAA to ensure commercial airlines have adequate emergency medical kits on-board to treat conditions like anaphylaxis. And yet, the FAA’s proposed rule would not require them to carry epinephrine, the only medication that reliably treats this medical emergency. “The Trump Administration’s proposed rule will reduce public safety and trust when flying by increasing ambiguity, subjectivity and opacity with respect to EMK components,” wrote the Senators. “There have already been reports of incomplete, outdated and unusable EMKs, with some physician passengers being forced to crowdsource medication from passengers. Further, airlines are not required to publicly or centrally report the real-time inventory and exact contents of their EMKs and have continued to operate under exemptions granted from the FAA for years.” Without EMKs containing epinephrine delivery methods that can be easily self-administered, like auto-injectors or nasal sprays, passengers experiencing anaphylaxis must rely on carryin… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-new-reports-of-pentagon-covering-up-more-troop-casualties-in-iran-war-duckworth-and-ryan-call-on-congress-to-pass-their-bill-to-ban-pentagon-from-manipulating-casualty-records Following New Reports of Pentagon Covering Up More Troop Casualties in Iran War, Duckworth and Ryan Call on Congress to Pass Their Bill to Ban Pentagon from Manipulating Casualty Records 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The lawmakers’ call comes after the Washington Post reported that 22 servicemembers have been killed in the Iran War, not 18 servicemembers as the Pentagon previously disclosed [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following new reports that the Pentagon has covered up 4 additional American servicemember deaths in President Donald Trump’s Iran War, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY-18)—both Iraq War combat Veterans—are calling on Congress to pass their legislation that would prevent the Trump Administration from continuing to do this. The lawmakers’ Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act would ban Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our military families. “Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are proving once again they will stop at nothing to hide the true cost of this war from the American people. Reports now indicate as many as 22 of our servicemembers have laid down their lives fighting in a conflict we never should’ve been in. And instead of honoring their sacrifice and telling the truth, this Administration is trying to cover it up in attempt to cover up what a failure they are ahead of an election,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “We’ve been here before. Trump tried to hide the deaths of four of our heroes nearly 2 months ago, which is why I wrote the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act and called for its passage then. Now that it’s clear they’ll keep this up, Congressional Republicans must join us and help immediately pass our legislation to put a stop to this dishonorable playbook for good. Our fallen heroes deserve better than a five-time draft dodger who manipulates their sacrifices this way.” “Pete Hegseth is engaged in a coverup to downplay his failed leadership when it comes to the war in Iran. We now know that 22 servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellow soldiers. Instead of honoring their heroism and Patriotism, Trump and Hegseth are trying to sweep it under the rug. They… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-senate-democrats-call-on-hegseth-to-report-total-costs-of-iran-war Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Democrats Call on Hegseth to Report Total Costs of Iran War 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and 43 of their colleagues, nearly the entire Democratic caucus, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the Senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” The United States is now more than seven months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the Senators note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. In their letter, the Senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The Senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page su… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-smart-td-leadership-about-funding-illinois-transit-projects Durbin Meets With SMART-TD Leadership About Funding Illinois Transit Projects 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Bob Guy, SMART-TD Illinois State Safety and Legislative Director, and other SMART-TD leaders, about the need for a robust surface transportation reauthorization to continue the critical funding programs and infrastructure projects supported by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Durbin and SMART-TD also spoke about the need for greater rail safety measures. “Our rail workers serve an integral role in our state’s economy, keeping our transit systems in top shape so they can deliver for riders. The federal government can do its part to support our union workers and our transit systems by pushing for a robust surface transportation reauthorization and greater rail safety improvements,” Durbin said. Photos of the meeting are available here. -30- 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-pouring-money-into-the-defense-department-as-it-continues-to-cut-lifesaving-nih-funding Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Pouring Money Into The Defense Department As It Continues To Cut Lifesaving NIH Funding 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The agreement between DoD and NIH could transfer as much as $2 billion from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases WASHINGTON – Following an announced agreement to transfer funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) slammed the Trump Administration for their misplaced priorities by seeking to divert lifesaving funding from the NIH to the Pentagon. “There are a lot of issues that come before us in Congress, and there are a lot of political opinions on those issues. What I have found over the years is that there are few issues that transcend politics—medical research is one of those issues. It’s a situation where I don’t care if the researcher, scientist, or doctor is a Democrat or Republican, or even votes. I want to know if they are doing worthwhile research that can lead to cures [and] can save lives,” Durbin said. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY2015 to $49 billion today. Last year, the President’s budget sought to cut NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or $18 billion. Thankfully, the Senate rejected that proposal and instead increased funding for the NIH. Unfortunately, due to President Trump’s continued attacks on medical research, this funding remains in jeopardy. Durbin said, “The agreement sets up a path for the Department of Defense and the NIH to collaborate on chemical and biological defense research and development. That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Of course it is. But who is going to pay for it? Who’s going to pay for this research? The Department of Defense that has $1 trillion annual budget, or is it the NIH, an agency that struggles at $49 billion to fight off cuts in the budget proposed by the President? If you guessed the NIH, you’re right.” The so-ca… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-withholding-air-traffic-controllers-pay-raise Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Withholding Air Traffic Controllers’ Pay Raise 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In April, Congress authorized a 3.8 percent pay raise for all air traffic controllers, but the Trump Administration is wrongfully delaying the implementation of the full raise WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the Trump Administration for refusing to deliver air traffic controllers’ congressionally authorized 3.8 percent pay raise because Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford argued that more controller productivity needs to be “unlocked.” In his remarks, Durbin underscored that air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping fliers safe and that withholding their promised pay raise only exacerbates the stressful conditions that air traffic controllers already face. Durbin began his remarks by commending air traffic controllers on their commitment to the safety of air travelers. Despite Congress authorizing a 3.8 percent pay increase for air traffic controllers, they have only received the 1 percent pay increase authorized for all government employees. “Later this afternoon, I’ll take an airplane ride from Washington to Chicago… Once again, as I’ve done thousands of times, I will entrust my safety and my future and my survival to a competent air crew, as well as the air traffic controllers of America. It is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. They work six-day weeks. Unfortunately, there’s been proposals that they should not receive the pay raise that was promised,” Durbin said. The Trump Administration is directly responsible for withholding the promised pay raise, and Administration officials have gone so far as to publicly admit they are blocking its implementation. “This wasn’t a mere oversight. It was intentional, and the Administration admitted it. In a recent interview, the FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, was asked what was delaying this payment to the air traffic controllers. He told the reporter, the Administration needs to ‘unlock more productivity,’ and that the data reg… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blackburn-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-emergency-communication-technology-that-could-help-save-lives-passes-committee Duckworth-Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Communication Technology That Could Help Save Lives Passes Committee 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) that would improve emergency communication technology that could help save lives. The bipartisan ITS Codification Act would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which currently serves as the research and engineering laboratory at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to help locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited. The House companion bill, led by U.S. Representatives “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-7), passed the House by voice vote in July 2025. The legislation will now be considered by the full Senate. “When people are in crisis and find themselves trapped in confined spaces, how quickly our first responders are able to conduct search and rescue often depends on these workers’ access to modern, reliable technology to save precious time,” said Duckworth. “Now that our bipartisan legislation has passed committee, the Senate must pass it swiftly so we can help ensure our first responders have the technology they need to save lives.” “America’s leadership in wireless technology depends on making the most efficient use of our spectrum resources,” said Blackburn. “The ITS Codification Act will strengthen the research and engineering capabilities that help us identify new opportunities for spectrum sharing, support commercial innovation, and protect critical federal missions. This bill also helps ensure our first responders have access to reliable, cutting-edge communications technology when every second counts. I’m pleased the Commerce Committee advanced this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move quickly through the Senate.” This legislation comes at a time when Illinois leads the United… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing1 Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in which he slammed President Trump and the Trump Administration for the blatant weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Today’s Committee hearing will consider the nominations of Daniel Ballou, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Richard Bennett, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Courtney Coker, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas; Trevor Pemberton, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Kyle Reardon, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska; and Zachary West, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Key Quotes: “Historically, the Justice Department has been afforded a presumption of regularity, meaning that courts presume that an [Assistant U.S. Attorney’s] representations can be trusted—deference not afforded to many private litigants.” “But the Justice Department under this President and Attorney General has upended this presumption of regularity by weaponizing the Department of Justice to protect the President and his followers and target anyone who dares to cross him.” “As a result, federal judges across the country, even those appointed by Presidents of the Republican Party, have found that the Justice Department has made misrepresentations to the court—an egregious act for any officer of the court, let alone a federal prosecutor. From January 2025 to March 2026, judges in at least 90 cases stated on the record that they distrusted the Justice Department’s representations.” “With the midterms fast approaching, the Trump Administration is using the vast resources of the Justice Department to politicize the agency and interfere with the election. Look no further than Attorney General Blanche’s speech last week at the Republican… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-honored-by-healing-our-waters-great-lakes-coalition Durbin Honored By Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The organization presented Durbin with artwork in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, an organization made up of more than 200 environmental, conservation, outdoor-recreation, and community organizations focused on restoring and protecting our Great Lakes. During their meeting, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition presented Durbin with an art piece in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes. Durbin reflected on his work with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has provided more than $4 billion in the past 16 years for projects that restore habitat, fight invasive species, clean up toxic pollution, and reduce pollution runoff. Because of the Initiative’s advocacy, Illinois has received more than $300 million in federal funding for nearly 300 projects. “The Great Lakes is one of the Midwest’s most valuable resources, and I take seriously the commitment to preserve its beauty,” Durbin said. “I’m grateful to the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition for being my partner in championing projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect the Great Lakes for future generations to enjoy.” A photo from the meeting is available here. -30- 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-united-counties-council-of-illinois Durbin Meets With United Counties Council Of Illinois 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday met with the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI)—a delegation of roughly 40 county-elected officials—to discuss the importance of expanding access to SNAP benefits, measures to ensure Social Security solvency, and the implications of data centers throughout Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and UCCI members spoke about the importance of a robust surface transportation reauthorization to ensure that Illinois transportation projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can continue. “Our government is at its best when our local, state, and federal officials are working together. I hosted county officials from across Illinois for a conversation about how our federal government can support counties in achieving our shared goals,” Durbin said. Photos of the meeting is available here. Counties with representatives at the meeting include: Bond County Boone County Bureau County Calhoun County Champaign County Henry County Iroquois County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Kane County Kankakee County Kendall County Lee County Livingston County Logan County Madison County Ogle County Peoria County Saline County Stephenson County Will County Williamson County -30- 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing1 Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Durbin first questioned Judge Daniel Ballou, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, about his concerning comments involving specialty courts. Judge Ballou called specialty courts, such as drug courts, “social engineering,” and claimed they were “doing great harm by validating and encouraging excuse making and promoting a lack of accountability.” During his questioning, Durbin noted he disagrees with Judge Ballou’s views on specialty courts. Department of Justice and Government Accountability Office research has shown that drug treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism, save costs for the criminal justice system, and reduce drug use. “Can you explain that [Judge Ballou’s past statements on specialty courts]?” Durbin asked. Judge Ballou doubled down on his previous comments about specialty courts and noted they are “avenues for excuse makings.” Durbin then asked Judge Trevor Pemberton, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Zachary West, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, about their anti-abortion records. In 2022 and 2023, Mr. West defended Oklahoma’s draconian abortion restrictions before the Oklahoma Supreme Court—including limitations on medication abortion and a law that would have prohibited nearly all abortions, even if the life of the mother was at stake. Judge Pemberton called this same Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, where a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy to preserve her life, “remarkably troubling.” “Can you explain today your thoughts on that issue—and whether there should be an exception to save the life of the pregnant mother?” Durbin asked. Mr. West deflected Durbin’s question by stating the topic of abortion is a “political debate.” “Judge Pemberton, you said that you… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-lead-illinois-lawmakers-in-urging-president-trump-to-grant-major-disaster-declaration-for-illinois-counties-following-severe-weather Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Lawmakers In Urging President Trump To Grant Major Disaster Declaration For Illinois Counties Following Severe Weather 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth today led all members of the Illinois delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to help Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties recover from severe storm damage. During the period of August 11-16, severe storms—including tornadoes, straight-line winds, and a derecho—crossed the state, resulting in serious damage to Illinoisans’ homes and businesses. Today’s letter comes after the Trump Administration twice rejected FEMA aid for Illinois storm victims impacted by severe weather in summer 2025. The Trump Administration offered no serious justification for the repeated rejections. In their letter, the lawmakers request immediate support for Illinois for August’s storms, emphasizing that the severity of damage justifies swift assistance from the federal government. Notably, FEMA has already approved a major disaster declaration request from the Indiana state government for the same storm system, which swept through both Illinois and Indiana in August. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-duckworth-push-dod-inspector-general-releases-first-quarterly-iran-war-report After Duckworth Push, DoD Inspector General Releases First Quarterly Iran War Report 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-IL) push, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), as the Lead OIG on the war, released its first quarterly watchdog report on Operation Epic Fury after Duckworth called for and then secured Inspector General (IG) oversight of Donald Trump’s costly, illegal war against Iran. The report details how the first four months of this war, ending in June, cost American taxpayers a whopping $33.7 billion dollars—including $22 billion spent on munitions alone and $184 million in damages from Iranian strikes on U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Middle East. “For the first time in nearly eight months, the American people finally have an official glimpse into the cost of this disastrous war—and it is jaw-dropping. On top of the financial pain being inflicted on middle-class pocketbooks, this report sheds new light on how this illegal war is making all Americans less safe by draining our military resources and hollowing out the diplomatic footprint that we sorely need at full strength to end this war. And make no mistake: this report is still a gross underestimate of the grand total that taxpayers are already on the hook for. “Our servicemembers are exhausted, our munitions are depleted, our diplomatic capabilities have been wrecked and 18 of our troops will never come home. The American people deserve transparency about how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and how their national security is being weakened by this quagmire that is leaving them worse off. “No matter how hard the Administration tries to keep us in the dark, I will keep demanding answers, accountability and an end to Trump’s costly war of choice.” The DoD OIG’s first quarterly report is the first government accounting to pull together, across Federal agencies, the costs, scope and scale of the opening silos of Trump’s disastrous war, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 brave servicemembers. The report illuminates exactly how Donald Trump’s reckless, unjustified w… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-more-than-66-million-for-illinois-airport-improvements Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $66 Million for Illinois Airport Improvements 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $66,345,494 in federal funding for infrastructure improvements at various airports across the state. This funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration will help improve taxiways, accommodate more passengers and make travelling through Illinois airports safer and more efficient. “Illinois’s airports not only keep passengers moving, but they also connect our communities, support local businesses and provide good jobs for families across the state,” Duckworth said. “This investment will help grow, modernize and expand our airports across the state. Together, we will keep working alongside our local leaders to advocate for federal funding that will make our skies safer, make traveling easier and support economic development across Illinois.” “Illinoisans rely on our airports to stay connected to loved ones, to travel for work, and to explore the best of the Midwest,” Durbin said. “Investing in our airports means better, safer service for Illinois’ travelers, so with this funding from FAA, our airports can expand their runways, improve safety, and deliver for fliers.” Recipients of funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grant Program include: Illinois State Block Grant Program (Statewide): $28,540,776 St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $11,020,583 St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $68,400 DuPage Airport (West Chicago): $250,800 Lansing Municipal Airport (Lansing): $1,449,196 Lewis University Airport (Romeoville): $3,267,881 State of Illinois (Statewide): $1,896,372 Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (Mascoutah): $1,149,763 Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago): $5,475,808 Quad Cities International Airport (Moline): $210,045 Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (Marion): $1,176,548 Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield): $11,839,322 -30- 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grills-director-patel-on-record-of-failed-leadership-at-fbi-in-senate-judiciary-committee-oversight-hearing Durbin Grills Director Patel On Record Of Failed Leadership At FBI In Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper During the hearing, Director Patel deflected Durbin’s questions by denying that federal agents shot Chicagoan Marimar Martinez; refusing to comment on whether there are investigations into fraud perpetrated by Trump Admin officials; and misrepresenting the change in FBI hiring standards WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight of the FBI. During the hearing, Durbin grilled Director Patel on the Trump Administration’s destructive and violent immigration enforcement campaigns; the gutting of FBI hiring standards; his role in covering up the Epstein files; and the perpetration of rampant corruption and fraud within the Trump Administration. Durbin began by pressing Director Patel about his failure to acknowledge that federal agents acted inappropriately during Operation Midway Blitz and Operation Metro Surge, in which multiple U.S. citizens were shot or killed by federal agents. Rather than follow protocol, Director Patel dismissed the incidents and refused to properly open a federal civil rights investigation. “One year ago, my home state of Illinois was experiencing the beginning of a ruthless, reckless, deadly campaign orchestrated by this Administration known as ‘Midway Blitz.’ Masked federal agents armed with military grade weapons and unmarked vehicles descended on Chicago and other communities, bashing in car windows, indiscriminately rounding up people, deploying chemical agents, and shooting innocent people,” Durbin began. “A border patrol agent shot U.S. citizen and Chicago native Marimar Martinez five times after sideswiping her vehicle. She survived. After Ms. Martinez was shot, DHS [U.S. Department of Homeland Security] branded her as a domestic terrorist. A border patrol agent bragged about shooting her. And an FBI agent falsely claimed she chased a border patrol agent before she was shot.” “Dire… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kash-patel-is-the-least-qualified-and-most-partisan-fbi-director-in-our-nations-history-durbin-says-in-opening-statement-in-senate-judiciary-committee-fbi-oversight-hearing “Kash Patel Is The Least Qualified And Most Partisan FBI Director In Our Nation’s History,” Durbin Says In Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee FBI Oversight Hearing 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In his opening statement, Durbin criticized Director Patel’s failed leadership, citing his weaponization of the FBI, his involvement in covering up the Epstein files, his misuse of FBI resources, and more WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) featuring testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel. During his remarks, Durbin underscored that Americans are less safe with Kash Patel leading the FBI as he is far more concerned with weaponizing the agency against the President’s perceived political enemies while covering up the wrongdoings of President Trump’s allies. Further, Director Patel’s personal conduct—wasting and exploiting FBI resources and failing to account for when official business ends and personal recreation begins—has shown that he is a liability to national security. Key Quotes: “Let me say at the outset, that we just heard again, an introduction by the Chairman [Grassley] that gave reference to Crossfire Hurricane and a lot of things that are in the history of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over a year ago, all of the Democrats on this Committee said, ‘Stop giving these speeches, and bring the people before us to testify under oath as to what actually happened.’” “Jack Smith, the special counsel, who is a constant reference point when it comes to this ‘Grand Conspiracy,’ has volunteered for more than a year to appear before this Committee under oath and answer the questions. What more could we ask of him?” “Perhaps in a few weeks when we have been promised he will show up, they [Republicans] could start by explaining, why did you wait a year if we are talking about a ‘Grand Conspiracy?’ Jack Smith, the special counsel, will be under oath before this committee. Each of us will have a chance to ask pertinent questions to clear it up. For some reason, the … 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-chicago-duckworth-visits-illinois-quantum-and-microelectronics-park-to-highlight-illinoiss-leadership-in-quantum-innovation In Chicago, Duckworth Visits Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to Highlight Illinois’s Leadership in Quantum Innovation 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week visited Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) to tour the construction progress and meet with leaders from IQMP and PsiQuantum about opportunities to harness quantum innovation and strengthen national security. IQMP is a first-of-its-kind campus built to house a central base on Chicago’s South Side where quantum companies, researchers, manufacturers and suppliers can come together to tackle challenges in healthcare, energy, communications and more. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Illinois is leading a quantum revolution, and it’s about to take off on Chicago’s South Side,” said Duckworth. “From Japan to Taiwan and all around the world, I’ve praised Illinois as the perfect place for more investments in quantum—and today’s progress is yet another example of why that couldn’t be more true. More investments in quantum means more investments in our national security, in finding cures to diseases, in bending the curve on climate change and more. With the construction of this first of its kind quantum campus, I’m eager see these advancements help bolster the strength of our state and region’s manufacturing.” “Senator Duckworth has been a tremendous champion at the federal level, helping advance quantum investment and establish Illinois as a global destination for quantum discovery and commercialization,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “It was an honor to welcome her to the IQMP today and show her firsthand the ecosystem we're building. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work to advance quantum technology in a way that benefits our state and the people who call it home.” “PsiQuantum is proud to be the anchor tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Chicago,” said Victor Peng, Chief Executive Officer of PsiQuantum. “Together with the strong support and bipartisan leadership of elected officials like Senator Duckworth, we are creating the jobs of the future, support… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-padilla-whitehouse-jayapal-raskin-introduce-cra-resolution-of-disapproval-regarding-regulation-that-changes-how-international-students-and-journalists-maintain-immigration-status Durbin, Blumenthal, Padilla, Whitehouse, Jayapal, Raskin Introduce CRA Resolution Of Disapproval Regarding Regulation That Changes How International Students & Journalists Maintain Immigration Status 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding a regulation, entitled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which changes how international students and journalists maintain their immigration status. U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors. U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) are leading the House companion. For more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, a practice known as “duration of status.” However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years; similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule’s impacts on the nation’s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule is scheduled… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senate-judiciary-democrats-scrutinize-director-patels-decision-to-gut-fbis-hiring-standards Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Scrutinize Director Patel’s Decision To Gut FBI’s Hiring Standards 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In their letter to FBI Director Patel ahead of tomorrow’s oversight hearing, Senate Judiciary Democrats demand justification for the FBI’s recent decision to remove sex solicitation, bestiality, and theft from an employer from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications WASHINGTON – Ahead of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s testimony in tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the agency, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Director Patel demanding answers about the FBI’s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025. “We write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI’s workforce for decades,” the lawmakers wrote. Under the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification if they were not serving in positions the FBI deems of “public trust” at the time of the solicitation. Theft from a prior employer that occurred more than three years ago, and other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred prior to the applicant turning 18, is also no longer automatically disqualifying. As the lawmakers note in their letter, these are major adjustments to FBI eligibility requirements, opening up law enforcement positions to be filled by applicants with a history of significant misconduct. “These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau’s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as … 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-commemorates-25th-anniversary-of-9/11-attacks-with-day-of-service Duckworth Commemorates 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks with Day of Service 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, today joined volunteers at Chicago Union Station to help pack 520,000 meals that will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as part of a day of service commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Photos from the event are available on the Senator’s website. “Twenty-five years ago today, a heinous attack on our country took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people and changed the course of countless other American lives,” said Duckworth. “Today, we remember those we lost and reflect on the bravery shown by the first responders who ran toward danger—many of whom never made it home to their families or will forever live with illnesses caused by that day. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, today and always. As we come together to pack 520,000 meals for local families in need, we honor this day through service and remind ourselves that the strength of our nation is found in how we support and serve one another.” -30- 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-urging-supreme-court-to-block-postal-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Urging Supreme Court to Block Postal Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI), along with U.S. Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), in leading a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of state attorneys general against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by USPS pursuant to President Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “Donald Trump’s desperate attempts to obstruct voting by mail for every American but himself are unconstitutional and jeopardize our democracy,” said Duckworth. “Trump has already voted by mail twice this year alone. We cannot allow him to illegally intimidate his fellow tens of millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. As we approach the 2026 midterms, the Supreme Court must reject these unlawful executive orders and protect Americans’ right to vote this fall.” “The President is dead set on attacking Americans’ right to vote and undermining our democracy by making baseless claims about ‘rigged’ elections, demanding unreasonable voter reg… 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-remarks-at-national-center-for-victims-of-crimes-annual-training-institute Durbin Delivers Remarks At National Center For Victims Of Crime’s Annual Training Institute 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO—Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered brief remarks at the National Center for Victims of Crime’s (NCVC) National Training Institute (NTI), an annual conference providing nearly 800 victim service professionals an opportunity to engage and learn from leaders in the victim advocacy community. In his remarks, Durbin focused on the need for Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for its failure to protect children and users from harm. Durbin also applauded last month’s landmark settlement requiring Meta to pay more than $17 billion in penalties and make major changes to Facebook and Instagram over claims the company endangers children with addictive social media platforms. “Parents and grandparents across America feel a pit in their stomachs every time their child logs onto a phone, tablet, or video game console. These parents and grandparents know that the internet has now become a hunting ground for predators, but accountability is finally coming,” Durbin said. “The recent landmark verdicts confirming that social media companies have a duty to protect children using their platforms is a crucial first step. As moment builds in the courts, Congress must do its part to ensure Big Tech is forced to change its behavior.” Durbin 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. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined forces to reintroduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits … 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks Durbin Statement On The 25th Anniversary Of The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “Twenty-five years ago today, I vividly recall looking down the National Mall from the Capitol Building and watching as black smoke billowed up from the Pentagon. That image is seared into my mind. But what I also remember about that day was the outpouring of compassion and common purpose that united us. “Twenty-five years after that devastating day, we still mourn the 2,977 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including the heroic members of the New York City Fire Department, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. “Today, as we reflect on how those acts of pure evil forever altered our sense of security and safety, let us also reflect on the importance of remaining faithful to our values and the Constitution while protecting the American people. The victims of 9/11, their loved ones, and the American people deserved justice and accountability long ago.” Today, Durbin attended the City of Chicago Fire Department’s 9/11 Tribute, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The formal memorial tribute at Navy Pier faced east toward New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania to honor the lives lost and remember the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. -30- 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-attends-will-county-problem-solving-courts-graduation-ceremony Durbin Attends Will County Problem Solving Courts Graduation Ceremony 2026-09-10 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Will County Problem Solving Courts aim to reduce recidivism by providing participants with counseling, substance abuse recovery support, and workforce training resources OLIET—Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered brief remarks at the Will County Problem Solving Courts graduation ceremony, congratulating 23 individuals on completing the program. Officially launched in 2000 with the drug court program, the Will County Problem Solving Courts aim to reduce recidivism by offering participants a structured treatment program which could include individualized counseling, substance abuse recovery support, and access to workforce training resources. Because of the success of the program, Will County’s Problem Solving Courts expanded to include a mental health court, veterans court, and the Redeploy Illinois Program. The courts have now supported more than 1,000 participants as they work to rebuild their lives. “Graduates, as you receive your certificate, I hope you see it as a symbol of your perseverance. By completing this program, you’ve sent a powerful message to yourself and your loved ones. You’ve overcome tough challenges to build a healthy, fulfilling life,” Durbin said. “Will County’s Problem Solving Courts should serve as a model for other local governments—a stellar example of what can happen when we work within our communities to transform the lives of those in need.” Photos of the ceremony are available here. Durbin has long been a leading voice in bipartisan criminal justice reform grounded in the view that the justice system should be fair, effective, and focused on public safety outcomes—not just punishment. In 2018, Durbin led the passage of the bipartisan First Step Act, which incentivized rehabilitation and expanded access to education, job training, and reentry programming for those in the criminal justice system. -30- 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-tom-kotaracs-election-as-chair-of-the-new-northern-illinois-transit-authority Durbin Statement On Tom Kotarac’s Election As Chair Of The New Northern Illinois Transit Authority 2026-09-10 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement applauding the election of Tom Kotarac as Chair of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA): “There are few people I have met in my career that are more committed to improving our transportation systems than Tom Kotarac. Tom is a dedicated public servant who knows how to yield results by working across the aisle and building regional partnerships that support Illinois’ transit projects—all for the benefit of the Illinois commuters that rely on our roads, rail, and airports. “There is no one better to lead the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority.” Kotarac is currently the Senior Vice President of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and leads the organization’s transportation and infrastructure work. Before working with the Civic Committee, Kotarac was the Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programming for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Previously, he served as Projects Director in Senator Durbin’s office from 2007 to 2012, and as Senior Policy Advisor for Senator Durbin from 2012 to 2015. He received a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. -30- 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-illinois-congressional-delegation-announce-over-68-million-for-accessible-transportation-upgrades Duckworth, Durbin, Illinois Congressional Delegation Announce Over $68 Million for Accessible Transportation Upgrades 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-2), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-4), Mike Quigley (D-IL-5), Sean Casten (D-IL-6), Danny Davis (D-IL-7) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) announced that several Illinois communities will receive federal funding to make transit accessible for all travelers, thanks to Duckworth’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced that Metra will receive a total of $68,192,000 in funding to help build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to help ensure that the region’s stations and rail systems are finally usable for those with disabilities. “Accessibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Senator Duckworth. “Everyone benefits from more ramps and elevators, and I’m proud to see this $68 million investment build on the progress we’ve made through my All Stations Accessibility Program to make our transit systems more accessible. Together, we’ll keep fighting for the resources our communities need toensure everyone can travel safely and efficiently.” “Public transit should be for everyone, but some transit stations in Illinois are still in need of the upgrades that make commuter rail accessible for all riders,” Senator Durbin said. “This $68 million federal investment into Illinois’ Metra stations, made possible by ASAP grants championed by the Illinois congressional delegation, will significantly improve ADA compliance and accessibility for every rider.” “Everyone deserves safe, equitable, and fully accessible public transportation,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL-2). “Securing more than $44.6 million for the 111th Street and Olympia Fields stations will help tear down physical barriers to transit access, making it easier for people with disabilities, seniors, and parents across Illinois' Second Congressional D… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-budzinski-call-for-replacement-mission-for-183rd-wing-in-springfield-following-announcement-of-planned-deactivation-of-the-wings-repair-facility Duckworth, Durbin, Budzinski Call for Replacement Mission for 183rd Wing in Springfield Following Announcement of Planned Deactivation of the Wing’s Repair Facility 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [SPRINGFIELD, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and the National Guard Bureau Director General Steven Nordhaus urging the leaders to establish a new Air Operations Group at the 183rd Wing in Springfield, Illinois, following the July announcement that the 183rd Wing’s Central Repair Facility (CRF) would be deactivated in the spring of 2027. “We write regarding the troubling decision to deactivate the Central Repair Facility (CRF) mission at the 183rd Wing in Springfield, Illinois, without a suitable replacement mission. For nearly two decades, the dedicated personnel on the CRF mission have ensured our nation’s air fleet remains safe, ready, and mission capable. We urge you to consider establishing a new Air Operations Group at the 183rd Wing that would leverage the Wing’s expertise and secure the unit’s future while strengthening Joint Force readiness and our national defense,” the lawmakers began their letter. As the lawmakers noted in their letter, the 183rd Wing has been nationally recognized with the Air National Guard Maintenance Effectiveness Award for its outstanding work, and the U.S. military has relied on the 183rd Wing for fighter jet engine repair since 2012. Shuttering the 183rd Wing’s CRF mission without a suitable mission replacement would risk the sustainment of the U.S. military’s fighter fleet while also dismissing the highly skilled work of the 115 personnel dedicated to fighter maintenance. “Since 2012, the 183rd Wing has capably provided fighter jet engine maintenance for U.S. Armed Forces aircraft, including the U-2, F-16, A-10, and F-15EX. The CRF remains the only mission of its kind within the Joint Force and is the single dedicated repair facility for the F-15EX aircraft fleet,” the lawmakers wrote. “While the Joint Force’s engine repair demands have evolved, we are concerned a hasty deactivation of the CRF missi… 1 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-budzinski-call-for-replacement-mission-for-183rd-wing-in-springfield-following-announcement-of-planned-deactivation-of-the-wings-repair-facility Durbin, Duckworth, Budzinski Call For Replacement Mission For 183rd Wing In Springfield Following Announcement Of Planned Deactivation Of The Wing’s Repair Facility 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In July, the Air Force announced that the 183rd Wing’s Central Repair Facility mission would be deactivated in 2027 SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and the National Guard Bureau Director General Steven Nordhaus urging the leaders to establish a new Air Operations Group at the 183rd Wing in Springfield, Illinois, following the July announcement that the 183rd Wing’s Central Repair Facility (CRF) would be deactivated in the spring of 2027. “We write regarding the troubling decision to deactivate the Central Repair Facility (CRF) mission at the 183rd Wing in Springfield, Illinois, without a suitable replacement mission. For nearly two decades, the dedicated personnel on the CRF mission have ensured our nation’s air fleet remains safe, ready, and mission capable. We urge you to consider establishing a new Air Operations Group at the 183rd Wing that would leverage the Wing’s expertise and secure the unit’s future while strengthening Joint Force readiness and our national defense,” the lawmakers began their letter. As the lawmakers noted in their letter, the 183rd Wing has been nationally recognized with the Air National Guard Maintenance Effectiveness Award for its outstanding work, and the U.S. military has relied on the 183rd Wing for fighter jet engine repair since 2012. Shuttering the 183rd Wing’s CRF mission without a suitable mission replacement would risk the sustainment of the U.S. military’s fighter fleet while also dismissing the highly skilled work of the 115 personnel dedicated to fighter maintenance. “Since 2012, the 183rd Wing has capably provided fighter jet engine maintenance for U.S. Armed Forces aircraft, including the U-2, F-16, A-10, and F-15EX. The CRF remains the only mission of its kind within the Joint Force and is the single dedicated repair facility for the F-15EX aircraft fleet,” the lawmakers wrote. “Wh… 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-lonnie-bunchs-retirement-from-the-smithsonian-after-38-years-of-service Durbin Statement On Lonnie Bunch’s Retirement From The Smithsonian After 38 Years Of Service 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin and Bunch first met in the early 2000s while Bunch served as president of the Chicago Historical Society SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding Lonnie G. Bunch III’s announcement that he will be retiring from his position as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year: “Our nation’s historical and cultural institutions are better because of the leadership of Lonnie Bunch, whom I’ve proudly called a friend since his time leading the Chicago Historical Society. The caliber of his many remarkable accomplishments—establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture, personally securing historically significant artifacts like the Greensboro Lunch Counter for the Smithsonian, and leading the Smithsonian through a global pandemic—are a reflection of his dedication to justly, and accurately, preserving and making accessible our nation’s history. “While Lonnie will step down at the end of the year, no Administration or President will ever be able to erase his legacy—one that deserves its own plaque in the halls of a Smithsonian.” Prior to becoming the Secretary of the Smithsonian in 2019, Bunch served in several curatorial and leadership positions at the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of History, and the Chicago Historical Society. After his stint as president of the Chicago Historical Society, he returned to the Smithsonian in 2005 to lead the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In total, Bunch dedicated nearly 38 years of his career to supporting the Smithsonian Institution. -30- 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-tours-site-of-osf-healthcares-outpatient-dental-clinic-in-peoria Durbin Tours Site Of OSF Healthcare’s Outpatient Dental Clinic In Peoria 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The dental clinic, made possible by a $2 million earmark secured by Durbin, will be the only dental sedation clinic in Central Illinois serving Medicaid patients PEORIA – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited OSF HealthCare in Peoria to tour the site that will soon be converted into a dental sedation clinic, allowing patients in Central Illinois to receive oral surgery without traveling across the state. Made possible by a $2 million earmark secured by Durbin in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill, the renovated clinic will focus on providing care to underserved children and adults, many of whom rely on Medicaid to access dental care. Illinois is facing a shortage of dentists who accept Medicaid despite 3.4 million Illinoisans relying on the program for health insurance coverage. Less than one-quarter of dentists in the state routinely accept Medicaid, resulting in lengthy waitlists that prevent Illinoisans from receiving timely treatment or routine preventive care. Congressional Republicans’ disastrous $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid through the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act will only make these waitlists longer and prevent more Illinoisans from seeking the dental care they need. In total, there are about 8,500 dentists in Illinois, which is a gap of nearly 400 dentists to adequately serve the more than two million people in Illinois who live in areas without easy access to dentists. There are nine counties in Illinois that have only one dentist to serve their community. “If you’ve ever experienced the pain of a toothache, you know that oral health care is not a luxury, it is essential. That’s why the work done at OSF HealthCare is so important,” Durbin said. “This new outpatient dental clinic will serve Central Illinois, focusing on providing care to underserved children and adults who have difficulty accessing dental care—many of whom are uninsured or rely on Medicaid. I was honored to play a part in securing $2 million in federal funding to help expand access to dent… 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-holds-we-cant-afford-this-roundtable-on-how-rising-costs-are-crushing-illinois-families Duckworth Holds “We Can’t Afford This” Roundtable on How Rising Costs Are Crushing Illinois Families 2026-09-07 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [ROCK ISLAND, IL] – As families across Illinois continue to endure skyrocketing costs as a direct result of President Donald Trump’s reckless policies, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted a roundtable discussion with local Quad Cities leaders to discuss how they can address what too many Americans are feeling every day: “We Can’t Afford This.” As the average Illinois household has paid more than $4,200 in higher costs for everyday essentials under the Trump Administration, Duckworth heard from community health care providers, housing insecurity and homelessness prevention advocates, food insecurity experts as well as child care and early childhood education professionals about the real-world consequences that Trump’s Medicaid cuts, tariffs and ongoing illegal war are having on their communities. Photos from the roundtable are available on the Senator’s website. “Grocery bills, energy bills and health care bills are piling up. From Rock Island to Carbondale to Chicago, families all across Illinois are telling me the same thing: ‘We can’t afford this,’” Duckworth said. “Illinoisans are feeling the squeeze as Donald Trump drives up costs and health care providers are struggling to keep their doors open after Medicaid cuts. So long as the President refuses to help the American people, Illinois leaders will continue working together to protect the essential lifelines our communities rely on.” “Project NOW is honored to host Senator Duckworth’s “We Can’t Afford This!” Roundtable. In an era of rising economic and social strain the Roundtable will allow conversation about not only about the challenges but the solutions to secure families and move people upward through public policy supports and human-centered programs,” said Dr. Dwight Ford, President and CEO of Project NOW, Inc. “Through the OneTable QC initiative, we’ve heard from countless local nonprofits about how this environment of rising costs and cutting benefits and services hurts local residents and nonprofits. Nonprofits also buy food, gas, an… 1 2026-09-08T09:24:24Z 2026-09-08T09:26:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-meets-with-union-workers-from-quad-cities-tyson-foods-plant-ahead-of-closure Duckworth Meets with Union Workers from Quad Cities Tyson Foods Plant Ahead of Closure 2026-09-07 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [EAST MOLINE, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with union workers and local Quad City leaders to discuss the impacts of the closing of Tyson Foods’ plant in Joslin, Illinois last month, which resulted in the loss of approximately 2,500 union jobs in the region. During the meeting, Duckworth reiterated her commitment to supporting these union workers during the transition and working to ensure they have the resources they need to return to the workforce. Photos from the visit are available on the Senator’s website. “The closing of the Tyson plant in Joslin left a ripple effect across our community, shutting down a key part of the local manufacturing industry, putting skilled workers out of a job and impacting families who already feel underwater,” said Duckworth. “In the months ahead, we must ensure these workers receive the support and resources they need to reenter the workforce and recover.” “Two weeks ago, over 2,500 moms, dads, and grandparents who had built their families’ lives around good union jobs saw their world turned upside down. Ask any of them what they need right now, and to a one they’ll say, ‘less talk, more action.’ UFCW Local 1546 members—the workers who punch in day after day to put food on our tables—deserve leaders who are going to fight like hell for their dignity and their future. It was an honor to meet with Sen. Duckworth today, and I'm proud to count her among those leaders,” said Robert O’Toole, President of UFCW Local 1546. -30- 1 2026-09-08T09:24:24Z 2026-09-08T09:26:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-demand-faa-to-pay-air-traffic-controllers-the-congressionally-approved-raise-that-administrator-bedford-continues-to-withhold Duckworth, Durbin Demand FAA to Pay Air Traffic Controllers the Congressionally-Approved Raise that Administrator Bedford Continues to Withhold 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today demanded that FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford immediately hand over the Congressionally-authorized pay raise to the air traffic controller (ATC) workforce that he has held hostage for four months and counting. Despite a 3.8% raise for ATCs being approved by Congress and then signed into law by President Donald Trump in late April, Administrator Bedford continues to withhold 2.8% of that raise as a leverage point to try and get “as much utilization out of our workforce as we can”—even though the ATC workforce is already under tremendous strain. “Controllers work long, high-stress hours and make split-second decisions that keep millions of passengers safe every day. The last thing our National Airspace System needs is a cynical FAA Administrator so hellbent on stretching them thinner that he is willing to withhold their modest 2.8 percent pay raise,” wrote the Senators in their letter to FAA Administrator Bedford. In their letter, Duckworth and Durbin warned of the dangers that overworking our controllers even further poses to aviation safety, recruitment and retention efforts. “Squeezing more ‘utilization’ out of air traffic controllers who have been understaffed, underpaid and overworked for years will weaken retention and undermine aviation safety,” continued the Senators. “Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy made it crystal clear that compensation strengthens staffing…How does withholding a pay increase Congress has already funded ‘supercharge’ that workforce or improve retention?” The Senators also highlighted how hundreds of controllers across the state of Illinois are working overtime and still waiting to receive this raise. They stressed that ATC modernization can only be achieved if we invest in the people who serve as the bedrock of our National Airspace System. “Holding air traffic controllers’ remaining 2.8 percen… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-visits-illinois-head-start-calls-out-trumps-new-plan-to-jeopardize-this-lifeline-for-families Duckworth Visits Illinois Head Start, Calls Out Trump’s New Plan to Jeopardize This Lifeline for Families 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined parents, teachers and Illinois Head Start leaders to underscore how President Donald Trump’s latest attack on Head Start would jeopardize services for countless middle-class families across Illinois, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet as a direct result of the Trump Administration’s reckless policies. The Senator’s visit comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan last month to scrap roughly 1,400 regulations that would fundamentally change how Head Start is able to serve our children, potentially reducing care hours, increasing staff-to-child ratios and eliminating certain health and developmental screening requirements. At a time when middle-class families are enduring higher costs across the board, this latest proposal has significantly raised concerns about the quality and consistency of Head Start services for children and families that depend on them. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website. “Donald Trump’s latest attack on Head Start would put yet another lifeline at risk for families who depend on it most,” said Senator Duckworth. “If enacted, this deregulation plan would fundamentally change how Head Start is run and jeopardize its ability to care for our children. It would reduce the hours that Head Start can be available for parents who depend on it, eliminate health screenings and even dramatically increase class sizes that could overwhelm our teachers and underserve our children.” “If the President cares about families at all, he needs to keep his hands off Head Start. Together, we’ll keep fighting back and ensure this lifeline remains as strong as it can be.” “The Trump Administration is calling the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposal—which removes most requirements related to teaching and learning, quality standards, health and mental health services, dental care, developmental screenings, and family support services—‘flexibility.’ However, the comple… 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-visits-revolution-workshop-to-highlight-500000-investment-she-secured-to-support-workforce-training Duckworth Visits Revolution Workshop to Highlight $500,000 Investment She Secured to Support Workforce Training 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited Revolution Workshop to see firsthand how the $500,000 in federal funding she successfully secured is helping expand the Workshop’s Pre-Apprenticeship and Job Training Program, a program that helps Illinoisans develop key skills needed to enter the construction workforce where they can help revitalize under-resourced communities in Chicago. As the United States continues to face a shortage of workers in the skilled trades, this program is helping close this gap in the constructor sector by giving disadvantaged Illinoisans the tools they need to be competitive in this job market while making it easier to build across Chicagoland. Photos from today’s visit are available on the Senator’s website. “Revolution Workshop is proof that when we create pathways to good-paying construction jobs, we can uplift and build entire communities,” said Duckworth. “Our nation faces a shortage of workers in the skilled trades and an ongoing housing crisis, and this training program is exactly what is needed to solve both those challenges. I’m proud I was able to successfully deliver this federal funding for such a transformational organization, and I’m even prouder to see this investment in action today.” “We need more leaders like Senator Duckworth, who recognize the importance of supporting skilled trades pathways as a real opportunity for our underserved residents to access true economic mobility,” said Manny Rodriguez, Founder and Executive Director of Revolution Workshop. “As a workforce agency dedicated to training and placing underserved residents in Illinois into construction, Revolution Workshop is grateful to have been a recipient of Congressional Direct Spending grant to help increase our impact in Illinois.” Chicago’s Revolution Workshop provides training and job placement in the construction sector to eager and dedicated individuals who otherwise, likely would not receive this training in underserved communities. They use employer and union partners to d… 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-sorensen-announce-funding-extension-for-chicago-quad-cities-rail-project Durbin, Duckworth, Sorensen Announce Funding Extension for Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper With this funding extension, the remaining federal funding can be used to proceed with the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved a grant extension for the remaining federal funding previously secured for the proposed Chicago-Quad Cities passenger rail project, an Amtrak route between Chicago and Moline, Illinois. The extension will allow the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to use the remaining federal funding to complete the rail project after more than a decade of planning. Today’s announcement comes after Duckworth, Durbin and Sorensen urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink to grant the extension for the remaining federal funding previously secured for the project. In their June letter, the lawmakers emphasized that the rail line, which Durbin has been advocating for since 2008, could finally move forward as long as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) extended the availability of previously granted federal funds beyond the deadline of July 31, 2026. “For too long, the Quad Cities have gone without a passenger rail line to Chicago, limiting Illinoisans’ options to get to school, businesses and visit loved ones. With this funding extension, we’re closer to delivering the passenger rail service that so many have long been waiting for,” Duckworth said. “Investments in our rail system connect communities, grow local economies and give Illinoisans more freedom to get where they need to go. This is a big milestone for our state, and Senator Durbin, Congressman Sorensen and I will continue working alongside our local leaders to strengthen our rail network and ensure it serves all Illinoisans for generations to come.” “Illinois relies on rail to push our economy forward and to ensure statewide connectivity, but we’ve been … 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-sorensen-announce-funding-extension-for-chicago-quad-cities-rail-project Durbin, Duckworth, Sorensen Announce Funding Extension For Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper With this funding extension, the remaining federal funding can be used to proceed with the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved a grant extension for the remaining federal funding previously secured for the proposed Chicago-Quad Cities passenger rail project, an Amtrak route between Chicago and Moline, Illinois. The extension will allow the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to use the remaining federal funding to complete the rail project after more than a decade of planning. Today’s announcement comes after Durbin, Duckworth, and Sorensen urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink to grant the extension for the remaining federal funding previously secured for the project. In their June letter, the lawmakers emphasized that the rail line, which Durbin has been advocating for since 2008, could finally move forward as long as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) extended the availability of previously granted federal funds beyond the deadline of July 31, 2026. “Illinois relies on rail to push our economy forward and to ensure statewide connectivity, but we’ve been missing a critical route between Chicago and the Quad Cities,” Durbin said. “For more than 15 years, we’ve worked with IDOT, Iowa Interstate and BNSF Railroads, and the federal government to make the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project possible. With this funding extension from FRA, we can finally make this long-planned project a reality and open up new transit possibilities for Illinoisans.” “For too long, the Quad Cities have gone without a passenger rail line to Chicago, limiting Illinoisans’ options to get to school, businesses and visit loved ones. With this funding extension, we’re closer to delivering the passenger rail service that so many have long been waiting f… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-illinois-wesleyan-university-for-roundtable-discussion-on-health-care-workforce-shortage Durbin Joins Illinois Wesleyan University For Roundtable Discussion On Health Care Workforce Shortage 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In FY26, Durbin secured a $1 million earmark for IWU’s Nursing and Health Science Innovation Program, funding upgrades to lab equipment, simulators, and curriculum development for nursing students BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined students and faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) School of Nursing and Health Sciences for a roundtable discussion on educating health care professionals to address the troubling health care workforce shortage. During the event, Durbin learned about IWU’s Nursing and Health Sciences Innovation Program, which is supported by a $1 million earmark Durbin secured for the program in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. The program aims to enhance student success through technology upgrades, facility improvements, and academic support initiatives that include advanced simulations and hands-on training. “Our health care professionals, especially our nurses, are on the front lines, providing critical care to patients. But they don’t have access to the resources they need to succeed. I’ve made it a priority to work alongside institutions, including Illinois Wesleyan University, to secure federal funding that can support stellar programs like the Innovation Program,” Durbin said. “This funding will help graduate more highly trained nurses to serve our entire region, making a difference in the lives of thousands of people.” “It's an honor to have Senator Durbin visit campus to speak with our students,” said IWU President Sheahon Zenger. “We truly appreciate the $1 million in funding that he secured for Illinois Wesleyan, which allows us to improve classroom technology and continue preparing nursing students and health professionals who will contribute meaningfully to the health of our communities.” Photos of the event are available here. Nearly 100 million Americans live in communities with too few doctors. The U.S. is estimated to need 450,000 nurses over the next two years, and the country is projected to face a shortage of 120,000 … 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-van-hollen-colleagues-file-amicus-brief-defending-courts-right-to-seek-answers-transparency-in-jgg-v-trump Duckworth, Van Hollen, Colleagues File Amicus Brief Defending Court’s Right to Seek Answers, Transparency in JGG v. Trump 2026-08-31 2026 2026-08 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (NJ) and Peter Welch (D-VT) in submitting an amicus brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in the case of In re Donald J. Trump, et. al, supporting the legal authority of the District Court to inquire whether government attorneys misrepresented or concealed facts before the Court and warning of serious consequences of permitting one branch to avoid inquiry and transparency when questioned by another co-equal branch of our federal government. The lawmakers’ amicus brief argues that Congress and the American public have an interest in knowing whether government attorneys misrepresented or concealed facts before a United States District Court, and that concerns of judicial overreach in this case are unfounded because federal courts have an inherent contempt power which includes some inquiry before a referral is made. The Senators begin the brief, “Congress requires that lawyers tell the truth in judicial proceedings. It has set forth through statute that government attorneys are subject to the same rules as all other attorneys requiring truthfulness and transparency to the Courts. When a party or counsel is not honest in proceedings before them, Courts have the fundamental power to punish contempt. Congress has explicitly codified this power. And the exercise of this power is squarely within the providence of the judiciary...The Court has every right to try to make sense of these events. Mandamus to prevent that inquiry should not issue.” This case arises from JGG v. Trump, one of several legal challenges to the Trump Administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law that was last invoked to detain Japanese people in internment camps during World War II. In March 2025, President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security used this law to detain and remove Venezuelan nationals from the United States. Several … 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-years-of-federal-investment-duckworth-durbin-celebrate-grand-opening-of-fully-accessible-southern-illinois-multimodal-station After Years of Federal Investment, Duckworth, Durbin Celebrate Grand Opening of Fully-Accessible Southern Illinois Multimodal Station 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CARBONDALE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined Governor JB Pritzker, Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey, Illinois Secretary of Transportation Gina Biagi and local leaders to celebrate the opening of the new Southern Illinois Multimodal Station (SIMMS), a project the Senators helped secure more than $18 million in federal funding for and championed for years. The new station features fully accessible facilities, including ramps and improved platforms, to make public transportation safer and more accessible for all riders while strengthening connections across Southern Illinois. Photos from the ceremony can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website. “When public transportation is accessible, everyone benefits,” Duckworth said. “Today’s grand opening shows what we can accomplish when federal, state and local governments work together. The Southern Illinois Multimodal Station will make it easier for people with disabilities, parents with strollers and all travelers to get where they need to go safely and confidently, while expanding opportunity across the region. Together, we’ll keep fighting for the federal investments our transit systems need to remove barriers and modernize aging infrastructure.” “Senator Duckworth and I helped to secure $18.3 million in federal funding for the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station to better connect families, students, and small businesses to local and national destinations,” Durbin said. “This federal investment will be a tremendous boost to Carbondale and Southern Illinois, with SIMMS acting as both an economic hub for the city and a modern regional transportation center.” Duckworth and Durbin helped secure a total of $18.3 million in federal funding for the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station and have been long-time champions of the project on the federal level. The new station will serve as a connection point for Amtrak passenger rail, Greyhound bus service, mass transit service, bicyclists, pedestrians and … 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-hold-roundtable-with-illinois-health-care-provides-on-the-impacts-of-the-trump-administrations-cuts Duckworth, Durbin Hold Roundtable with Illinois Health Care Provides on the Impacts of the Trump Administration’s Cuts 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [MARION, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a roundtable with Illinois health care providers, leaders and advocates to discuss the challenges they’re facing in providing care to rural communities as a direct result of the Trump Administration’s harmful health care cuts. Since being signed into law last July, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest health care cuts in history, destabilizing the health care system with more than $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Photos from the roundtable can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website. “For many Illinoisans in rural communities, health care was already too expensive and too hard to get—and then came the Medicaid cuts,” Duckworth said. “Slashing Medicaid has not only put reliable health care coverage at even more risk for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans but also added even more pressure on rural hospitals already struggling to keep their doors open. The Administration’s cuts will only make it harder for families to get care close to home when mere minutes can be life-saving—or stop access altogether. Senator Durbin and I will keep fighting to protect Medicaid, support our rural health care services and make sure every Illinoisan can get the care they need when they need it, no matter their zip code.” “Senator Duckworth and I sent letters to Illinois hospitals last year and asked them how the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its devastating Medicaid cuts would impact their hospital, health care workforce, and the patients they serve,” Durbin said. “The 129 responses we received made it clear that this legislation will mean shuttering of services, layoffs, and even hospital closures—meaning patients will needlessly suffer. If you look at the numbers, 24 rural hospitals are at risk of closure in Illinois. I think we ought to make a commitment to rural hospitals and families struggling with the cost-of-living instead of s… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-visits-southern-illinois-nursing-school-expansion-made-possible-by-federal-investment-she-secured Duckworth Visits Southern Illinois Nursing School Expansion Made Possible by Federal Investment She Secured 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CARTERVILLE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited John A. Logan College (JALC) to see firsthand how the $1.2 million federal investment she successfully secured is expanding the school’s nursing program, building new classrooms, purchasing equipment and helping prepare students for careers in health and nursing. During the visit, Duckworth stressed the importance of programs like these in addressing the shortage of rural health care workers in Illinois and across the country—a crisis that’s being exacerbated by Trump and Republicans’ health care cuts. Photos from today’s visit are available on Senator Duckworth’s website. “Rural Illinoisans were already dealing with extreme barriers to care, between a shortage of health care professionals and too many having to travel hours to the nearest hospital when mere minutes can mean life or death in an emergency. Now in the wake of Trump’s Medicaid cuts, those already-distant hospitals face the threat of losing key resources and being shuttered altogether,” said Duckworth. “This is a crisis our rural communities cannot afford to get worse. To help address these challenges, we must plan for the long-term and invest in training the next generation of health care professionals. After years of pushing for federal funding for this project, I’m proud to see this investment help us do just that.” Duckworth long pushed for funding to expand rural health care access and support postsecondary programs across Illinois. Earlier this year, Duckworth’s bipartisan Improving Access to Care for Rural Veterans Act passed committee, which would make it easier for Veterans who live in rural areas to access the health care they’ve earned. John A. Logan College is a public community college in Carterville, Illinois. The JALC Nursing Program offers three stand-alone nursing programs: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Practical Nursing (PN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN). -30- 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-ask-fra-amtrak-for-additional-information-on-plans-to-relocate-its-14th-street-maintenance-facility Duckworth, Durbin ask FRA, Amtrak for Additional Information on Plans to Relocate its 14th Street Maintenance Facility 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) requested additional information from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak regarding a maintenance facilities award after fielding concerns from residents and local elected officials in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. In a letter to FRA and Amtrak leaders, the Senators requested greater transparency and communication as Amtrak seeks to relocate its current 14th Street maintenance facility to what is presently Union Pacific’s Canal Street Yard. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $696 million to Amtrak for much-needed rail improvements in the Chicago area, including $572 million to support improvements to Amtrak’s Chicago maintenance operations. “We have long-supported projects that seek to improve Amtrak’s on-time performance, reduce service interruptions and cancellations, and yield greater safety and satisfaction for customers,” the Senators wrote. “Amtrak has stated that its intention for the maintenance facilities project is to help it more efficiently maintenance passenger railcars, to lead to these shared outcomes. Amtrak expects the project to support approximately 3,000 jobs in Illinois, including union and skilled labor positions.” The Senators’ letter continues, “At the same time, regarding the maintenance facilities award, our offices have heard concerns from residents and local elected officials in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. They are requesting greater transparency and communication from Amtrak as it seeks to relocate its current 14th Street maintenance facility to what is presently Union Pacific’s Canal Street Yard. Specifically, the residents would like more information about the plans for the facility, its operations, and any expected community impacts, including but not limited to environmental concerns such as noise, safety, and traffic levels.” The Senators’ letter concludes, “We ask that both the FRA and Amtrak be responsiv… 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-ask-fra-amtrak-for-additional-information-on-amtraks-plans-to-relocate-its-14th-street-maintenance-facility Durbin, Duckworth Ask FRA, Amtrak For Additional Information On Amtrak's Plans To Relocate Its 14th Street Maintenance Facility 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today requested additional information from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak regarding a maintenance facilities award after fielding concerns from residents and local elected officials in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. In a letter to FRA and Amtrak leaders, the Senators requested greater transparency and communication as Amtrak seeks to relocate its current 14th Street maintenance facility to what is presently Union Pacific’s Canal Street Yard. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $696 million to Amtrak for much-needed rail improvements in the Chicago area, including $572 million to support improvements to Amtrak’s Chicago maintenance operations. “We have long-supported projects that seek to improve Amtrak’s on-time performance, reduce service interruptions and cancellations, and yield greater safety and satisfaction for customers,” the Senators wrote. “Amtrak has stated that its intention for the maintenance facilities project is to help it more efficiently maintenance passenger railcars, to lead to these shared outcomes. Amtrak expects the project to support approximately 3,000 jobs in Illinois, including union and skilled labor positions.” The Senators’ letter continues, “At the same time, regarding the maintenance facilities award, our offices have heard concerns from residents and local elected officials in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. They are requesting greater transparency and communication from Amtrak as it seeks to relocate its current 14th Street maintenance facility to what is presently Union Pacific’s Canal Street Yard. Specifically, the residents would like more information about the plans for the facility, its operations, and any expected community impacts, including but not limited to environmental concerns such as noise, safety, and traffic levels.” The Senators’ letter concludes, “We ask that both the FRA and Amtrak be responsiv… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-continues-to-raise-alarms-about-severe-due-process-violations-targeting-unaccompanied-children-at-the-chicago-immigration-court-under-the-trump-administrations-cruel-immigration-policies Durbin Continues To Raise Alarms About Severe Due Process Violations Targeting Unaccompanied Children At The Chicago Immigration Court Under The Trump Administration's Cruel Immigration Policies 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Today, Durbin joined the National Immigrant Justice Center, the Children’s Legal Center, & other elected officials to observe the removal proceedings of unaccompanied children appearing on the “mega masters” court docket CHICAGO – After observing the removal proceedings of unaccompanied children (UACs) appearing on the “mega masters” court docket at the Chicago Immigration Court, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today raised concerns about severe due process violations targeting unaccompanied children due to the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration policies. Durbin was joined this morning by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), the Children’s Legal Center (CLC), other elected officials including U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and community partners. Following the observation, Durbin and Quigley attended a press conference to speak about what they saw. “What I witnessed today illustrated President Trump and Stephen Miller’s ruthless agenda: they will go so far with their cruel immigration operation to target terrified children, forcing them to articulate their fears in front of a judge and explain why they must remain in this country,” said Durbin. “As a father and grandfather, I cannot fathom the cruelty this Administration has inflicted on immigrants—including children across the country. I will continue to work with NIJC and CLC to end this Administration’s disgusting attacks on children and relegate their actions to the dustbin of history where they belong.” “The children I saw today are being put through hell. The Trump administration isn’t going after ‘the worst of the worst.’ They’re deporting kids. Children are being seen in immigration court without lawyers, without parents, and facing a language barrier, and being asked to explain why they deserve to stay in this country. These are kids young enough to be playing with toys while they wait for their turn in front of a judge. A judge who couldn't even show up to t… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-colleagues-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-us-citizens Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and their colleagues to urge Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” the Senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus. The Senators warn that, “continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” the Senators concluded. Additionally, the Senators call for those responsible for such violent acts to be held accountable and investigated. Along with Duckworth and Durbin, the letter was signed by U.S. Sen… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-meta-paying-landmark-settlement-over-child-safety-concerns Durbin Statement On Meta Paying Landmark Settlement Over Child Safety Concerns 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding Meta reaching a landmark settlement with attorneys general from 52 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia, agreeing to pay more than $17 billion in penalties and make major changes to its products, Facebook and Instagram, over claims it endangers children with addictive social media platforms: “Time and time again, we have heard how Meta, one of the world’s biggest companies, consistently chooses profits and growth over people and safety. “This needs to stop. While this is a landmark settlement, Congress still needs to step up and regulate Big Tech. This is one of the few issues where Congress universally agrees on a bipartisan basis that we should act, and there are a number of bipartisan bills ready for floor consideration by both the House and the Senate. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to hold Big Tech accountable.” Durbin 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. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined forces to reintroduce 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. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024 and again in January 2026. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexua… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-supreme-courts-temporary-order-on-president-trumps-attempted-mail-in-voting-restrictions Durbin Statement On Supreme Court’s Temporary Order On President Trump’s Attempted Mail-In Voting Restrictions 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court temporarily permitted President Trump to move forward with portions of an executive order that seek to restrict mail-in voting while litigation on the merits of the case continues. The Supreme Court stayed a lower court injunction that had blocked provisions of the executive order in 23 states and the District of Columbia, though an injunction in a related case brought by voter protection organizations currently remains in place. “The President is dead set on attacking Americans’ right to vote and undermining our democracy by making baseless claims about ‘rigged’ elections, demanding unreasonable voter registration requirements, restricting mail-in voting, and threatening to unconstitutionally nationalize our elections. “Yesterday’s Supreme Court order is a temporary procedural win for President Trump as he attempts to pursue these lawless goals—but it doesn’t change the reality that the Constitution empowers states to run our elections, and the rule of law must prevail as this litigation continues. The right to vote is fundamental to our nation’s democracy, and President Trump’s efforts to chip away at that fundamental right must ultimately be rejected.” As Justice Sotomayor noted in her dissent to the order, “[Yesterday’s] decision does not address whether the President’s attempts to interfere with States’ administration of the November 2026 elections are lawful. Nor does it suggest that the Executive Branch has any constitutional or statutory authority to implement the President’s directives. Instead, [it] merely postpones adjudication of those challenges.” Earlier this year, Durbin joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) to introduce the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act), which would block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and prote… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-sasc-democrats-call-on-chairman-wicker-to-hold-a-hearing-on-the-trump-administrations-worsening-strain-on-troops-from-extended-war-in-iran Duckworth, SASC Democrats Call on Chairman Wicker to Hold a Hearing on the Trump Administration’s Worsening Strain on Troops from Extended War in Iran 2026-08-24 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The Senators’ letter comes after a series of reports detailing servicemembers on ships like USS Lincoln and bases abroad enduring dwindling supplies and deteriorating conditions on extended deployments with no end in sight [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—led her fellow SASC Democratic colleagues in urging Committee Chairman Wicker to hold a hearing to investigate the Trump Administration’s failures to support our servicemembers who are carrying out indefinite extended deployments in the illegal, disastrous Iran war that President Trump cannot seem to end. In a letter to Chairman Wicker, the Senators show how this Administration’s failure to end this war has taken a widespread physical, emotional and mental toll on troops deployed to the region, even beyond the disturbing conditions aboard the USS Lincoln—with dwindling supplies and deteriorating conditions aboard numerous ships and across bases in the region. The American people and military families deserve answers from the Trump Administration about how they intend to break this cycle that is crushing morale, stranding our troops in grim conditions and leaving military families unsure how to make ends meet while their loved ones in uniform serve longer extended deployments with no end in sight. “The toll this unauthorized, disastrous war is taking on our troops is unconscionable,” said the SASC Democrats in their letter. “Troops are suffering because of this Administration’s inability to end this war or make the environment safe enough for our servicemembers to be delivered the food, medication or supplies they need.” Not only is President Trump’s disastrous, indefinite and illegal war hurting morale and readiness, SASC Democrats also raised serious concerns that these ongoing incidents could have direct consequences on our nation’s ability to recruit and retain members of our military: “Military families and the American people deserve answers about when our heroes w… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-attends-austin-hope-center-ribbon-cutting-ceremony Durbin Attends Austin Hope Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The new Austin HOPE Center, which was made possible through a $1 million earmark secured by Durbin, will provide a welcoming space for youth to seek high-quality pediatric behavioral and specialty health care services CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Austin HOPE Center, which is designed to be a welcoming space for youth and families to seek clinical care and access community-based services. The newly unveiled facility will provide high-quality pediatric behavioral and specialty health care services; community responsive health education and training; gathering space for youth development and other community organizations; outdoor space for programming and respite; and space to encourage community building. Durbin secured $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending—also known as an earmark—in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to partner with Stone Community Development Corporation to create the new community health clinic site in Austin to serve children and families. “I want to recognize the incredible partnership that made this possible: Stone Community Development Corporation, Lurie Children’s, Thresholds, and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives,” Durbin said. “Together, you’ve created a space where residents can access pediatric care, behavioral health services, housing and employment support, and much more. I secured $1 million in federal funding for Lurie Children’s to help create this community health clinic in Austin and now, that investment comes to life. I can’t wait to see all the good that happens here.” Photos from the event are available here. Durbin has long championed the work of Chicago-area hospitals in addressing childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). In 2018, Durbin launched the Chicago HEAL Initiative, a partnership between 10 of the largest hospitals serving Chicago to address the root causes of gun violence through ec… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-release-statement-applauding-resequencing-of-chicago-ohare-airport-terminal-area-project Duckworth, Durbin Release Statement Applauding Resequencing of Chicago O’Hare Airport Terminal Area Project 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Duckworth and Durbin have called on United Airlines and American Airlines to allow the simultaneous construction of Concourses D and E of the Chicago O’Hare Airport Terminal Area Project since early 2024 [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the resequencing of constructing satellite terminals as part of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project (TAP). Today, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced that TAP will be resequenced to build the first phase of the Concourse E during Concourse D construction. Concourse E will house the majority of the additional 25 percent capacity. While construction of Concourse D is currently underway, construction of Concourse E will now begin later this year, and the construction of the second phase of Concourse E will occur after construction of the Global Terminal. Under a previous plan negotiated in May 2024, Concourse D and the Global Terminal would have been constructed first, wholly delaying construction of Concourse E, despite the need to expand terminal capacity quickly to match O’Hare’s status as the world’s busiest airport: “From the beginning, we’ve advocated for a plan that allowed Concourses D and E to be constructed together early in the project—a plan that would prioritize O’Hare’s growth on a steady but practical timeline. Today’s announcement means that we can see that growth sooner rather than later. “Now that United and American Airlines are on board with constructing this important terminal earlier, we’re eager to move forward with TAP by following the plan that preserves O’Hare’s world-class status and modernizes its terminals to meet the demand of travelers well into the future.” The O’Hare TAP will significantly expand O’Hare’s gate capacity, offering the first “global alliance hub” where domestic airlines and their international partners will be located in the same terminal. TAP also includes plans for two satellite… 1 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-release-statement-applauding-resequencing-of-chicago-ohare-airport-terminal-area-project Durbin, Duckworth Release Statement Applauding Resequencing Of Chicago O’Hare Airport Terminal Area Project 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin and Duckworth have called on United Airlines and American Airlines to allow the simultaneous construction of Concourses D and E of the Chicago O’Hare Airport Terminal Area Project since early 2024 CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the resequencing of constructing satellite terminals as part of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project (TAP). Today, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced that TAP will be resequenced to build the first phase of the Concourse E during Concourse D construction. Concourse E will house the majority of the additional 25 percent capacity. While construction of Concourse D is currently underway, construction of Concourse E will now begin later this year, and the construction of the second phase of Concourse E will occur after construction of the Global Terminal. Under a previous plan negotiated in May 2024, Concourse D and the Global Terminal would have been constructed first, wholly delaying construction of Concourse E, despite the need to expand terminal capacity quickly to match O’Hare’s status as the world’s busiest airport: “From the beginning, we’ve advocated for a plan that allowed Concourses D and E to be constructed together early in the project—a plan that would prioritize O’Hare’s growth on a steady but practical timeline. Today’s announcement means that we can see that growth sooner rather than later. “Now that United and American Airlines are on board with constructing this important terminal earlier, we’re eager to move forward with TAP by following the plan that preserves O’Hare’s world-class status and modernizes its terminals to meet the demand of travelers well into the future.” The O’Hare TAP will significantly expand O’Hare’s gate capacity, offering the first “global alliance hub” where domestic airlines and their international partners will be located in the same terminal. TAP also includes plans for two satellite termi… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-democrats-sound-alarm-on-trump-administration-attacks-on-unaccompanied-childrens-legal-representation Senate Democrats Sound Alarm On Trump Administration Attacks On Unaccompanied Children’s Legal Representation 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) sounded the alarm on the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks on legal services for unaccompanied children, requesting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (IG) conduct a full investigation into the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) process for entering into agreements for legal services and how it plans to ensure children are adequately represented. In a letter to the HHS Inspector General, the Senators wrote: “On July 31, 2026, after a year and a half of repeated attempts to gut legal services for unaccompanied children, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) allowed contracts for the provision of these services to expire. The agency appeared to have no clear plan to ensure that the over 25,000 children impacted by this expiration would have lawyers in their deportation proceedings. Instead, ORR has since hastily attempted to award contracts for legal services to political allies of the Trump Administration with few, if any, qualifications to provide such services—all amid a push by the Administration to deport these children. In addition, ORR appears to have provided sensitive personal information about children to new representation without any consultation with current counsel or the children themselves. This has led to a full blown crisis for vulnerable children, who should not have to represent themselves in deportation proceedings. We write to request that you immediately initiate an investigation into whether funds appropriated for legal services to unaccompanied children have been implemented in a manner that meets ORR’s legal obligations.” The Senators continued: “Congress has, on a bipartisan basis, made clear that unaccompanied children should not be forced to represent themselves in immigration court... Despite these statutory protections, ORR has nevertheless ta… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-budzinski-welcome-300-new-citizens-at-illinois-state-fair-naturalization-ceremony Duckworth, Durbin, Budzinski Welcome 300 New Citizens at Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [SPRINGFIELD, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today celebrated the naturalization of 300 new citizens from 52 countries at the Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony. The Honorable Colleen Lawless, United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens. Photos of the naturalization ceremony are available on the Senator’s website. “As the proud daughter of an immigrant mother, I know that even though we may come from different countries, we may say different prayers and have different skin tones—we’re here as Americans because we love this nation, and our differences make us stronger,” Duckworth said. “Despite what some folks suggest, you can’t measure the strength of this nation by the size of our defense budget or the height of our border walls. The true strength of America lies in our values—that the impossible can happen to any one of us if we work hard, no matter where you come from—you can rise, rise, rise. Congratulations and thank you for making America more American.” “We are a nation of immigrants, and I proudly display my mother’s naturalization certificate on my desk in the Capitol as a reminder of the pursuit of the American Dream. I was honored to welcome 300 new citizens today,” said Durbin. “To our newest citizens: you now carry both the rights and the responsibilities of this democracy, and I'm counting on you to exercise and defend them. Together, we will continue to move this nation forward—rooted in shared values and a deep love for this country.” “It was a true honor to welcome these new citizens today,” said Budzinski. “Their path to this moment was no small feat. It required dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and courage. But with citizenship comes a powerful voice in our communities, schools, workplaces, and in our democracy. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than eve… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-budzinski-welcome-300-new-citizens-at-illinois-state-fair-naturalization-ceremony Durbin, Duckworth, Budzinski Welcome 300 New Citizens At Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today celebrated the naturalization of 300 new citizens from 52 countries at the Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony. The Honorable Colleen Lawless, United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens. “We are a nation of immigrants, and I proudly display my mother’s naturalization certificate on my desk in the Capitol as a reminder of the pursuit of the American Dream. I was honored to welcome 300 new citizens today,” said Durbin. “To our newest citizens: you now carry both the rights and the responsibilities of this democracy, and I'm counting on you to exercise and defend them. Together, we will continue to move this nation forward—rooted in shared values and a deep love for this country.” “As the proud daughter of an immigrant mother, I know that even though we may come from different countries, we may say different prayers and have different skin tones—we’re here as Americans because we love this nation, and our differences make us stronger,” Duckworth said. “Despite what some folks suggest, you can’t measure the strength of this nation by the size of our defense budget or the height of our border walls. The true strength of America lies in our values—that the impossible can happen to any one of us if we work hard, no matter where you come from—you can rise, rise, rise. Congratulations and thank you for making America more American.” “It was a true honor to welcome these new citizens today,” said Budzinski. “Their path to this moment was no small feat. It required dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and courage. But with citizenship comes a powerful voice in our communities, schools, workplaces, and in our democracy. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support our immigrant communities—not just here in Illin… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-discusses-rising-costs-and-the-impact-on-agriculture-industry-with-illinois-corn-growers Duckworth Discusses Rising Costs and the Impact on Agriculture Industry with Illinois Corn Growers 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [OGLESBY, IL] – Today, at the Illinois Corn August Board Meeting, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with leaders to discuss the impact that rising costs have had on Illinois farmers and the agriculture industry. Among their shared priorities, Duckworth and the members underscored the importance of supporting family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump’s policies drive up the costs of supplies and threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from the Illinois Corn Board Meeting can be found on the Senator’s website. “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “Donald Trump promised no new wars and lower costs. And yet, the cost of everything from diesel to fertilizer to key agricultural inputs continues to skyrocket while he’s focused on building a ballroom for his billionaire buddies. Illinois’s farmers are essential to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.” In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting and expanding biofuels. To help increase the availability of E15 biofuels, Duckworth helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand the use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. In 2024, she helped introduced the Farm to Fly Act to help accelerate the production and development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Earlier this year, Duckworth condemned Republican House Speaker M… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-krishnamoorthi-lead-illinois-democratic-delegation-in-calling-on-trump-administration-to-end-mass-immigration-hearings-scheduling-up-to-185-people-at-a-time Durbin, Krishnamoorthi Lead Illinois Democratic Delegation In Calling On Trump Administration To End Mass Immigration Hearings Scheduling Up To 185 People At A Time 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today led 13 of their Illinois colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on the Trump Administration to end its use of so-called “mega master” immigration hearings, mass proceedings in which as many as 185 noncitizens can be called to court on a single docket. The lawmakers warn that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is intentionally overcrowding dockets with little notice to immigrants in an effort to increase removal orders and advance the Trump Administration’s mass deportation campaign. The other signers of the letter were U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02). In the letter, the lawmakers write: “Through these hearings, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is intentionally overcrowding dockets with little notice to immigrants in an effort to manufacture significant numbers of removal orders and advance the Administration’s mass deportation campaign. Reports suggest that DOJ is calling as many as 185 noncitizens to court on a single docket, an action designed to drive mass deportations through chaos and confusion.” In May, DOJ’s EOIR instituted a policy requiring judges in non-detained immigration courts to conduct master calendar hearings for 100 individuals twice per week while also maintaining their previously scheduled dockets and individual merits hearings. Many of those appearing have never been inside a courtroom, are unrepresented, do not speak English or Spanish fluently… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-visits-impactlife-blood-donor-center-amid-national-shortage Durbin Visits ImpactLife Blood Donor Center Amid National Shortage 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper SPRINGFIELD—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited the ImpactLife Blood Center to discuss the importance of addressing the nation’s blood product supply shortage and thank the medical officials and donors who are working to maintain adequate supplies. Durbin was joined by officials from ImpactLife and Memorial Health. “The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis in the U.S. last month for just the second time ever, which has impacted patients’ ability to be treated for illnesses or undergo surgery,” Durbin said. “Timely access to blood can be the difference between life and death, especially in a medical emergency. I want to thank the professionals at ImpactLife and other medical sites along with the countless donors who come forward to help those in need.” “The demand for blood transfusions at the hospitals we serve never takes a day off,” said Gregory Lehmann, Vice President, Donor Outreach and Collections at ImpactLife. “We’re grateful for the donors who provide this lifesaving resource. Thank you, Senator Durbin, for bringing attention to our mission and the need for additional donors to help fill our schedules this time of year.” The blood supply crisis declaration came as donations hit a four-year low. In Illinois, type O—the most commonly transfused blood type—and B blood donations are especially needed. The American Red Cross has begun limiting distributions of type O blood to individual hospitals to help ensure blood is available for patients facing the most critical, life-threatening emergencies across the country. The Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply, but the strain for blood donations is not limited to the Red Cross with many blood collection organizations also having reported critical shortages this summer. Many hospitals refer to the period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day as “Trauma Season” as longer days and warmer weather can lead to more people sustaining injuries from recreational activity and accidents, thus le… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-senate-defense-democrats-in-demanding-accountability-from-hegseth-after-reports-of-crisis-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln Duckworth Joins Senate Defense Democrats in Demanding Accountability from Hegseth After Reports of Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln 2026-08-15 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined all of her fellow members on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) minority, as well as the Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, in demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Senators’ letter follows reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises severe enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard during its record-setting deployment. The Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, the longest continuous deployment at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier in the modern era. In the letter, the Senators wrote: “Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing. That is not how we treat the men and women we ask to carry out this mission.” “This situation was preventable, and the conditions aboard the Lincoln are nearly identical to the issues faced by the USS Ford when it conducted an extended deployment that ended earlier this year,” the Senators continued. “The USS Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East as the war with Iran began and has remained there as that war has dragged on with no clear endpoint. This is a symptom of poor planning by both you and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran. Open-ended deployments driven by an open-ended war have real consequences for our servicemembers, and we are seeing those consequences now.” The Senators pressed Secretary Hegseth on his Department’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and condemned his public dismissal of the reports as “completely mis… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-democratic-colleagues-in-demanding-hhs-rescind-cancellation-of-lifesaving-research-grants-that-improve-patient-safety-and-care Duckworth, Durbin Join Democratic Colleagues in Demanding HHS Rescind Cancellation of Lifesaving Research Grants That Improve Patient Safety and Care 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), along with 26 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, in demanding that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancellations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Congressionally appropriated funding for AHRQ grants benefitted critical research and initiatives to advance effective healthcare delivery, such as training for rural healthcare workers in Connecticut, testing the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals in Wisconsin, improving autism screening and services for Black children in North Carolina and equipping primary care providers with effective chronic pain treatment in Virginia. In a letter sent to HHS Secretary Kennedy, the Senators raised concerns about the impact of HHS’s mass cancellations of these research grants, writing, “This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancelations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law.” The Senators continued, “We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles.” The Senators called on Kenne… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-schneider-announce-more-than-795-million-in-federal-funding-for-illinois-airports Duckworth, Durbin, Schneider Announce More Than $7.95 Million in Federal Funding for Illinois Airports 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport will receive a combined total of $7.95 million in federal funding for runway improvements, sound mitigation [SPRINGFIELD, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today announced a total of $7,951,873 in federal funding for the Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport. This funding stems from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, which supports the planning and development of public-use airports. “Illinois airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “This major investment will help modernize infrastructure, install new runway safety measures and support noise mitigation for surrounding neighborhoods. Together, we will continue working to make air travel safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our airports are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.” “Investing in our airports is laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability. With this grant announcement for Decatur Airport, Illinoisans will see upgraded airport infrastructure, making travel safe and more efficient. Additionally, this funding will ensure that Illinoisans who live near the Chicago Executive Airport can mitigate the sounds of flyovers while still having access to a quality airport,” Durbin said. “I’m glad to work alongside my colleagues and local leaders in Illinois to announce more than $3.8 million in federal funding to support noise mitigation around Chicago Executive Airport,” said Schneider. “This project will support the health and well-being of nearby residents while ensuring the airport can continue to serve Cook County. In Congress, we will continue working to deliver funding that supports local priorities and projects.” Specifically, this grant funding will go toward: Decatur Park District ($4,081,873). This funding will go the construction phase of the De… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-quigley-davis-announce-more-than-696-million-for-amtrak-upgrades-in-chicago Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley, Davis Announce More Than $696 Million For Amtrak Upgrades In Chicago 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The $696 million in grant funding will support the Midwest Maintenance Facilities Modernization; the Chicago Rail Bridge Renewal; and the South Branch Bridge Rehabilitation CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and Danny Davis (D-IL-07) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $696,250,000 in federal funding to Amtrak projects based in Chicago. One of the three projects receiving funding—the South Bridge Rehabilitation—is part of the Chicago Hub Improvement project (CHIP), a multi-phased project to revitalize Chicago Union Station and its surrounding infrastructure, as well as revolutionize Midwest passenger rail. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State) grant program, which supports capital projects that repair, improve, or expand intercity passenger rail service. “Our state’s top-notch rail system keeps our economy moving while allowing Illinoisans to travel from Chicago to Carbondale. This latest federal investment into Chicago’s Amtrak facilities and infrastructure reflects the city’s status as a thriving transportation hub,” Durbin said. “I look forward to seeing this funding turn into concrete improvements to our rail infrastructure, and in turn, delivering an even better experience to Amtrak riders.” “Investments in our rail infrastructure are investments in our economy, making sure our rail network is safer, faster and more efficient for people and goods to get where they need to go,” said Duckworth. “This funding will help support critical upgrades to our rail infrastructure and strengthen our city’s role as a national hub for Amtrak. I will continue working alongside Senator Durbin, Congressman Quigley, Amtrak leadership and our local leaders to ensure our communities have the support they need to modernize our rail network, improve reliability and keep trains moving safely and efficiently for generati… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-schneider-announce-more-than-795-million-in-federal-funding-for-illinois-airports Durbin, Duckworth, Schneider Announce More Than $7.95 Million In Federal Funding For Illinois Airports 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport will receive a combined total of $7.95 million in federal funding for runway improvements, sound mitigation SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today announced a total of $7,951,873 in federal funding for the Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport. This funding stems from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, which supports the planning and development of public-use airports. “Investing in our airports is laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability. With this grant announcement for Decatur Airport, Illinoisans will see upgraded airport infrastructure, making travel safe and more efficient. Additionally, this funding will ensure that Illinoisans who live near the Chicago Executive Airport can mitigate the sounds of flyovers while still having access to a quality airport,” Durbin said. “Illinois airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “This major investment will help modernize infrastructure, install new runway safety measures and support noise mitigation for surrounding neighborhoods. Together, we will continue working to make air travel safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our airports are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.” “I’m glad to work alongside my colleagues and local leaders in Illinois to announce more than $3.8 million in federal funding to support noise mitigation around Chicago Executive Airport,” said Schneider. “This project will support the health and well-being of nearby residents while ensuring the airport can continue to serve Cook County. In Congress, we will continue working to deliver funding that supports local priorities and projects.” Specifically, this grant funding will go toward: Decatur Park District ($4,081,873). This funding will go the construction phase of the Decatur… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-sorensen-statement-on-announced-closure-of-tyson-plant-in-joslin Duckworth, Durbin, Sorensen Statement on Announced Closure of Tyson Plant in Joslin 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [JOSLIN, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today released the following statement on the announced closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Joslin, Illinois, which will result in the loss of about 2,500 union jobs in the region: “Today’s news is devastating for the 2,500 skilled union workers impacted by the closure of the Tyson plant in Joslin, especially at a time when American families are struggling with the rising cost of living. In the coming weeks, we remain committed to supporting our union members during this transition and working with Tyson to ensure that they have access to resources that support their return to work.” -30- 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-blumenthal-in-reintroducing-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-and-crew-from-toxic-cabin-air Duckworth Joins Blumenthal in Reintroducing Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers and Crew from Toxic Cabin Air 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee (CST) on Aviation, Space and Innovation—joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in reintroducing the Cabin Air Safety Act, bicameral legislation to protect airline pilots, flight attendants and passengers from toxic cabin air. Building on cabin air reporting provisions secured in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 that Duckworth helped author, the legislation would expand FAA reporting and investigation requirements, require real-time onboard air quality monitoring equipment, improve crew training and enhance the collection and public reporting of data on engine oil and hydraulic fluid smoke or fume events to help prevent future incidents and improve aviation safety. “The flying public deserves certainty that the air they breathe during their flight isn’t jeopardizing their health and safety,” said Duckworth. “When toxic fumes leak into the cabin, it could lead to health issues for passengers and potentially dangerous impairments to the pilots and crew. Our commonsense legislation would equip every cabin with air quality monitors and help prevent these incidents from happening.” “For too long, dangerous cabin air events have gone underreported, under investigated, and unaddressed,” said Blumenthal. “Our measure gives the FAA the tools it needs to identify these events in real time, ensure they are properly reported and investigated, and take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, and passengers deserve to know that the air they breathe is safe.” “Airline crew members and passengers have the right to breathe safe, clean air, on the ground and in the air. They should never have to worry about breathing in toxic air pollutants that put their health at risk,” said Markey. “I’m proud to join Senator Blumenthal in introducing the Cabin Air Safety Act to ensure we put the h… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-calls-for-watchdog-to-conduct-full-audit-of-trumps-gilded-ballroom-boondoggle Durbin Joins Calls For Watchdog To Conduct Full Audit Of Trump’s Gilded Ballroom Boondoggle 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin joins Senators who lead Committees with jurisdiction over Trump’s ballroom project to call on the Government Accountability Office to audit the project that will reportedly receive taxpayer funding WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee; Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Jack Reed (R-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, to call on the Acting Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project. After Republicans failed to gift President Trump $1 billion in federal funding through their partisan reconciliation bill in June, and although President Trump repeatedly claimed that the ballroom project and demolition of the East Wing would be privately funded, reporting shows that the Administration has inappropriately and illegally diverted more than $300 million in federal funding for the ballroom project. These Democratic Senators, through their committee leadership positions, have jurisdiction over the ballroom and the entire East Wing Modernization Project. “Congress has neither authorized nor appropriated funding for the ‘East Wing Modernization Project,’ nor has Congress been provided any planning details or justifications that would allow for informed consideration of the White House’s plans that would be a prerequisite for authorization or appropriation of funds. The lack of congressional authorization has been central to the ongoing litigation challenging the ballroom project, National Trust for Historic… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-sorensen-statement-on-announced-closure-of-tyson-plant-in-joslin Durbin, Duckworth, Sorensen Statement On Announced Closure Of Tyson Plant In Joslin 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper JOSLIN – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today released the following statement on the announced closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Joslin, Illinois, which will result in the loss of about 2,500 union jobs in the region: “Today’s news is devastating for the 2,500 skilled union workers impacted by the closure of the Tyson plant in Joslin, especially at a time when American families are struggling with the rising cost of living. In the coming weeks, we remain committed to supporting our union members during this transition and working with Tyson to ensure that they have access to resources that support their return to work.” -30- 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z

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