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

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2,397 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "IL" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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chamber 2

  • Senate 1,248
  • House 1,149

year 1

  • 2025 · 2,397 ✖

state 1

  • IL · 2,397 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat · 2,397 ✖
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://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-preckwinkle-cook-county-leaders-warn-aca-tax-credit-expiration Krishnamoorthi, Preckwinkle, Cook County Leaders Warn ACA Tax Credit Expiration Will Double Premiums, Strain Cook County Health and Stroger Hospital 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive–Stroger, and other Cook County leaders today at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County to warn that the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at midnight will sharply raise health care costs and place severe strain on Cook County Health and its flagship safety-net hospital. “Letting these ACA tax credits expire isn’t an accident—it’s a choice,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Republican leadership must allow a vote to extend these credits and stop blocking action to protect Medicaid from devastating cuts. Without action, premiums will nearly double, families will lose coverage overnight, and Cook County Health and Illinois taxpayers will be forced to absorb the fallout.” “At Cook County Health, we will help patients navigate coverage changes, and provide the care they need, but we can not do it alone. Our efforts will not be able to offset the loss of federal support. Letting the Affordable Care Act subsidies expire will cost people in our community their insurance, their health, and in some cases, their lives. We urge policymakers to consider the consequences of allowing these subsidies to expire,” said Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive, Stroger Hospital, Cook County Health. More than 550,000 Illinois residents are enrolled in the ACA marketplace in 2025, including over 360,000 Cook County residents, roughly 90 percent of whom rely on premium tax credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, average monthly ACA premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, pricing many families out of insurance overnight. Health care leaders warned that coverage losses will hit safety-net hospitals first. In 2023, charity and discounted care at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital totaled nearly $140 million, almost six times more than the next closest hospital in Illinois. In… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “Whether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump’s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans’ jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers—I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to do this past year,” Duckworth said. “While this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans—and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.” Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below. Duckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland. Key Efforts: Duckworth’s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeed… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-delauro-warren-renew-fight-pass-part-time-worker-bill-rights-act Schakowsky, DeLauro, Warren Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Janice D. Schakowsky S001145 schakowsky.house.gov schakowsky https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in reintroducing the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act, legislation created to strengthen protections for part-time workers and allow them to better balance their work schedules with personal and family needs. The legislation will address one of the primary issues that hourly workers face - work schedules that do not provide as many hours as they need to support their families - and provide additional protections and benefits for part-time workers. “Part-time workers across the country deserve better. More than one in five American workers are part-time and they face volatile work hours, unstable incomes, and low wages,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act with my colleagues Representative DeLauro and Senator Warren to ensure equitable workplace treatment and conditions for part-time workers. This legislation requires employers to treat part-time and full-time employees impartially and gives part-time workers access to stable hours and medical leave. We must improve the quality of part-time work for millions of families across the country.” "Part-time workers are crucial to the strength of our economy," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. "Yet, far too often, these workers are at a disadvantage when it comes to the stability, opportunity, and benefits that are afforded to full-time employees. The Part Time Workers Bill of Rights Act provides part-time workers with the peace of mind they deserve by ensuring they have access to additional hours and receive benefits like Family and Medical Leave and retirement plans, which we know are crucial to the well-being of our workers and their families. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Schakowsky and Senator Warren on this issue." “Every worker deserves a chance at providing for themselves and their families, but greedy giant corporations are using loopholes to exploit part-time workers … 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-va-abortion-ban-that-denies-millions-of-veterans-the-care-theyve-earned Duckworth Statement on Trump’s VA Abortion Ban That Denies Millions of Veterans the Care They’ve Earned 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration quietly implemented a policy banning the VA from providing abortion care to Veterans and their families—including in cases of rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother—despite widespread opposition from advocates and the Veteran community: “Our Veterans risked their lives to safeguard our freedoms. And yet a man who has never served a day in his life is taking away their own freedom to choose what's best for their health. “In cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is at risk, Trump is denying our heroes the care they’ve earned through their service—and it’ll be those living in states with extreme abortion bans who will suffer the most. “Trump implemented this extreme policy during the holiday season, quietly and over the objections of Veterans, thinking we wouldn’t notice. Well, we did. And I will keep fighting to give Veterans and all Americans the health care and reproductive freedom they deserve.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-after-hhs-cuts-pediatric-health Congressman Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers After HHS Cuts Pediatric Health Grants Following Criticism of RFK Jr. by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing grave concern over the Department’s decision to terminate more than $18 million in federal grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), warning that the move threatens critical child health initiatives nationwide and raises serious questions about political retaliation and the integrity of federal public health funding. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the AAP, headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, represents more than 67,000 pediatricians nationwide and has served for nearly a century as a cornerstone of evidence-based pediatric care and public health: The terminated grants supported programs aimed at reducing sudden infant death, improving adolescent health outcomes, preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and ensuring early identification of autism. The Department has stated that these initiatives “no longer align with the Department’s mission or priorities,” a justification Congressman Krishnamoorthi sharply questioned. “I find it profoundly disturbing that preventing infant deaths, protecting adolescent health, and identifying developmental disabilities early are now considered misaligned with the mission of the federal agency charged with safeguarding public health,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in his letter. “The funding cancellations came shortly after the AAP challenged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine policies in federal court, raising serious concerns that this action may represent retaliation against a respected medical organization for exercising its legal rights and defending science-based public health policy.” The letter raises particular concern about the timing of the cancellations, noting that the funding terminations occurred shortly after the AAP challenged Secretary Kennedy’s vaccine policies in federal court. Emphasizing the responsibilities of HHS and its subagencies, including the C… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-sounds-alarm-over-doj-diverting-fbi Congressman Krishnamoorthi Sounds Alarm Over DOJ Diverting FBI Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence Resources to Mass Immigration Raids 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel raising serious concerns that the Department of Justice has diverted FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence personnel away from their core national security missions and reassigned them to support mass immigration enforcement operations, putting the United States at risk. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that senior DOJ officials have redirected personnel and assets from the FBI’s core mission despite the Bureau’s own assessment that terrorists and nation-state adversaries pose the most immediate threats to the homeland: “Over the last year, senior officials have reassigned personnel and assets from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) core national security mission to immigration enforcement, leaving counterterrorism and counterintelligence work compromised and putting our national security at risk.” The letter cites reporting that early in 2025, DOJ leadership directed FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces to assist with immigration initiatives, requiring agents responsible for terrorism investigations, espionage detection, and cyber threat monitoring to prioritize immigration enforcement over national security work: “Agents responsible for espionage detection cyber threat monitoring, and terrorism investigation, therefore, were required to prioritize immigration enforcement, giving less attention to crucial national security threats.” Despite a rise in alleged terrorist incidents across the United States, the letter notes that a significant share of the Bureau remains diverted: “Nearly a quarter of the FBI’s roughly 13,000 agents nationwide, and up to 40 percent in the largest field offices, remain assigned to immigration enforcement duties.” Congressman Krishnamoorthi further highlighted reporting that analysts tracking terrorist financing, money laundering, and the illicit trade in looted antiquities, as well as investigations into the Iranian oil black market used to finance terror… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-urges-education-department-reverse-cuts-illinois Congressman Krishnamoorthi Urges Education Department to Reverse Cuts to Illinois Community Schools 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today called on the Department of Education to reverse its decision to cancel Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants across Illinois, warning that the move would eliminate critical student supports and undermine years of federal investment. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Congressman Krishnamoorthi raised concerns about the cancellation of $18.5 million in annual funding and more than $55 million over the remaining grant period for FSCS programs statewide. “In Illinois, FSCS grants support 16 school districts and 32 schools across Illinois, serving approximately 19,000 students annually,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in the letter. “These grant programs serve rural, suburban, and urban students alike, partnering with schools and families to ensure programs are responsive to the unique needs of each community. They provide essential family engagement, nutrition programs, academic enrichment, mental health supports, and workforce-aligned partnerships. FSCS grants are lifelines for the children and families who rely on them, ensuring that our kids remain safe and supported as they learn.” Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that the tens of millions of dollars in funding cuts would have immediate and severe consequences. When students return from winter break this January, they will face dramatically reduced support, undoing years of federal investment in future generations. The congressman accused the Trump administration of politicizing children’s programs and education. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-responds-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-trumps-chicago-national Krishnamoorthi Responds to Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump’s Chicago National Guard Deployment, Urges Passage of His Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States declined to allow President Trump to proceed with a National Guard deployment into Chicago: “Today’s Supreme Court decision blocking President Trump’s attempt to deploy the National Guard into the Chicago area is an important step forward in stopping a clear abuse of his office—but it applies only to this case. I introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act to clarify and limit a president’s authority to deploy the military or National Guard to any American city and prevent the use of servicemembers as political props. Congress must act to ensure President Trump cannot misuse our servicemembers this way again. Illinois has stood united in opposing this illegal and political deployment since day one, and I applaud Governor Pritzker’s leadership as we all fight back together. We will continue to stand united no matter what this administration throws our way.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-details-systemic-issues-during-inspections-ice-detention-and Underwood Details Systemic Issues During Inspections of ICE Detention and Processing Facilities in Chicago, Lombard, and Bunker Hill, Indiana 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Lauren Underwood U000040 underwood.house.gov underwood https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper BUNKER HILL, IN. — Today, Representative Lauren Underwood of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee conducted an oversight visit with staff to the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, one of the primary facilities used to hold Illinoisians during Operation Midway Blitz. Yesterday, Underwood and staff conducted oversight visits to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago Field Office, located in downtown Chicago, and the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Field Office, located in Lombard, Illinois. These visits build on her recent inspection of the Broadview Processing Center following widespread community outrage at Operation Midway Blitz’s constitutional violations and ongoing questions about federal immigration enforcement practices across Illinois and the nation. Underwood received briefings from leadership of all three facilities and toured the premises, including intake rooms, holding spaces, storage areas, and officer work areas. The visits occurred as dozens of constituents across her community continue to report being detained, confronted, or questioned by federal immigration enforcement personnel. For months, the Illinois delegation received no timely responses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to basic inquiries regarding the safety or location of constituents impacted by the operation. “For months, the Trump Administration has trampled over our Constitution and failed to answer even the most basic questions about how they are conducting immigration enforcement,” said Underwood. “My visits this week exposed serious breakdowns in how people are tracked, cared for, and treated across ICE facilities. People deserve to know the truth about what is happening in our communities, how federal resources are being used in their name, and how these so-called immigration enforcement operations are being run.” Miami Correctional Facility (Bunker Hill, IN) The Miami Correctional Facility is a s… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment Of National Guard Troops To Chicago 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/los-representantes-garcia-davis-ramirez-y-jackson-inspeccionan-el-centro-de-procesamiento-de-ice-en-broadview Los Representantes García, Davis, Ramírez y Jackson Inspeccionan el Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jesús G. "Chuy" García G000586 chuygarcia.house.gov chuygarcia https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper CHICAGO — Hoy, los Congresistas federales Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia C. Ramírez (IL-03) y Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) regresaron al Centro de Procesamiento de ICE en Broadview, Illinois, para una visita de supervisión. Un tribunal federal confirmó el 17 de diciembre que la Administración Trump no puede impedir que los miembros del Congreso realicen supervisen los centros de detención de inmigrantes. En la conferencia de prensa, los representantes estuvieron acompañados por Erendira Rendon, vicepresidenta de Justicia para Inmigrantes de The Resurrection Project (TRP), y Artemio Arreola, director político de la Coalición de Illinois para los Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados (ICIRR). El video de la conferencia de prensa se puede ver aquí. La inspección realizada por los miembros del Congreso confirmó lo que habían escuchado de los defensores de los derechos de inmigrantes sobre el centro: cuatro celdas de detención, servicios sanitarios insuficientes, falta de privacidad, ausencia de servicios médicos y de salud mental, un lugar que no fue diseñado para albergar personas más de unas horas. “Estamos respondiendo a las necesidades de nuestros electores, quienes han llamado a nuestras oficinas, y no saben qué le sucede a sus familiares cuando están en este centro de detención”, dijo el Congresista Davis, quien representa el distrito donde se encuentra el centro de procesamiento de ICE en Broadview. “El tribunal dijo que somos los representantes del pueblo y por eso estamos aquí. Nuestra función es servir y proteger a la gente de nuestro distrito, y eso es lo que he hecho toda mi vida y no voy a dejar de hacerlo ahora”. “Un tribunal federal reafirmó lo que nunca debió haberse cuestionado: que el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos (ICE) y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional no pueden impedir que los miembros del Congreso inspeccionen las instalaciones financiadas por el pueblo estadounidense. Lo que vimos hoy confirma por qué la supervisión es urgente. Es … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-davis-ramirez-jackson-inspect-broadview-ice-processing-center Reps.  García, Davis, Ramirez, Jackson Inspect Broadview ICE Processing Center 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jesús G. "Chuy" García G000586 chuygarcia.house.gov chuygarcia https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper CHICAGO —Today Federal Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) returned to the ICE Processing Center at Broadview, Illinois for an oversight visit. A federal court confirmed on December 17 that the Trump Administration cannot block Members of Congress from conducting oversight at immigration detention facilities. The Representatives were joined at a press conference by Erendira Rendon, Vice President for Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project (TRP) and Artemio Arreola, Political Director at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). A video of the press conference can be watched here. The inspection by the Members of Congress confirmed what they have been hearing from advocates about the center — four detention cells, insufficient sanitary services, no privacy, no medical and mental health services, a place that was not created to keep people overnight. “We are responding to the needs of our constituents who have called our offices, and they don’t know what happens to their relatives when they are in this detention center,” said Congressman Davis, who represents the district where the Broadview ICE processing center is located. “The court said we are the representatives of the people and that’s why we are here. Our role is to serve and protect the people of our district and that’s what I’ve done all my life and I’m not going to stop now.” “A federal court reaffirmed what should never have been questioned—that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security cannot block Members of Congress from inspecting facilities funded by the American people. What we saw today confirms why oversight is urgent. It’s a system designed to wear people down rather than process them humanely,” said Congressman García. “What we witnessed reflects a system that treats human beings as inventory. This is already the deadliest period on record for people in ICE custody.Blocking oversight doe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-presses-energy-department-rising-electricity-costs Congressman Krishnamoorthi Presses Energy Department on Rising Electricity Costs in Wake of New Illinois Grid Report 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright raising concerns about rising electricity costs and grid reliability risks facing Illinois families and businesses in the wake of a new Illinois Resource Adequacy Study warning of looming capacity shortfalls and higher power prices. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi noted that electricity costs in Illinois have increased more than 14 percent since January 2025, contributing to millions of Americans falling behind on their energy bills and facing the threat of disconnection. Congressman Krishnamoorthi pointed to the 2025 Resource Adequacy Study, which found that regional grids that serve Illinois are projected to face capacity limits and system-wide shortfalls beginning later this decade if the current trends continue. The study makes clear the core problem is not a lack of proposed clean energy projects, but the inability to bring new resources online on schedule. Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlighted that wind and solar accounted for 93 percent of new electricity added to the U.S. power grid in 2024, making them among the most cost-effective energy sources available. He went on to warn that retreating from these investments and weakening clean energy incentives has slowed project deployment, increased reliability risks, and driven up household energy costs. Congressman Krishnamoorthi also wrote that the study finds rolling back or weakening incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act could increase delivered electricity prices by as much as 7 to 10 percent by the end of the decade, exacerbating affordability challenges for families and businesses already struggling with higher bills. Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested responses to the following questions no later than January 20, 2026: What actions has the Department taken since January 2025 to reduce interconnection and permitting delays affecting utility-scale wind, solar, battery storage, and transmission projects in PJM a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administration-failure-to-release-the-complete-epstein-files Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Failure To Release The Complete Epstein Files 2025-12-20 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice failed to produce the complete Epstein files yesterday in accordance with federal law: “Yesterday could have been a win for survivors, accountability, and transparency to the public. It wasn’t. After mishandling the Epstein files all year, the Trump Administration is now violating federal law to protect the rich and powerful. “It took an act of Congress to force Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino to even consider providing justice. They had a choice: survivors or Donald Trump. They chose the latter. “Senate Judiciary Democrats will investigate this violation of law and make sure the American people know about it. “The survivors deserve better. It’s clear Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are working for the rich and powerful elites—and not you.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-condemns-doj-action-undermining-minority-serving CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS CONDEMNS DOJ ACTION UNDERMINING MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Danny K. Davis D000096 davis.house.gov davis https://davis.house.gov/media scraper Chicago, IL — Congressman Danny K. Davis issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion declaring key Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs unconstitutional, prompting the Department of Education to halt or curtail their operation: “Today’s action by the Department of Justice denies both the constitutionality and the necessity of targeted, compensatory efforts designed to expand educational access for Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, and other historically marginalized communities. This decision wipes away formal recognition of the very real and well-documented legacy of racism, slavery, Jim Crow segregation, systemic poverty, and structural barriers that continue to shape educational opportunity in America. To suggest—by any stretch of the imagination—that the playing field in education is equal is simply false." Minority Serving Institutions educate roughly five million students—nearly one-third of all undergraduates in this country. These institutions are not symbolic. They are proven engines of economic mobility. They meet students where they are, support low-income and first-generation students, and strengthen entire communities. When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act, he made clear that no student should be turned away from college because their family is poor. Today’s actions are deeply at odds with that promise. Background: Following the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion, the Department of Education will no longer operate or will significantly curtail several programs, including: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions; Hispanic-Serving Institutions–STEM; Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions; Predominantly Black Institutions formula grants; Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program; and Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Edu… 1 2026-05-16T06:05:00Z 2026-05-16T06:06:37Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-conducts-oversight-visit-broadview-ice-facility Congressman Krishnamoorthi Conducts Oversight Visit at Broadview ICE Facility After Months of Being Unlawfully Denied Access 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper BROADVIEW, IL — Today, following a federal court ruling blocking the Trump administration’s restrictions on congressional access to immigration detention facilities, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) conducted an oversight visit at the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility after months of being unlawfully denied entry. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb temporarily paused ICE and Department of Homeland Security policies requiring Members of Congress to provide seven days’ notice before visiting immigration detention facilities—restrictions the court found likely exceeded DHS’s statutory authority and interfered with Congress’s constitutional oversight responsibilities. “For months, the Trump Administration blocked lawful congressional oversight into conditions inside immigration detention facilities, including here in Broadview, while carrying out increasingly militarized immigration raids that sow fear in our communities,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Congress has both the legal authority and the obligation to conduct real-time oversight. My visit follows a clear court ruling reaffirming that authority, and I will continue using every tool available to force the Trump Administration to follow the law, respect due process, and treat people in custody with dignity the American people demand.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-increase-diversity Rep. Kelly introduces bipartisan, bicameral bill to increase diversity in clinical trials 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Robin L. Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov robinkelly https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act to increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health. This bill is also led by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Susan Collins (R-ME). “When people are excluded from clinical trials, they are also excluded from treatments for chronic diseases. The data clearly lays out the fact that historically marginalized communities disproportionately suffer from certain illnesses and diseases – but we are excluded from clinical trials,” said Rep. Kelly, Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate to ensure better representation in our clinical trials. No one should be left behind in the pursuit of medical breakthroughs.” “Medical breakthroughs are only as strong as the data behind them—and data that excludes entire communities is incomplete by definition,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. “The NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act strengthens the integrity of our research by ensuring clinical trials reflect the full diversity of the patients they are meant to serve. This bipartisan, bicameral effort is about inclusion, accountability, and better science—so that lifesaving treatments work for everyone.” “Biomedical research holds tremendous promise for treating many of the most costly and devastating diseases we face. To ensure that the benefits of cutting-edge medical science reach all Americans, it is important that participants in clinical trials reflect our overall population,” said Senator Collins. “By encouraging long-term planning and improving demographic representation in clinical studies, this bipartisan legislation would help enhance the effectiveness of critical research that is conducted and sponsored by the NIH.” “We have a responsibility to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have fair and equal access to treatment and care. This needs to begin … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-introduces-legislation-strengthen-federal-port-infrastructure Rep. Kelly Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Federal Port Infrastructure Investments Nationwide 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Robin L. Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov robinkelly https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Chicago, IL. – Today, Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Randy Weber (TX-14), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Erin Houchin (IN-09) led the bipartisan introduction of the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act. This legislation strengthens the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) by ensuring federal investments are distributed more evenly across regional port systems nationwide. Currently, inland and Great Lakes ports receive a disproportionately small share of federal support, limiting their ability to modernize infrastructure, expand capacity, and remain competitive. By rebalancing how funds are awarded, the bill helps unlock the full economic and national security potential of ports across the interior, strengthening America’s supply chain resilience and global competitiveness. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. “Illinois’ ports, including the Illinois International Port District in Chicago, are vital to our agricultural and manufacturing supply chains,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “This bill would ensure the Great Lakes and inland ports receive a fair share of federal investment so they can operate safely, efficiently, and drive economic growth in the Second District and across Illinois.” “Our ports are the front doors of American trade. This bill ensures smart federal investments in local jobs, improves supply chains, and enhances our economic security,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “In my region that means shoring up our Great Lakes ports to allow goods commodities to flow up through the Soo Locks and on to Europe through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining this effort to invest in economic growth and improve waterborne shipping to the world.” “Inland ports are the backbone of the nation’s supply chain. When they fall behind, Americ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-condemns-house-republicans-failing-american-families-and-leaving Underwood Condemns House Republicans for Failing American Families and Leaving Town Without Saving Health Care 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Lauren Underwood U000040 underwood.house.gov underwood https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Yesterday, House Republicans dismissed the House and left Washington for holiday break without scheduling a vote on Rep. Lauren Underwood’s legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for an additional three years. Four Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition to force a vote on the legislation on Wednesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson ignored that bipartisan consensus, and has delayed the vote to January. The popular tax credits will expire on December 31st, 2025, and millions of families will now go into the holiday season facing skyrocketing health care costs next year. “Health care is a human right, and for months we have called on Republicans to address this issue and give families peace of mind by making the incredibly popular tax credits from my legislation permanent,” said Rep Underwood. “But they have done nothing, and now millions of families will head into the holiday season filled with uncertainty and anxiety about the future of our health care. This is a crisis that Republicans have created through their own cruelty and neglect. It’s completely unacceptable, and our communities deserve better.” 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blumenthal-demand-investigation-into-trumps-misuse-of-va-resources-to-help-execute-his-extreme-deportation-campaign Duckworth, Blumenthal Demand Investigation into Trump’s Misuse of VA Resources to Help Execute His Extreme Deportation Campaign 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today demanded an independent investigation into the Trump Administration’s decision to divert personnel, equipment and financial resources away from serving our nation’s Veterans and toward developing a database to track non-U.S. citizen employees as part of Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation campaign. After Donald Trump fired 30,000 VA employees and jeopardized timely VA care for our Veterans earlier this year, Duckworth’s letter underscores that aiding immigration enforcement does not support or advance the VA’s sacred mission of caring for our Veterans and their families and only further demoralizes the dedicated VA workforce. “Beyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans’ prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities,” wrote Duckworth. “These actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA’s mission.” Demanding an independent investigation into this latest attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine the mission of the VA, Duckworth wrote: “…we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database’s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA’s congressionally appropriated resources.” Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for improving our Veterans’ and servicemembers’ access to care amid Trump’s ongoing attacks on the VA. In October, she defended disabled Veterans as Senate Republicans shamefully promoted Trump’s dangerous efforts to cut even … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-135-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-illinois-students Durbin, Duckworth Announce $13.5 Million In Federal Funding To Support Illinois Students 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $13,467,325 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for mental health and literacy support for students in Illinois. “There is a growing mental health and literacy crisis amongst today’s youth that must be addressed,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for programs that build the pipeline of mental health professionals, connect professionals to students, and support literacy research will help Illinois face these concerns head-on. It also demonstrates the importance of the Department of Education as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to dismantle the agency. Senator Duckworth and I will always work to ensure our students have access to resources that help put them on a path toward success.” “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why I’m proud to see this investment support critical mental health programs that help students across Illinois thrive,” said Senator Duckworth. “While this funding will reach our state this time around, it’s cruel that Donald Trump’s cuts to federal services have jeopardized programs that prepare the next generation—hurting the very middle-class families he swore to protect, all while enriching his billionaire buddies. That’s why I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level, alongside Senator Durbin, to safeguard these investments and ensure every student across our state has the chance to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.” The Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Grant Program and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program provide competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and consortia of LEAs to train and increase the number of credentialed mental health services providers providing school-based mental health services to students. The Education Innovation and Research gran… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-members-of-illinois-delegation-request-25-million-in-reimbursements-for-mwrds-work-on-the-thornton-reservoir Durbin, Duckworth, Members Of Illinois Delegation Request $25 Million In Reimbursements For MWRD’s Work On The Thornton Reservoir 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to include $25 million in construction funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for the work it has completed on the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir. “We are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir,” the lawmakers wrote. In 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir, enabling MWRD to work on the project while being eligible for federal reimbursement. Despite the reservoir being in service since 2015 and providing an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities, the Army Corps still owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements. “Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area,” the lawm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-blumenthal-ross-to-introduce-legislation-to-shine-light-on-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions Durbin Joins Blumenthal, Ross To Introduce Legislation To Shine Light On Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) to introduce bicameral legislation establishing transparency in decisions on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, also known as the “shadow docket.” The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. The Supreme Court’s increasing reliance on the shadow docket allows it to make decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court’s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to decide a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work. The Trump Administration has also urged the Supreme Court to decide Trump v. Illinois, a case that will determine the legality of the Trump Administration’s federalization and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, on the shadow docket. The Trump Administration’s emergency application is still pending. “The Supreme Court’s abuse of the shadow docket has allowed justices to hand down major rulings without justification and sets a dangerous precedent under which consequential cases are decided without a clear rationale—even when those cases involve a presidential administration that has shown little regard for the Constitution. This abuse of process must stop,” … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-whistleblower-disclosure-regarding-uscis-circumventing-court-order Durbin Statement On Whistleblower Disclosure Regarding USCIS Circumventing Court Order 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding a whistleblower disclosure alleging that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is feigning compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and a court order in a class action lawsuit in order to avoid court oversight. The Nightingale court order simply requires USCIS to comply with existing FOIA law to process immigration case files and report its progress to the court. Yet, according to this whistleblower report, USCIS is trying to avoid court reporting requirements and obligations under FOIA by prematurely closing cases, even when a USCIS FOIA officer has found the case file information and could provide it to the FOIA requester. The disclosure comes after USCIS reported to the court that it had a 99 percent timely completion rate for immigration case file FOIA requests. “Today’s disclosure alleges that the DHS FOIA office wants a district court judge to believe FOIA requests are being processed more efficiently. But in fact, they are being summarily closed to cook the numbers. “The agency’s actions directly conflict with the spirit of the Nightingale lawsuit, which was filed to ensure due process for individuals who only can access their records through FOIA. They also appear to conflict with the Freedom of Information Act, which instructs agencies not to withhold information unless the agency reasonably foresees that the disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption. “New policies that allow the agency to reject FOIA requests reduce transparency and are just one more way that the Trump-Noem DHS is operating with impunity. The information contained in case files is vital as immigrants increasingly are the targets of violent enforcement actions and must dispute false narratives devised by this Administration. USCIS must respond to FOIA requests fully and in a timely fashion.” Records contained in immigration case fil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-duckworth-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-blue-ribbon-schools-after-trump-administration-ends-program Casten, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Resolution Honoring Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools After Trump Administration Ends Program 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Sean Casten C001117 casten.house.gov casten https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2025) — After the Trump Administration ended the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced a resolution to recognize the 28 Illinois schools that were selected to receive the designation of Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education given to public, charter, and private schools for their exemplary education and work to close the achievement gap. “Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools represent the very best of our state’s education system,” said Rep. Casten. “Teachers, administrators, and students work tirelessly to earn this distinction, which recognizes a sustained commitment to academic excellence. Although the Trump Administration needlessly ended the program, Congress can and should continue to honor deserving institutions. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senators Durbin and Duckworth to ensure their achievements receive the recognition they’ve earned.” “Rather than continue our nation’s tradition of celebrating schools that have dedicated themselves to closing the achievement gap, the Trump Administration has focused its energy on closing the Department of Education at the detriment of our nation’s students and their education. While the Trump Administration will not recognize the hard work of educators, I am proud to celebrate the achievements of Illinois schools who earned the title of being a Blue Ribbon School,” said Sen. Durbin. “My resolution with Senator Duckworth and Congressman Casten gives these schools – and the educators, faculty, and staff that run them – the recognition they deserve.” “Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our schools and support our teachers,” Sen. Duckworth said. “I’m proud to recognize this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois and their efforts to help students thrive inside and outside … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-raises-alarm-over-planned-va-health-care-staffing Congressman Krishnamoorthi Raises Alarm Over Planned VA Health Care Staffing Cuts, Presses for Answers on Impact to Veterans 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing serious concern over reports that the VA plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions across the Veterans Health Administration, including clinical and support roles. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warns that eliminating currently vacant positions risks worsening wait times, disrupting continuity of care, and limiting access to critical services for veterans nationwide — particularly in systems that are already under strain. “Veterans across the country rely on the VA for timely, high-quality medical care, mental health services, and benefits processing," Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. "In Illinois alone, hundreds of thousands of veterans depend on VA health care and services, including veterans affected by toxic exposures recognized under the PACT Act.” Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlights the potential impact on Illinois veterans, noting that hundreds of vacancies at major VA facilities in the Chicago area — including the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and the Lovell Federal Health Care Center — are reportedly slated for elimination. “The fact that a position is vacant does not mean it is unnecessary. In many VA facilities, vacancies reflect persistent hiring challenges in a tight health-care labor market — not a lack of need. From the perspective of veterans awaiting appointments, delayed procedures, or mental health services, an unfilled position often represents care that has not yet arrived, not care that is no longer required.” The letter also cites warnings from health care staff already working in VA facilities, including reports that existing vacancies have pushed staff to a breaking point and made staffing shortages the new norm. Absent a clear, facility-by-facility explanation of how eliminating these positions would improve care delivery, Congressman Krishnamoorthi expresses concern that the decision could lock in staffing shortage… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-jayapal-mcbride-foushee-lead-legislation-end-trump-use-police Quigley, Jayapal, McBride, Foushee Lead Legislation to End Trump Use of Police for Immigration Enforcement 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov quigley https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) re-introduced the Protecting the Rights of Towns against federal Enforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for (PROTECT) Immigration Act, legislation which would end the deputization of local and state police departments to enforce immigration law. The PROTECT Immigration Act would rescind the statutory authority for the federal government's 287(g) Program, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law. “The Trump administration just spent months terrorizing immigrants in the Chicagoland area. Their actions led to domestic violence victims fleeing a courthouse rather than receive restraining orders against their abusers, all out of fear that ICE or local law enforcement would detain and deport them,” said Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05). “I met with immigrants and their neighbors who are afraid to call for help or report crimes in their neighborhoods because of Trump’s deliberate erosion of trust between communities and local police. And now the Trump administration is running ads targeting local police and offering $50,000 signing bonuses to pull critical law enforcement away from day-to-day policing in order to arrest and detain hardworking immigrants with no criminal records. We must bring an end to the 287(g) program and cut off one of the avenues this administration has exploited to intimidate immigrant communities.” “Allowing local law enforcement to be deputized to kidnap and disappear immigrants undercuts the trust that local police rely on to maintain public safety in our communities,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “Immigrants and their U.S. citizen loved ones stop reporting crimes out of fear of being kidnapped and deported. Local police are spread thin enforcing federal civil immigration law. We know that Trump is not targeting criminals, he… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-tlaib-statement-death-illinois-resident-north-lake-processing-center Ramirez, Tlaib Statement on Death of Illinois Resident at North Lake Processing Center in Michigan 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Delia C. Ramirez R000617 ramirez.house.gov ramirez https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC—Today, Congresswomen Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement after receiving notification that a 56-year-old immigrant man, Nenko Stanev Gantchev, a resident of Illinois and a citizen of Bulgaria, died on December 15th in ICE custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Michigan. “We are deeply concerned about the death of Mr. Gantchev, an Illinois resident who was detained at the for-profit GEO Group’s North Lake Processing Center. While ICE claims he died of natural causes, the circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear, and we know there have been numerous complaints from family members and advocates about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at North Lake. We demand an immediate, transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Gantchev’s death, including an investigation into reports from other detainees that he asked for medical assistance and did not receive it in time to save his life. To date, we are aware of at least 30 deaths at ICE detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year for immigrants in ICE custody. The Trump administration’s attacks on our communities and immigrant neighbors must end. We will continue to provide oversight to hold ICE accountable and protect our residents and communities.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-sends-letters-secretary-rfk-jr-administrator-oz-health Rep. Kelly sends letters to Secretary RFK Jr., Administrator Oz, health insurance companies to investigate mistreatment of Mercedes Wells, Karrie Jones 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Robin L. Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov robinkelly https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – After announcing the WELLS Act, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) continues to take action and demand accountability for her constituent, Mercedes Wells, who was discharged while in active labor. She sent letters to five of the largest health insurance companies, the Office of Inspector General at the health department, and Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. “Racism in our healthcare system is preventing Black women from receiving the treatment they need and deserve,” said Rep. Kelly. “I’m working on this issue at every angle, from health insurance companies to hospital systems to federal investigations and legislation. We all have a role in improving our healthcare system. I brought the issue of maternal mortality to Congress. I will keep sharing Mercedes’s story, and uplifting the voices of women who have gone unheard, until every mother gets the care she deserves.” Reps. Kelly, Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and 31 Members of Congress sent a letter demanding investigations into the hospitals that mistreated Wells and Karrie Jones, another Black woman who was delayed care, to the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services. Formal investigations should be launched to determine whether Franciscan Health in Crown Point, Indiana, and Dallas Regional Medical Center violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor (EMTALA) Act of 1986. “These cases [of Mercedes Wells and Karrie Jones] are not isolated failures; they are part of the ongoing warnings of the Black maternal health crisis, heightened by funding cuts for maternal health and equity,” wrote the Members. “Federal protections like EMTALA mean little without enforcement, transparency, and accountability.” Read the full letter here. Reps. Kelly, Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and 49 Members of Congress sent a letter urging Secretary Kennedy to wield his department’s oversight powers to ensure hospitals adhere to patient-safety standards. Hospitals must also comply with civil rights protections of the Affordable Care Act, which pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-her-colleagues-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-reverse-its-termination-of-tps-for-burma Duckworth Leads Her Colleagues in Demanding the Trump Administration Reverse its Termination of TPS for Burma 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After Donald Trump continued his extreme, anti-immigrant campaign by terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration immediately reverse this harmful, misguided policy and reinstate Burma’s TPS designation. In the letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators highlighted the inconsistencies in the Department of Homeland Security’s rationale for terminating TPS and urged the Administration to stop staking the lives of lawful TPS beneficiaries on the misleading claims of authoritarian leaders and advancing a policy that will force them to return to an active war zone. In addition to Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO). In the letter, the Senators wrote: “Your termination notice ignores the Burmese military’s brutality, often targeted at returnees, and heartlessly requires TPS holders to return to an active war zone. We ask that you stop relying on the claims of authoritarian leaders to justify politically expedient TPS terminations and immediately reverse this decision.” The Senators continued: “We are particularly alarmed that your justification for terminating TPS for Burma embraces the talking points of Burma’s military junta. In your termination notice, you highlight the military State Administration Council’s self-dissolution and revocation of its 2021 state of emergency and the National Defense and Security Council’s plans to hold what you deem “free and fair” elections as signs of major improvement in Burma that guided your decision. However, you fail to acknowledge that, after ending emergency rule in July, military leaders immediately reimposed a state of emerg… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provision-to-rein-in-trumps-misuse-of-the-military-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature Duckworth-Led Provision to Rein in Trump’s Misuse of the Military Passes Congress, Awaits President’s Signature 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s servicemembers into American communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, the Senate passed a provision authored and championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) that would rein in Trump’s misuse of the military, help strengthen public trust in the military and ensure servicemembers identify themselves as part of the Armed Forces when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. The Senator’s provision—which is a modified version of her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability (MiLEA) Act—was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that both chambers of Congress have now passed. The provision will ensure that servicemembers identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties. “It is inexcusable that the Trump Administration is intentionally trying to borrow the respected image of the military and make it hard for Americans to tell the difference between abusive federal agents and our professional servicemembers—with DHS agents dressing in camo and wielding military-style weapons,” said Duckworth. “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference that drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. Although the courts have stopped him in city after city, it’s clear Donald Trump wants our professional military to defend his incredibly abusive and unprofessional agents in carrying out his cruel and extreme domestic policies. My provision would provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises—and help build back the public’s trust in the military.” Duckworth has repeatedly criticized Trump and his Administration for repeatedly trying to blur the l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal, Support Illinois Quantum Technology Research and Safeguard Care for Veterans Passes Congress, Awaits President’s Signature 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), successfully secured several important provisions to support Illinoisans, servicemembers, Veterans and our state’s economy that passed Congress this week and are heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Some of the priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include protecting Rock Island Arsenal from any restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plans, supporting research and development at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago and expanding access to vital health care services for our state’s servicemembers, Veterans and military families. “Throughout bipartisan negotiations, I’m proud to have helped lead the charge to secure several important provisions that will support our servicemembers and ensure Illinois’s defense innovation ecosystem and Rock Island Arsenal are as strong as possible,” said Senator Duckworth. “These critical provisions will help benefit our state by protecting operations at Rock Island Arsenal, protecting health care access for our military and Veteran families and supporting groundbreaking quantum computing research in Chicago.” Key Duckworth-led provisions set to be signed into law that will support Illinoisans include: Supporting and Protecting Rock Island Arsenal Operations: By Protecting Jobs: This provision limits funds available to the Secretary of the Army allocated for restructuring Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate the two commands, helping ensure operations and jobs at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected. By Sustaining Workload and Industrial Base: This provision establishes a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals and depots, especially those n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-casten-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-blue-ribbon-schools-after-trump-administration-ends-program Durbin, Duckworth, Casten Introduce Resolution Honoring Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools After Trump Administration Ends Program 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The resolution recognizes the 28 Illinois schools who earned a designation as a Blue Ribbon School before the Trump Administration ended the program earlier this year WASHINGTON— After the Trump Administration ended the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) today introduced a resolution to recognize the 28 Illinois schools that were selected to receive the designation of Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education given to public, charter, and private schools for their exemplary education and work to close the achievement gap. “Rather than continue our nation’s tradition of celebrating schools that have dedicated themselves to closing the achievement gap, the Trump Administration has focused its energy on closing the Department of Education at the detriment of our nation’s students and their education. While the Trump Administration will not recognize the hard work of educators, I am proud to celebrate the achievements of Illinois schools who earned the title of being a Blue Ribbon School,” said Durbin. “My resolution with Senator Duckworth and Congressman Casten gives these schools – and the educators, faculty, and staff that run them – the recognition they deserve.” “Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our schools and support our teachers,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to recognize this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois and their efforts to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to ensure that all students—no matter their zip code—have the opportunity to grow and thrive.” “Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools represent the very best of our state’s education system,” said Casten. “Teachers, administrators, and students work tirelessly to earn this distinction, which recognizes a sustained commitment to academic ex… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-submit-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity Durbin, Duckworth Submit Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials’ Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Senators notify DOJ they are gathering and preserving additional evidence of violations of Section 242 amid “Operation Midway Blitz” and other unlawful immigration raids across the country WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today referred the unlawful actions of Trump Administration officials and federal law enforcement agents responsible for immigration enforcement in Illinois to Attorney General Pam Bondi for investigation. The Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during “Operation Midway Blitz,” and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity. Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is a federal crime for any person acting “under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom” to “willfully subject[] any person . . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Anyone who willfully violates another person’s Fourth Amendment rights by engaging in warrantless arrests or use of excessive force under color of law may be held liable under Section 242. If this Administration fails to pursue charges, the statute of limitations will permit the next Administration to prosecute officials who acted unlawfully. The Senators wrote, “We write to alert the Department of Justice to potential violations of law by federal immigration agents and senior Administration officials during implementation of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign—and specifically the so-called ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Illinois. This enforcement campaign—defined by use of excessive force and warrantless arrests—has reached multiple states and is intentionally creating fear and havoc in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. As indicated by agency leadership, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-graham-introduce-bill-to-sunset-section-230-immunity-for-tech-companies-protect-americans-online Durbin, Graham Introduce Bill To Sunset Section 230 Immunity For Tech Companies, Protect Americans Online 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Sunset Section 230 Act would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act, which would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies and finally hold them accountable for the harms that occur on their platforms. “Children are being exploited and abused because Big Tech consistently prioritizes profits over people. Enough is enough. Sunsetting Section 230 will force Big Tech to come to the table to take ownership over the harms it has wrought. And if Big Tech doesn’t, this bill will open the courtroom to victims of its platforms. Parents have been begging Congress to step in, and it’s time we do so. I’m proud to partner with Senator Graham on this effort, and we will push for it to become law,” said Durbin. “I am extremely pleased that there is such wide and deep bipartisan support for repealing Section 230, which protects social media companies from being sued by the people whose lives they destroy. Giant social media platforms are unregulated, immune from lawsuits and are making billions of dollars in advertising revenue off some of the most unsavory content and criminal activity imaginable. It is past time to allow those who have been harmed by these behemoths to have their day in court,” said Graham. In addition to Durbin and Graham, the bill is sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT). “For nearly 30 years, Section 230 has provided Big Tech cover as they turn a blind eye to heinous crimes committed on their platforms. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I’m glad to join my bipartisa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shaheen-meet-with-polish-embassys-head-of-mission Durbin, Shaheen Meet With Polish Embassy’s Head Of Mission 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with the Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy, Bogdan Klich, to discuss Poland’s strong support of Ukraine as Vladimir Putin continues his brutal war. They also discussed Russia’s provocative incursion into Polish airspace, creating a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine that marks the first time NATO planes engaged enemy targets in alliance airspace. “While I support efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine started by Russia, it is also clear that after each such engagement or threatened deadline from President Trump, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine brazenly increased, not decreased,” said Durbin. “As I reiterated to Mr. Klich, we must stand strong together—the United States, Poland, and Ukraine—to push back on Vladimir Putin and ensure any peace agreement is not a sellout to Putin. I also reiterated that Poland is our ally, and I hope the Trump Administration takes the Russian drone incursions to NATO seriously.” “Poland is an invaluable NATO ally, a keystone of our collective defense on the Eastern flank and a steadfast partner in supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” said Shaheen. “In our meeting today, I reiterated my deep reservations about the Trump Administration’s initial so-called ‘peace’ proposal that is willing to accommodate Putin’s demands at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and broader U.S. and European security interests. The United States should follow Poland’s lead and recognize the urgency of the moment—now is the time for a strong, coordinated Allied posture.” In October, Durbin and Shaheen introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Durbin has visited Poland multiple times in recent years, including in February 2022 just days before Russia began its most recent assault on Ukra… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-fbi-deputy-directors-announced-departure Durbin Statement On FBI Deputy Director’s Announced Departure 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he’s departing his post after less than a year of service: “Dan Bongino was a bad pick from the start. His service was remarkably ineffective, highlighted by his woeful mishandling of the Epstein files and his need for a polygraph exam waiver to be eligible for the job. The men and women who protect our nation at the FBI deserve better than a conspiracy theorist podcaster with an axe to grind. “I encourage Director Patel to return to longstanding tradition and appoint an experienced career FBI agent who is interested in the agency’s ever-important day-to-day work of keeping our nation safe.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-upcoming-epstein-files-deadline Durbin Statement On Upcoming Epstein Files Deadline 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement as tomorrow marks the statutory deadline for the Trump Administration to release the Epstein files: “This should be a big step towards transparency to the American public about the horrors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. “As the statutory deadline to release the Epstein files approaches, it’s important to center survivors at the forefront. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell committed horrific crimes that put young women through unspeakable trauma. Because of these survivors’ bravery, the American people may soon know a fuller truth. “That said, it’s also important to hold those responsible for the politicization of this case accountable. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino intentionally misled the public before their appointments. Once in office, they let politics serve as their North Star—not justice. Stunt press conferences, binders with no new information, false proclamations on TV, and shoddy searches for the President’s name are shameful distractions from meaningful efforts to seek justice for survivors. “It took an act of Congress to get to this point. I will be looking closely for: appropriate redactions of victim’s identifying information, faulty redactions shielding those who caused harm from accountability, and any sense that the Administration is covering up for the wealthy and powerful. “Survivors and the public deserve transparency and accountability—no matter who it implicates.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-tillis-conaway-maloy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-and-improve-enforcement-of-illegal-tobacco-products Durbin, Tillis, Conaway, Maloy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen And Improve Enforcement Of Illegal Tobacco Products 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In 2024, DOJ and FDA established a task force to crack down on illegally sold vape products after Durbin urged the agencies to enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products to children WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with U.S. Representative Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ-03) and U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), today introduced new bicameral and bipartisan legislation to crack down on illegal vape products that are targeted to children. The Strengthening Task Force Operations to Prevent Illicit Vaping Act (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act) would strengthen a federal multi-agency task force, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to coordinate enforcement, information sharing, and strategy to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes. In 2024, FDA and DOJ established this task force after Durbin repeatedly called on the agencies to better enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products. Durbin secured $2 million for the task force in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies. This funding will support the task force’s efforts to bring all criminal and civil tools to bear against the illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes from China and other foreign countries. “If we hope to prevent the next generation of children from getting hooked on nicotine, we must enforce our existing laws and finally crack down on the illegal e-cigarette products that are flooding stores nationwide,” Durbin said. “My bipartisan legislation, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act, would cement DOJ and FDA’s task force dedicated to preventing the unlawful sale of these unauthorized vape products.” “The flood of illegal and unregulated e-cigarettes, particularly from China, under… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-durbin-announces-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity On Senate Floor, Durbin Announces Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials’ Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: Today, I am putting those participating in “Operation Midway Blitz” on notice; you will be held accountable for unlawful actions WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced he, along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), have submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding the unlawful actions of senior Administration officials and federal immigration agents in “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during “Operation Midway Blitz,” and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity. Durbin said, “Earlier this year, the Trump Administration began a calculated show of political theater and force designed to spread fear and terror in Illinois communities. Masked federal agents pepper sprayed, punched, body slammed, and even shot individuals, including U.S. citizens, during violent immigration enforcement actions… They deployed tear gas canisters against clergy, broke into apartments, and zip-tied children.” Durbin continued, “President Trump has not gone after ‘the worst of the worst,’ as he promised—instead, he has brought some of the worst, most unprofessional, and most poorly trained federal law enforcement officers and agents into our city. Because of his so-called ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ children are afraid to go to school, businesses are closing, and families are being torn apart. Yet the Trump Administration has shown no regret. They are reveling in the fear and chaos they have created. Just look at Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino.” On Tuesday, Bovino returned to Chicago after leaving last month to bring his campaign of fear to North Carolina and New Orleans. As soon as he arrived back in Chicago, Bovino went to the picket line of Local 705 Teamsters at Mauser Packaging Solutions. Durbin said, “Bovino brought federal agents to the line… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-press-for-hearing-on-legality-of-trumps-extrajudicial-killings-in-caribbean-sea Senate Judiciary Democrats Press For Hearing On Legality Of Trump’s Extrajudicial Killings In Caribbean Sea 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin, SJC Dems to Grassley: “These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in urging Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to hold a hearing on the Trump Administration’s executions of alleged drug traffickers via military strikes on boats at sea, which have killed at least 95 people so far in 25 separate strikes. The Committee has jurisdiction over extrajudicial killings, murder, war crimes, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which authored a classified memo providing cover for these killings. In a letter to Grassley, the Senators highlighted the shocking conduct by the Trump Administration, writing: “Since September, the Trump Administration has summarily executed at least 95 people in 25 known strikes on alleged drug smugglers in vessels at sea. This is not a time to mince words. These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law. The Administration’s claims that the people it is killing are guilty of crimes, affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or ‘combatants’ in a nonexistent armed conflict, do not render these extrajudicial killings any less unlawful. This Committee must address the serious concerns that these strikes may violate U.S. criminal laws, and that Department of Justice attorneys who gave President Trump and Secretary Hegseth legal cover to summarily execute suspected criminals have violated their ethical obligations.” The Senators then made their request, writing: “We respectfully request that you immediately convene a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to ensure that those who authorized these extrajudicial killings are held to account.” The Senators denounced state-sanctioned extra… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-demands-bls-ensure-high-quality-non-partisan-economic-data Casten Demands BLS Ensure High-Quality, Non-Partisan Economic Data 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Sean Casten C001117 casten.house.gov casten https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 23 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) William Wiatrowski, criticizing President Trump’s politically-motivated attacks on government statistics and urging BLS to protect the credibility, quality, and independence of U.S. economic data. “We are concerned that recent developments, in addition to persistent data collection challenges and budgetary shortfalls, could affect access to information critical for understanding and responding to this Administration’s failed economic policies,” the lawmakers wrote. “BLS, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, plays an important role by publishing statistics that provide a complete and factual picture of the rapidly changing U.S. economy. Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) all rely on timely, accurate, and granular economic data to make informed decisions that impact every corner of the country.” The Trump Administration has taken multiple steps to cast doubt on the jobs and inflation data released by BLS, including by firing BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over the release of weak job numbers that were reflective of the harmful impact of the Administration’s tariff and immigration policies. Furthermore, due to the government shutdown, certain information will be permanently missing from the October 2025 Jobs Report, presenting a partial blind spot for policymakers, the private sector, and the general public on the state of the U.S. economy. The lawmakers further urged BLS to work to improve the quality of its data. “BLS can take steps to modernize its existing systems and data collection practices…BLS can invest in innovation, incorporate digitized information into its statistical programs, and consider the use of large language models (LLMs) to make it easier for people to report their industries, occupations, and activities,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge the Ad… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-condemns-antisemitic-attack-australia-and-violence CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA AND VIOLENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Danny K. Davis D000096 davis.house.gov davis https://davis.house.gov/media scraper D.C. — Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) today issued a strong condemnation following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The attack in Australia, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left dozens more injured.1Hours earlier, a separate mass shooting at Brown University shook the academic community, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in our educational institutions. “I am deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless violence that occurred this past weekend,” said Congressman Davis. “The targeting of Jewish families in Australia as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah is a chilling reminder of the persistent and dangerous threat of antisemitism worldwide. Hatred and bigotry have no place in a global society, and we must stand united against those who seek to divide us through terror.” Congressman Davis, a lifelong champion of civil rights and human dignity, emphasized that these events underscore a disturbing rise in hate-based violence. “My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the students at Brown University who have been forced to endure the trauma of gun violence. Whether it is in our houses of worship, on our beaches, or on our college campuses, no one should have to live in fear. I join my colleagues and people of conscience everywhere in rejecting antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance. We must double our efforts to protect the vulnerable and hold those who perpetrate such acts accountable.” Congressman Davis remains committed to legislative efforts that strengthen civil rights protections and address the root causes of violence both at home and abroad. He calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents and urges continued international cooperation to combat the scourge of hate. About Congressman Danny K. Davis Congressman Danny K. Davis represents the 7th Congressiona… 1 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-cabinet-secretaries-dhs-actions Congressman Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers from Cabinet Secretaries on DHS Actions Targeting Striking Workers in Chicago 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Labor Secretary Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer raising concerns about federal law enforcement conduct toward workers engaged in lawful strike activity in Chicago. In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi cites video footage from December 16 showing uniformed officers interacting with striking workers in a manner that he warns may constitute unlawful interference with activity protected under federal labor law and the U.S. Constitution. “Video footage recorded by members of the public shows Commander Bovino and uniformed law enforcement officers surrounding striking workers, laughing at them, and engaging in conduct that appears intended to intimidate and chill protected activity, all while the workers were engaged in lawful strike actions safeguarded by the U.S. Constitution and federal labor law," Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. "Federal courts, state courts, and federal agencies have long and consistently held that core labor protections, including the right to organize, to engage in concerted activity, and to be free from retaliation, apply to all workers, regardless of immigration status. Federal law enforcement officials have no lawful basis to interfere with workers’ rights to organize or to collectively bargain.” The letter also cautions against the use, or perceived use, of immigration enforcement during labor disputes. "The use, or perceived use, of immigration enforcement as leverage during a labor dispute is fundamentally incompatible with federal labor policy and corrodes trust in both labor and immigration institutions," Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote in the letter. Congressman Krishnamoorthi requests that the Department of Labor promptly review the incident and, where appropriate, coordinate with or refer the matter to the National Labor Relations Board, and examine whether Mauser or any entity acting on its behalf coordinated with immigration enforcement… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-statement-all-25-jewish-house-members-antisemitic-attack-australia BIPARTISAN STATEMENT FROM ALL 25 JEWISH HOUSE MEMBERS ON ANTISEMITIC ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Bradley Scott Schneider S001190 schneider.house.gov schneider https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper All 25 Jewish Members of the US House of Representatives released the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah: “On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism. “We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged. “Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear. “Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.” The 25 members who signed the statement include: Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) Rep. Laura Friedm… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-trumps-escalating-misuse-of-our-military-against-americans-duckworth-votes-to-block-final-passage-of-defense-authorization-bill-for-the-first-time-in-her-career Amid Trump’s Escalating Misuse of Our Military Against Americans, Duckworth Votes to Block Final Passage of Defense Authorization Bill for the First Time in Her Career 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Citing her deep concern over Donald Trump’s continuing—and escalating—abuse of our nation’s nonpartisan military and servicemembers by unconstitutionally deploying them into American cities including Chicago to intimidate Americans in their own communities, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the first time in her career. Duckworth has supported every NDAA since she was first elected to Congress in 2012. “Each year, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to forge a bipartisan Defense Authorization bill that supports our military and protects our national security. This year’s NDAA, however, authorizes DoD funding that Donald Trump has misused—and that he continues misusing—to deploy our troops into American cities in an effort that neither protects our national security nor makes our communities safer. And it is because I love our military so much, and respect our troops so deeply, that I had no choice but to vote against this authorization. “The power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law—not in one man’s judgment about what constitutes disorder.?I will never vote to enable a wannabe tinpot dictator to use the authorities or money Congress allocates to our Armed Forces in an un-American campaign—especially when that campaign abuses our servicemembers and disrespects their sacrifices by ordering them to intimidate Americans in their own communities rather than defend our nation against its adversaries.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-pushes-for-long-term-funding-certainty-for-air-traffic-control-system-modernization-project-and-calls-on-faa-to-invest-in-both-technology-and-training Duckworth Pushes for Long-Term Funding Certainty for Air Traffic Control System Modernization Project and Calls on FAA to Invest in Both Technology and Training 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At today’s U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (CST) Aviation Subcommittee hearing, Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reiterated the urgent need to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system, expressing support for providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an additional $20 billion to ensure long-term funding certainty, while calling on the FAA to prioritize phase one investments on the systems and infrastructure that is guaranteed to deliver long-term value. Video of the Senator’s opening remarks are available on her YouTube. “If we want any chance of success at ATC modernization, we simply cannot afford to deny FAA the certainty of long-term funding—$12.5 billion is a meaningful downpayment, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Duckworth. “Over the past several decades, the FAA has neglected the capabilities and capacity of the ATC system’s most important asset—its people. The bottom line is that successfully building a ‘Brand New’ ATC system will require rebuilding a depleted and demoralized workforce.” In addition to upgrading radars and replacing telecom equipment, Duckworth urged FAA Administrator Brian Bedford to invest a portion of the modernization project’s existing $12.5 billion downpayment toward enhancing the FAA’s workforce infrastructure to enhance its capabilities and capacity to hire, train and retain more desperately needed air traffic controllers and FAA technicians. Specifically, Duckworth expressed support for the FAA using modernization funds to procure ATC training equipment to entice far more academic institutions to join the FAA’s Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative and pushed Administrator Bedford to invest in additional FAA Academies in population centers across the country. Duckworth also stressed her concerns over the FAA’s self-imposed 2028 deadline to complete the latest massive ATC modernization project, and she pressed FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on how he plans to ensure standards aren’t compromised for… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-highlights-the-senates-responsibility-to-hold-the-executive-branch-accountable-amid-president-trumps-abuses-of-powers Durbin Highlights The Senate’s Responsibility To Hold The Executive Branch Accountable Amid President Trump’s Abuses Of Powers 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper During Durbin’s opening statement in a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, he also condemned President Trump’s attempts to undermine the Senate blue slip tradition WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing highlighted the Senate’s responsibility to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees; called out President Trump’s cruel immigration tactics, as well as his unlawful and un-American actions; and commented on the longstanding bipartisan Senate tradition, the blue slip. Durbin also condemned Secretary Hegseth’s refusal during a classified briefing yesterday to share with all Senators the full, unedited video of the September 2nd lethal strikes on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors. Today’s hearing is on the nominations of Daniel Edward Burrows, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy (OLP); Megan Blair Benton, to the U.S District Court for the Western District of Missouri; Brian Charles Lea, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee; and Justin Ross Olson, to the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Key Quotes: “The Senate, as part of the legislative branch, must provide advice and consent on presidential nominees. It is a responsibility that goes back to our nation’s founding…To ensure the president could not become a despot like King George III, our Founders designed a system of checks and balances [that] separated the federal government’s powers among its three branches.” “The Senate’s role in providing advice and consent on presidential nominees is one critical check on the executive branch. Today’s hearing is a step in that process. And it has never been more important that the Senate exercise this role—because the President is determined to push the bounds of his power at every opportunity.” “Across the country, immigration agents are racially pro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-secures-key-provisions-to-support-rock-island-arsenal-defense-manufacturing-in-illinois-in-national-defense-authorization-act Durbin Secures Key Provisions To Support Rock Island Arsenal, Defense Manufacturing In Illinois In National Defense Authorization Act 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The FY26 NDAA, which passed the Senate today and now heads to the President’s desk, includes a number of Durbin-led measures & authorizations for military construction projects in Illinois WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today highlighted the critical provisions he secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by the Senate today and now heads to the President’s desk for signature. The bill includes significant support for Rock Island Arsenal, provides security aid to Ukraine, and authorizes $113 million in military construction funds for Illinois. “The NDAA is a strong, bipartisan show of support for our national defense and to our men and women in uniform. The bill, which has earned the support of both chambers of Congress, includes my provisions to ensure that Rock Island Arsenal remains central to our nation’s effort to modernize the military and strengthens security cooperation with our allies around the world,” said Durbin. Durbin-led measures included in the FY26 NDAA are: Rock Island Arsenal: Authorizes a new pilot program modeled after Durbin’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act to give contracting preference to public-private partnerships between industry and Army arsenals such as at Rock Island. This provision will help ensure Rock Island Arsenal remains active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment, and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base. Restricts the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about its proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping to ensure operations and protect jobs at Rock Island Arsenal from unnecessary cuts. Authorizes the Army to expand robotic munitions manufacturing capabilities at government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, which will help boost workload for facilities such a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-jack-smiths-closed-door-house-testimony Durbin Statement On Jack Smith’s Closed Door House Testimony 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Jack Smith’s closed-door testimony to the House Judiciary Committee today: “If Senate Republicans and the Attorney General are truly committed to transparency, they’ll allow Jack Smith to testify publicly under oath, as he’s offered. They also must release the unredacted Volume II of his report and any materials not already produced related to Volumes I and II. But they refuse. “Mr. Smith is the only person with direct knowledge of decisions and actions taken under his leadership as Special Counsel. If Republicans have so many questions, a transparent means of answering is necessary. Anything less than public testimony under oath is unacceptable.” On October 30, Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats called on Chairman Grassley to allow Former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify publicly before the Committee. In their letter, the Senators also urged Grassley to request the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) release Volume II of the unredacted “Final Report of the Special Counsel’s Investigations and Prosecutions,” which was submitted to then-Attorney General (AG) Merrick Garland in January 2025. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jackson-urges-gop-leadership-and-secretary-rubioto-halt-trumps CONGRESSMAN JACKSON URGES GOP LEADERSHIP AND SECRETARY RUBIOTO HALT TRUMP’S RECKLESS “EPSTEIN WAR” AGAINST VENEZUELA 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jonathan L. Jackson J000309 jonathanjackson.house.gov jonathanjackson https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – With President Trump set to deliver a 9 p.m. address and new Epstein files exposing elite networks of corruption scheduled for release this week, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prevent any unauthorized U.S. military action against Venezuela. Jackson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, attended Secretary Rubio’s confidential closed-door briefing this week. He expressed deep disappointment with Rubio’s lack of candor and specificity, saying the Secretary “failed to identify any imminent threat to U.S. personnel or assets that could justify armed action” and “dodged basic constitutional questions about authority, targeting, and legality.” Jackson warned that Trump’s escalating “narco-terrorism” rhetoric, reported lethal double-tap strikes in the Caribbean, and threats of a full blockade constitute a dangerous and unconstitutional diversion meant to distract from mounting revelations connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network, not a legitimate national security effort. Jackson’s Urgent Demands Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune: Publicly commit to no new funding and no Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) for operations in Venezuela. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution vests war powers in Congress, and existing 2001 and 2002 AUMFs cover neither Venezuela nor any “narco-terror” claims in the Caribbean. Congress must enforce the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day limit and block any attempt to bypass a formal vote through an “emergency” supplemental. Secretary Rubio: Certify to Congress today that no blockades or strikes have been authorized against Venezuelan state assets. Release full intelligence on the 80-plus people reportedly killed in recent Caribbean strikes, including target verification, rules of engagement, and civilian casualty assessments. The Pentagon’s own admission of a September “double-tap” strike killing 11 survivors raise… 1 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-s-statement-condemning-return-of-masked-agents-and-holiday-time-enforcement Congressman García’s Statement Condemning Return of Masked Agents and Holiday Time Enforcement 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jesús G. "Chuy" García G000586 chuygarcia.house.gov chuygarcia https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued the following statement about a new wave of federal agents arriving to Chicago: “My office and I are aware that a large group of masked federal agents arrived in our city, once again terrorizing our community. “At a time when families should be celebrating the holidays in safety and peace, these agents are instead carrying out operations to separate families, sow panic, and intimidate hardworking people. Investigative reporting has made it clear that these ICE raids are targeting individuals with no criminal records. “These operations are a choice. Masked agents, unannounced raids, and holiday timing are tactics designed to maximize fear. My office will continue to confront these practices and take every step necessary to protect our constituents and hold federal agencies and their leaders accountable.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-del-congresista-garcia-condenando-el-regreso-de-agentes-enmascarados-y-las-redadas-durante-las-fiestas-navidenas Declaración del Congresista García Condenando el Regreso de Agentes Enmascarados y las Redadas durante las Fiestas Navideñas 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jesús G. "Chuy" García G000586 chuygarcia.house.gov chuygarcia https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Congresista Jesús “Chuy” García emitió la siguiente declaración sobre la llegada de una nueva oleada de agentes federales a Chicago: “Mi oficina y yo estamos al tanto de que un numeroso grupo de agentes federales enmascarados ha llegado a nuestra ciudad, aterrorizando una vez más a nuestra comunidad. “En un momento en que las familias deberían estar celebrando las fiestas con seguridad y tranquilidad, estos agentes están llevando a cabo operaciones para separar familias, sembrar el pánico e intimidar a personas trabajadoras. Las investigaciones periodísticas han dejado claro que estas redadas de ICE están enfocadas en personas sin antecedentes penales. “Estas operaciones son una decisión deliberada. Los agentes enmascarados, las redadas sin previo aviso y el hecho de que se realicen durante las fiestas navideñas son tácticas diseñadas para maximizar el miedo. Mi oficina continuará enfrentando estas prácticas y tomará todas las medidas necesarias para proteger a nuestros vecinos y exigir responsabilidades a las agencias federales y a sus líderes.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-payer-state-transparency-act Foster Introduces Payer State Transparency Act 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov foster https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) reintroduced the Payer State Transparency Act to help shed light on the “Payer State” problem, wherein certain states, including Illinois, pay more in federal taxes than they get back in federal spending. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service and USASpending.gov, Illinois sent $63 billion more in taxes in FY 2024 to the federal government than we received back. The Payer State Transparency Act would require the Office of Management and Budget, in conjunction with the Council of Economic Advisors and the Treasury Department, to produce annual assessments of the net economic effect of all federal spending programs on each state and compare these figures against the state’s tax burden. “As a businessman who co-founded a manufacturing company, I understand the financial burden that federal Payer State policies put on companies that are committed to keeping good jobs in Illinois,” said Foster. “I also recognize the burden the Payer State problem places on middle-class families here in Illinois, taking our hard-earned tax dollars without giving us the same level of federal support in return. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to help us gain a better understanding of the problem and find ways to make sure Illinois taxpayers are getting their fair share of federal resources.” This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jesús ‘Chuy’ García (D-IL). A copy of the bill can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/jackson-blasts-removal-wwii-memorials-honoring-black-veterans-backs-cleaver Jackson Blasts Removal of WWII Memorials Honoring Black Veterans, Backs Cleaver-Led Push to Restore Displays 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Jonathan L. Jackson J000309 jonathanjackson.house.gov jonathanjackson https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper CHICAGO, IL; Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration quietly directed the removal of memorial panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, following pressure from right-wing activists: “It is unconscionable that any administration; American or otherwise; would seek to erase the sacrifice of Black soldiers who fought, bled, and died to defend democracy around the world. These men helped defeat fascism abroad while enduring segregation and discrimination at home. To strip their memory from sacred ground is not only disrespectful; it is historical vandalism.” The removed displays, dedicated in 2024 at the cemetery where more than 8,000 Americans and approximately 172 Black soldiers are buried, told the story of the “Black Liberators of Margraten,” including telephone engineer George H. Pruitt, who died while trying to save a fellow soldier. One panel described how over one million African Americans served in World War II, often confined to support roles and forced to fight both the enemy abroad and entrenched racism within their own military. Reports indicate that the decision to pull the panels followed complaints from the Heritage Foundation, which accused the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) of violating Trump-era directives targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Local Dutch officials and political parties have condemned the removal as “indecent” and “unacceptable,” underscoring the deep respect in the Netherlands for the Black Liberators of Margraten. “When the record of our nation grows inconvenient to those who trade in revisionism, they reach for the eraser instead of the truth,” Congressman Jackson said. “This decision dishonors the very freedoms those Black GIs defended. We must never let their stories be buried a second time.” Congressman Jackson is a proud supporter and signatory of the effort led by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), in whi… 1 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-senator-warner-introduce-bill-help-workers-adapt-ai Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Senator Warner Introduce Bill to Help Workers Adapt to AI-Driven Economy 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Investing in American Workers Act, legislation to help workers gain the skills they need to succeed as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and rapid technological change reshape the economy. The Investing in American Workers Act would modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials, particularly for lower- and moderate-income workers, so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy. “Businesses across the country are still struggling to find workers with the training needed for today’s jobs, and workers need better access to affordable, employer-supported opportunities to build new skills,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “This legislation expands access to high-quality training programs that help workers move into good, stable careers while strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses and growing the middle class. If we want the United States to remain the world’s economic leader, we must invest in the workers who drive our economy. When people have the skills they need to get ahead, our communities grow stronger and the entire country benefits.” “As artificial intelligence and automation transform nearly every sector of our economy, the question isn’t whether jobs will change – it’s whether workers will be given a fair shot to keep up. If we want the United States to lead in innovation, we must also lead in preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” Sen. Warner said. “Right now, our tax code rewards companies for investing in machines and software, but not nearly enough for investing in people. This bill applies a proven model, the R&D tax credit, to incentivize employers to offer workforce training, so workers can build new skills, businesses can stay competitive, and the benefits of technological change are more widely shared.” As A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-responds-return-masked-federal-immigration-raids-chicago-area Krishnamoorthi Responds to the Return of Masked Federal Immigration Raids to Chicago-Area Communities 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today issued the following statement in response to renewed deployments of masked federal agents conducting surprise immigration raids in Chicago-area neighborhoods during the holiday season: “My office is actively monitoring and responding to the renewed deployment of masked federal agents in Chicago-area neighborhoods. Conducting surprise raids during the holidays that chase people through our streets, separate families, and target non-criminal residents is not about public safety. It is about fear and intimidation. I will use every oversight and legislative tool available to confront these abuses, defend due process, and hold federal agencies and their leaders accountable.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-help-introduce-no-check-no-sale-bill-to-close-the-charleston-loophole Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce “No Check, No Sale” Bill to Close the Charleston Loophole 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper In 2024, nearly 3,000 firearms were sold to people who legally shouldn’t have access to firearms because dealers were not required to wait for completed background checks [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) with 23 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to close a current loophole that allows firearm sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a firearm. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of firearm sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. “It’s just common sense that if you can’t pass a background check, you shouldn’t be able to purchase a firearm—and the vast majority of Americans agree,” said Duckworth. “This legislation will help us close this senseless loophole and help keep weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them. Enough is enough.” “We have seen the tragic consequences when guns end up in the hands of prohibited buyers because a background check was not able to be completed in time. The Background Check Completion Act would finally ensure that no one will be able to purchase a firearm from a gun dealer without first passing a background check,” said Durbin. “It’s long past time that we fixed this loophole.” When a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a firearm. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, firearm dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a firearm. The Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-celebrates-seventh-anniversary-of-the-first-step-act-in-speech-on-senate-floor Durbin Celebrates Seventh Anniversary Of The First Step Act In Speech On Senate Floor 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA)—bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to re-enter society successfully. The First Step Act was signed into law by President Trump in December 2018, and was championed by Durbin and U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Lee (R-UT). “This December marks the seventh anniversary of the passage of the First Step Act—the most significant reform to our criminal justice system in a generation. That victory was born out of years of bipartisan negotiations led by myself and my colleagues, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The end result was—and continues to be—life-changing for the people who were impacted. The First Step Act delivered much-needed reforms to our outdated sentencing laws and provided opportunities for incarcerated Americans to safely reenter their communities. Those reforms have reduced populations in overcrowded prisons, reunited families, and revitalized the communities these men and women reenter as productive neighbors. And the evidence backs that up.” Durbin noted that the reforms made by the First Step Act have been tremendously successful. Of more than 40,000 people released under the law through January 2024, just under 10 percent have been rearrested compared to the Bureau of Prisons’ overall recidivism rate of about 45 percent. Durbin went on to share the story of Eugenia Jennings from Alton, Illinois, who sadly experienced the injustice of our antiquated sentencing laws firsthand. Eugenia was terribly abused as a child, and by age 15, she was addicted to crack cocaine. At age 23, then a mother of three, Eugenia was sentenced to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grassley-introduce-criminal-justice-reform-bills Durbin, Grassley Introduce Criminal Justice Reform Bills 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper As lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, Durbin and Grassley are working to continue to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer, including introducing new legislation to extend the First Step Act’s annual reporting requirement by five years WASHINGTON – Around the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced four pieces of criminal justice reform legislation to further implement the FSA and advance its goals. Durbin and Grassley were the lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, which is bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. It was signed into law in December 2018. Durbin and Grassley reintroduced the First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act. They also introduced new legislation to extend the FSA’s annual reporting requirement by five years. “Seven years ago, Congress came together to pass the most important criminal justice reform law in a generation. But as its name suggests, it was just the first step,” Durbin said. “In order to keep making our justice system fairer and our communities safer, we must continue reforming our antiquated and outdated sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. I appreciate Senator Grassley’s partnership in this important endeavor.” “Criminals must face just penalties, and our nation’s criminal justice system should seek to prevent recidivism,” Grassley said. “I’m committed to advancing efforts that will help reduce crime, improve our nation’s justice system and safeguard American communities.” First Step I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-at-spotlight-forum-raising-alarm-about-president-trumps-crusade-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education Durbin Speaks At Spotlight Forum Raising Alarm About President Trump’s Crusade To Dismantle The Department Of Education 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators.” The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), focused on the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for the nation’s students, families, and schools. “The creation of the Department of Education, in my mind, was an effort to take Brown v. Board of Education to a new level. Once we established equality of opportunity in the law, we looked around and said, ‘This isn’t even close to being equal. We’re going to have to focus resources and expertise into improving schools to get rid of the disparities.’ Now comes the Trump Administration, which says we don’t need it [ED] anymore. They’ll parcel out the functions of the Department of Education,” Durbin said. Durbin then asked Ms. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, about her thoughts on the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle ED. “Ms. Weingarten, I noticed that you’re not only a professional teacher but also went to law school. So with that combination of education and law that I just made, would you like to comment on that?” Durbin asked. Ms. Weingarten replied that the initial destruction of ED by the Trump Administration is a direct challenge to the constitutional standard that all children in the United States, regardless of race and immigration status and including students with disabilities, deserve equal opportunity. Video of Durbin’s remarks are available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks are available here. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-plan-to-eliminate-more-than-35000-va-health-care-positions Duckworth Statement on Trump’s Plan to Eliminate More Than 35,000 VA Health Care Positions 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement in reaction to the Trump Administration’s reported plan to eliminate more than 35,000 VA health care positions this month—on top of the almost 30,000 employees cut from the VA workforce earlier this year: “Trump has already fired more Veterans than any other President in history. And now, by cruelly planning to eliminate tens of thousands of VA health care positions in addition to the indiscriminate cuts he made to the VA workforce earlier this year, Trump is proving once again that he couldn’t care less about those actually brave enough to wear the uniform of this great nation. Not only is Trump guaranteeing that our VA won’t have the number of staff needed to handle the influx of new claims, but he is also ensuring that our Veterans will wait even longer to get treated—if they can get treatment at all. “In his first year in office, Trump’s track record easily makes his Administration the most anti-Veteran Administration our country has ever seen. He continues to make it clear that once our troops have completed their service to our country and hang up their uniform, Trump will not keep his promise to ensure these heroes have the support, care and benefits they’ve earned. “It’s downright insulting, un-American and the ultimate betrayal.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-antisemitic-attack-at-bondi-beach-as-hanukkah-begins-violent-shooting-at-brown-university Durbin Condemns Antisemitic Attack At Bondi Beach As Hanukkah Begins, Violent Shooting At Brown University 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin: “As we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders—who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia as Hanukkah begins, as well as the shooting at Brown University. “In Skokie, Illinois, just a few miles north of Chicago, is America’s second largest Holocaust Museum. Those who visit see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their families. And there is one lesson that every visitor takes away: All who walk through its doors learn the importance of tolerance—the need to choose love over hate. I have been reflecting on this lesson in the wake of two awful acts of violence that took place this past weekend,” said Durbin. “On Sunday night in Australia, as hundreds of people gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, two men opened fire on the crowd. The attendees at Bondi Beach were targeted simply for one reason: they were Jewish. They were out to celebrate their faith. At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured. I am offering my prayers for the victims and their families. I am thankful for the heroic actions of both first responders and civilians to end the gunmen’s rampage. This act of horrific violence is a grim reminder that we cannot stop combatting antisemitism. This tragedy occurred just hours after Brown University here in the United States experienced its own mass shooting.” continued Durbin. Durbin then offered acknowledgment and support to two men who exhibited tremendous bravery at these horrific events. “In the aftermath of these two tragedies, I am in awe of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by those caught up in these attacks. One of them, Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the shooters at Bondi Beach, saving countless lives. He is now undergoing sur… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-cuts-to-nih-medical-research-in-speech-on-the-senate-floor Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Cuts To NIH, Medical Research In Speech On The Senate Floor 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the Trump Administration’s dangerous cuts to medical research. In his remarks, Durbin stressed that the President’s decision to cut medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will set back medical advancement by decades by disrupting research into cancer, brain diseases, mental health, drug development, and more. Durbin began his speech by recalling his first time meeting Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of NIH, who urged him to steadily increase NIH’s budget year over year. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual, real five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $48 billion today. However, President Trump continues to target NIH by cancelling hundreds of grant awards, firing or forcing out thousands of scientists, and freezing billions of dollars in research funding—which jeopardizes new breakthroughs that provide hope for patients. “Ten years ago, I met with Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of the National Institutes of Health, the world’s premier biomedical research agency. I admired his work so much I asked what I could do to help. He said, ‘if you could provide a five percent increase to NIH’s medical research budget year after year, we’ll light up the scoreboard,’” Durbin said. “With the help of colleagues on both sides of the aisle—[including] Republican Senators Roy Blunt, Lamar Alexander, and Democratic Senator Patty Murray—we increased NIH funding from $30 billion to $48 billion over those next ten years. [That was a] 60 percent increase in research; a 60 percent increase in cures, hope, and breakthroughs. But what took us 10 years to build, President Donald Trump has all but dismantled in less than 11 months.” Durbin then emphasized the consequences of these dangerous cuts. This year, the Pre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-congressional-republicans-let-us-come-together-and-give-american-families-the-gift-of-health-coverage-for-christmas Durbin To Congressional Republicans: Let Us Come Together And Give American Families The Gift Of Health Coverage For Christmas 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper On the Senate floor and following Senate Republicans rejecting the Democratic ACA proposal last week, Durbin continues to push his Republican colleagues to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats on a solution to address the looming health care crisis WASHINGTON – As open enrollment for 2026 individual market health insurance plans is underway and Americans across the country are facing astronomic increases in their monthly premiums for next year, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor about the health care affordability crisis, caused by congressional Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Last Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats’ proposal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits. “In 17 days, 22 million Americans will be asked to pay double or triple for their health insurance premiums. Rural hospitals will be facing closure. Small businesses won’t be able to cover expenses. And more than four million Americans will lose their insurance if we fail to do anything in Congress,” Durbin said. Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits last week, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. “Last Thursday, Senate Democrats put forward a bill to prevent this catastrophe. Our bill would have provided a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which 22 million Americans rely on to help them pay their insurance premiums. These credits expire at the end of this year, but too many Senate Republicans voted against extending them. They instead rushed to vote on a partisan proposal that would upend the Affordable Care Act and the American health care system, less than a month before the insurance premiums spike. Their bill was introduced last week, [was] not debated in committee, and no member had a chance to amend it. I say this to my friends on the other side of the aisle: You are in the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-antisemitic-terrorist-attack-hanukkah-celebration Krishnamoorthi Condemns Antisemitic Terrorist Attack at Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney 2025-12-14 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today released the following statement in response to the deadly shooting attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia: “The antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney is a heartbreaking tragedy and a brutal act of hatred and violence. My heart is with the victims, their families, and all those mourning this devastating loss. This attack reflects a dangerous rise in antisemitic violence worldwide, with Jewish communities increasingly targeted for their faith. Antisemitism must be rejected and confronted wherever it appears. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia and with Jewish communities across the world.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-antisemitic-anti-indian-and-racist-graffiti-nyu Krishnamoorthi Condemns Antisemitic, Anti-Indian, and Racist Graffiti at NYU Library 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi released the following statement after reports of antisemitic, anti-Indian, and racist graffiti, including swastikas, inside NYU’s Bern Dibner Library in Brooklyn: “The hateful graffiti discovered at NYU’s Bern Dibner Library, including antisemitic symbols and slurs targeting Indian students and other communities, is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Acts of hatred and intimidation have no place on our campuses or anywhere in our society. This incident must be fully investigated, and we must remain united in confronting antisemitism, anti-Indian hate, racism, and all forms of bigotry so every student can learn and live free from fear.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-ross-veasey-introduce-resolution-ending-trumps-illegal-tariffs Krishnamoorthi, Ross, Veasey, Introduce Resolution Ending Trump’s Illegal Tariffs on India 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump’s national emergency authorizing tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from India, helping to restore Congress’s constitutional authority over trade. The resolution follows a bipartisan Senate-passed measure to end Trump’s Brazil tariffs and rein in his abuse of emergency powers to raise duties on imports. The resolution would terminate the national emergency that President Trump invoked to impose sweeping tariffs on Indian goods under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act (IEEPA) and rescind the additional 25 percent “secondary” duties that took effect on August 27th on top of earlier reciprocal tariffs. Together, these measures raised duties on many Indian-origin products to 50 percent. “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.” “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” Congresswoman Ross said. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors. Meanwhile, North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India each year, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery. When Trump destabilizes this relationship with illegal tariffs, he puts North Carolina jobs, innovation, and our long-term competitiveness at risk.” “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-honor-hanukkah-calls-action-against-antisemitism Quigley Statement in Honor of Hanukkah, Calls for Action Against Antisemitism 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov quigley https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement in honor of the start of Hanukkah this weekend, and issued a reminder to condemn antisemitism: “This weekend, Jewish families across Chicago, the country, and the world, are celebrating Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights is a time for reflection and celebration – a time to find gratitude for life’s blessings. As we celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people, we must also recognize the struggles the community continues to face. “Last year, anti-Jewish hate crimes rose almost 60 percent. Across the city, we have seen racist flyers, synagogue windows smashed, and schools defaced with hate symbols. Though three percent of Chicago’s residents are Jewish, the community makes up almost 40 percent of hate crime victims. The way to fight antisemitism and prejudice here at home is to identify it, speak out against it, and take action. We must work together to make sure every member of our community feels protected. That requires each of us to show up for our neighbors and reject attempts to divide us. “I am committed to taking steps to fight antisemitism at the federal level. This includes by supporting the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act, which directs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to study and report on Holocaust education efforts and the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would take comprehensive action to combat antisemitism in America. “The story of Hanukkah and the Jewish people is one of trial and triumph, throughout history and in the present day. I wish all of my Jewish friends a Chag Sameach!” ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-takano-blumenthal-lead-52-members-congress-investigation-vas-plan Ramirez, Takano, Blumenthal lead 52 Members of Congress in Investigation into VA’s Plan to Create Database of Non-U.S. Citizens 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Delia C. Ramirez R000617 ramirez.house.gov ramirez https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC —Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, led 52 members of Congress in opening an investigation into VA’s plans to create a database of all non-U.S. citizens employed by or affiliated with the VA. The members are demanding answers from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins and U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem after a spokesperson for the agency confirmed in The Guardian’s report that the data will be shared with immigration enforcement. “The potential of VA data being used by DHS to advance the mass detention and deportation agenda of the Trump Administration will seed fear in noncitizens who perform duties in service to our nation's veterans. This database is yet another obvious attempt by the Trump Administration to stifle political dissent and suppress free speech through baseless threats to immigrants,” wrote the lawmakers. The letter follows a leaked memo revealing that the VA would share the collected data for immigration enforcement purposes. Lawmakers emphasized the damaging consequences the database could have on VA care and benefits. “VA’s approach comes at a time when nationwide healthcare provider shortages are limiting access to care for all Americans, including veterans. Further, VA’s approach also risks serious diplomatic consequences for countries where veterans reside and receive VA care and benefits. Worst of all, the proposed data collection could lead to the unlawful imprisonment or deportation of veterans who served our country and continued their service at VA, but were denied U.S. citizenship following their military service,” the lawmakers continued. VA employs more than 450,000 people and thousands of contractors who provide critical serv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-new-office-location-dekalb-illinois Underwood Announces New Office Location in DeKalb, Illinois 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Lauren Underwood U000040 underwood.house.gov underwood https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper DEKALB – Today, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new office location at 2179 Sycamore Road, #107, DeKalb, Illinois. The office officially opens to the public on Friday, December 12. To celebrate the office’s opening, Underwood will be hosting an Open House for constituents at the DeKalb office in January 2026. “Remaining accessible and listening to the 14th District has always been a top priority, and I’m thrilled to be opening a new community space in DeKalb,” said Underwood. “I invite everyone in our community to visit our new space to learn more about the support and resources my office offers and our work on their behalf.” Information on Underwood’s office locations can be found below and on her website at http://underwood.house.gov/. Underwood and her staff are available for in-person and virtual appointments in her Washington, D.C., DeKalb, and Joliet offices; constituents can call 630-549-2190 and staff will determine whether an appointment is necessary to resolve their issue. District offices are open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm CT. DeKalb, Illinois Office 2179 Sycamore Road, #107 DeKalb, IL 60115 116 N. Chicago Street, Suite 201 Joliet, IL 60432 Phone: (630) 549-2190 2228 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2976 ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-release-gao-report-recommending-expansion-of-fdas-personnel-and-authority-to-oversee-medical-device-recalls Durbin, Blumenthal Release GAO Report Recommending Expansion Of FDA’s Personnel And Authority To Oversee Medical Device Recalls 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report in December 2023 after reporting uncovered Philips Respironics’ failure to recall faulty machines despite the company’s knowledge that patients could be harmed by the medical devices WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) newly-completed report on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of medical device recalls. In December 2023, Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report from GAO following the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s and ProPublica’s reporting on Philips Respironics’ failure to submit timely and comprehensive adverse event reports, or recall faulty CPAP machines for more than a decade, despite the company’s knowledge that patients could be experiencing severe health consequences from using the medical devices. The report, which is entitled “Medical Device Recalls: HHS and FDA Should Address Limitations In Oversight of Recall Process,” lays out how FDA’s lack of legal authority jeopardizes patients’ safety. GAO reports that “FDA does not have the legal authority to require the manufacturer to implement FDA’s recommendations.” For example, there have been instances in which the agency wanted a medical device manufacturer to inform patients about a recall, but the manufacturer believed communicating with the providers about the recalled device was sufficient. This issue leaves some patients with medical devices—including implanted ones—uninformed and at risk of significant health consequences. Further, the report underscored the damaging impact of insufficient FDA staffing. GAO reports that FDA has insufficient staff to oversee medical device recalls, forcing FDA to forgo critical recall activities like conducting in-person recall audit checks. Despite these shortages, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired 3,500 FDA workers earlier this year, including personnel who worked to oversee medical devices. “This report so… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-out-republican-vote-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums Durbin Calls Out Republican Vote To Raise Health Insurance Premiums 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a press conference at Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation’s (SIHF) Cahokia Heights Health Center following Senate Republicans’ vote yesterday to raise health insurance premiums for tens of millions of Americans. Senate Republicans voted against the Democratic legislation to extend the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, meaning Illinoisans who purchase marketplace health plans will see an average 78 percent increase in their monthly ACA premium expenses next year. Families in St. Clair and Madison Counties, which Cahokia Heights Health Center serves, will see an average $1,500 per year increase and a $1,700 per year increase, respectively. “Because congressional Republicans refused to extend the expiring tax credits, 160,000 Illinoisans are expected to lose health care coverage,” said Durbin. “Our health care providers, like the ones here at Cahokia Heights Health Center, know all too well how devastating this will be. If Republicans don’t get serious about negotiating with Democrats to extend these tax credits, our nation’s affordability crisis is going to get worse on January 1, and families will suffer.” “The premium spikes to the ACA will impact the coverage of over 5,000 individuals we presently care for at SIHF Healthcare locations across southern Illinois. This in return will increase uncompensated care and place financial risk to our communities served,” said Larry McCulley, CEO of SIHF Healthcare. Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-on-impeachment-vote Casten Statement on Impeachment Vote 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Sean Casten C001117 casten.house.gov casten https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. (December 11, 2025) — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten released the following statement regarding today’s vote on a motion to table articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump: “Donald Trump should not be president. He has been impeached twice, and the only reason he is president today is because the Senate failed to uphold its duty and convict him after inciting a violent insurrection in an attempt to overthrow American democracy. “Donald Trump has committed innumerable impeachable offenses in his second term. His administration is rife with lawless actions that meet the bar of high crimes and misdemeanors. He should be removed from office, and I by no means condone Republican arguments to the contrary. “But to support an impeachment resolution today would be to put the Senate in a position to once again ignore its duty. It would allow Speaker Johnson to appoint Republican impeachment managers who would turn his Senate trial into an embarrassment to our country. The next attempt to impeach the president must be done only once Congress has taken the necessary steps to secure removal. That is the way forward.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-speaks-support-bill-restore-collective-bargaining Congressman Krishnamoorthi Speaks in Support of Bill to Restore Collective Bargaining to Federal Workers Before House Passage 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives before passage of the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act. During his remarks, the congressman praised the legislation for restoring collective bargaining rights for certain federal workers, 67 percent of whom had that right stripped from them by an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year. Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the right to collective bargaining also protects workers from having to take forced “loyalty pledges” by a president or their political party. “Removing their limited bargaining rights doesn’t improve efficiency; it threatens the integrity of our civil service,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said on the floor. “These rights exist for one essential reason: to shield federal employees from political pressure so they serve the American people, not the agenda of any one President or political party.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-ice-hazardous-chemical-agents-deployed-elgin Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers From ICE On Hazardous Chemical Agents Deployed in Elgin And Pattern Of Chemical Use Near Illinois Families 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is demanding immediate accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following reports that ICE personnel deployed hazardous chemical agents, including tear gas, and a flash-bang grenade during a December 6 enforcement operation in a residential Elgin neighborhood that sent multiple residents for medical evaluation. In a letter to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Krishnamoorthi warns that the release of hazardous chemical agents near homes, children, elderly residents, and individuals with respiratory conditions “raises serious concerns about public safety and the safeguards ICE employs to prevent unintended civilian exposure.” He notes that DHS’s own 2023 Use of Force Policy requires all officers to follow constitutional standards, yet ICE’s publicly available guidance “does not detail specific procedures for the deployment of chemical irritants in residential settings” despite the clear risk such deployments pose in densely populated areas. Krishnamoorthi also underscores that the Elgin incident is not isolated, writing that it “appears to be part of a broader pattern of ICE’s use of chemical irritants during enforcement operations, including those conducted under Operation Midway Blitz.” His letter details recent deployments in Chicago neighborhoods, including Old Irving Park and Albany Park, near Funston Elementary School, and at a shopping center where “a toddler should never have to know what a tear-gas canister looks like.” The Congressman states: “Incidents like these, and now the one in Elgin, underscore the urgent need for oversight to ensure that federal enforcement actions do not endanger the safety or trust of the communities they are meant to serve.” To determine whether ICE followed proper safeguards and to ensure future operations do not put families at risk, Krishnamoorthi is demanding answers by December 24, 2025 to the following questions: What public-safety protocols and risk-assessment procedures were followed before chemical i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-votes-no-defense-bill-citing-lack-oversight-politicization Krishnamoorthi Votes No on Defense Bill Citing Lack of Oversight, Politicization of the Pentagon, and Harmful Policy Riders 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today released the following statement explaining his vote against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing the bill’s failure to impose necessary oversight and guardrails on the Trump Administration despite including several bipartisan provisions he advanced to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security: “Tonight, I voted to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act. While I am glad that many provisions I advanced to strengthen our competitiveness against the economic and security threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party were included, the final bill failed to provide the oversight and guardrails of the Trump Administration that our national security demands. In the face of this Administration’s escalating military actions in the Caribbean, the use of National Guard forces in our communities, and the dangerous politicization of the Pentagon, Congress cannot look the other way. The bill offers no real constraints on unilateral boat strikes, no checks on Secretary Hegseth’s politicization efforts, and folds in culture-war measures that could undermine servicemembers’ access to essential health care, including IVF treatment . I am also disappointed that language restoring collective-bargaining rights for civilian DOD employees was also removed. For these reasons, I voted no.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ramirez-takes-first-step-towards-impeachment-dhs-secretary-noem Congresswoman Ramirez Takes First Step Towards Impeachment of DHS Secretary Noem 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Delia C. Ramirez R000617 ramirez.house.gov ramirez https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC— Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) requested that the House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin conduct a complete investigation into the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's unlawful and potentially impeachable actions. “Secretary Noem, you have misused resources appropriated by Congress and engaged in unethical behavior. You have repeatedly made false and misleading statements to Congress and to the press. And you have undermined the separation of powers and disregarded the role of Congress and the Courts. Bottom line: you LIE, act with impunity, reject checks and balances, and ignore Congress and the Courts,” said Ramirez during the hearing. “Your options are limited. You either resign, Trump fires you, or you will be impeached.” “I urge you to reconsider resignation, because I have taken the first step towards your impeachment, and called on the Judiciary Committee to open an investigation into your lawlessness,” added Ramirez, who was the first member of Congress to demand Secretary Noem's resignation, back in April, and personally handed the letter to Noem on May 14. For the full request, CLICK HERE. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/15/2025/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Today, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Today’s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could’ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should’ve been a no-brainer.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secured-hearing-on-domestic-deployments-exposes-three-damning-revelations-from-top-trump-defense-officials Duckworth-Secured Hearing on Domestic Deployments Exposes Three Damning Revelations from Top Trump Defense Officials 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper In first Senate hearing on Trump’s illegal deployments, Duckworth warned that Trump’s continued misuse of the military in our communities risks making Americans fear, rather than respect, our troops [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At this morning’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) exposed three damning revelations from top leaders at the Department of Defense (DoD) and she underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump’s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. During her questioning of top Trump Defense officials, the Administration refused to rule out the possibility that the mission would expand beyond protecting federal property and personnel, the possibility that troops could be deployed for law enforcement functions or the possibility that the DoD would fail to provide legal protection for servicemembers who try to protect civilians from abusive federal agents. The Senator also slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them—something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Duckworth’s full opening remarks, initial questioning and closing questioning can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. In her opening statement at the hearing, Duckworth said: “Military service involves risks. And our servicemembers accept those risks knowingly... selflessly. So we better be damn sure that the mission is the right one...that it is clear and effective...and that it serves our national security. If we stand by while this Administration pursues another irresponsible, open-ended campaign with no defined mission, no clear authorities, no set timeline and no transparent end state, we fail our troops. We fail their families. And we fail the American people. “The power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law—not in one man's judgment … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Today, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Today’s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could’ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should’ve been a no-brainer.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-trump-is-forcing-our-servicemembers-to-make-a-horrible-choice Duckworth: Trump is Forcing Our Servicemembers to Make a Horrible Choice 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At this morning’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump’s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. The Senator slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them—something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Video of the Senator’s questioning can be found on her YouTube. Key Quotes: “For the past two months, Illinoisans have seen DHS federal agents abusing our communities, and President Trump wanted to put our troops in the middle. He wants our military to protect agents who were tear-gassing toddlers, pointing loaded weapons at unarmed bystanders, hauling preschool teachers from daycare in front of kids and propelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings in the dead of night to rip families from their beds and detain them for hours—just to admit later that they have no basis to file any charges.” “What are our troops supposed to do if they witness an agent throw a child to the ground? Do they intervene and pull the agent off the kid? Do they stand by and do nothing? Trump is forcing them to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters, or execute orders from the President…Our troops could be dragged into court and would be on their own to plead their case to a jury, all because their Commander in Chief put them in an unprecedented situation that they don’t regularly train for. And if that servicemember decides not to intervene, what will Americans think when they see someone in uniform—who they were taught serves to protect them—standing by as a child is harmed by one of Trump’s abusive DHS agents?” “I fear the day when Americans stop thanking our troops for their service because they’re afraid of them. We know that this Administ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-capito-introduce-bipartisan-rise-from-trauma-act-to-address-childhood-trauma Durbin, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Rise From Trauma Act To Address Childhood Trauma 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The legislation would expand support for children who have experienced trauma and address the cycle of violence and addiction WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase support for children who have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, including witnessing community violence, parental addiction, or abuse. The Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act dramatically increases funding for community-based efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma, and it expands training and workforce development efforts to support health care, education, social services, first responders, and community leaders to foster resilience and deliver services to heal the impact of trauma. U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07) and Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) plan to re-introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Portions of the Senators’ legislation were recently signed into law by President Trump through the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act, which will extend and increase funding for: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data collection activities on ACEs; an interagency task force to establish best practices on addressing trauma; and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Child Traumatic Stress Network to develop and deliver mental health services in communities. Since Durbin, Capito, Duckworth, and Murkowski began working on child trauma issues together, among other provisions, they have increased appropriations for SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network from $47 million to $99 million today. In Illinois, this is supporting research and services at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Sinai Health, University of Chicago, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Ch… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-president-trumps-racist-comments-towards-immigrants-in-senate-judiciary-committee-executive-meeting Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Racist Comments Towards Immigrants In Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Meeting 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper During his opening remarks, Durbin again called on DHS Secretary Noem to testify in front of the Committee, urged Chairman Grassley to consider a subpoena if she refuses to appear 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 executive business meeting condemning the Trump Administration’s failing immigration enforcement tactics and the diversion of necessary resources away from drug trafficking, gun violence, and other threats that put our nation’s security at risk—all while pardoning drug kingpins, including former Honduras President, Juan Orlando Hernández. Durbin also again called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to testify in front of the Committee. Durbin also spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Key Quotes “Consider President Trump’s extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers… Since September, the Administration has carried out at least 22 attacks, killing at least 87 people. The President and Secretary Hegseth allege they are killing ‘narco-terrorists’—but the Administration refused to provide any evidence of an imminent threat justifying lethal force. If these are actually drug traffickers, law enforcement should stop the boats, confiscate and destroy the drugs, and prosecute the traffickers. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has tried to provide legal cover for these summary executions in a deeply flawed legal opinion, which it refuses to make public to the American people.” “At the same time, President Trump has pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former President of Honduras who was convicted of orchestrating a massive conspiracy to flood our country with illegal narcotic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-republicans-voting-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums-for-tens-of-millions-of-americans Durbin Statement On Republicans Voting To Raise Health Insurance Premiums For Tens Of Millions Of Americans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats’ proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to ensure millions of Americans could continue to afford their health care plans in 2026: “Need I remind my Republicans colleagues that their votes have real consequences for the people of this country? “Shame on Republicans for, once again, voting to push millions of their own constituents off their health care. Senate Republicans’ vote today was the latest action in their 15 year crusade to demolish the Affordable Care Act despite the law putting affordable, quality health care within reach for tens of millions of Americans. “I want to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make the Affordable Care Act better. But we need buy-in from congressional Republicans to move forward. I hope that my Republican colleagues, after today’s failed vote to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, will finally understand the urgency of this health care crisis and make a real effort to protect Americans’ health care.” Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. In his remarks, he underscored that Congress must swiftly address the rising cost of health care to ensure that Americans are not priced out of their insurance. He spoke about a constituent working at a diner in Chicago who relies on the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits to afford her insurance, but she is worried that she will not be able to afford her insurance come January 1. “I met a waitress at a Chicago Loop restaurant during breakfast last Sunday. She’s 63 years old, and she spent her life as a waitress. It’s taken its toll on her physically. She was in tears as she described to me about what is going to happen to her if we fail to act the right way on this legislation. She’s going to see her… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-sessions-introduce-bipartisan-bill-requiring-government-agencies-label Foster, Sessions Introduce Bipartisan Bill Requiring Government Agencies to Label Content Generated with Artificial Intelligence 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov foster https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Congressmen Bill Foster (D-IL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced the Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling (REAL) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would require federal agencies and officers to clearly label any content published via official government channels that is generated or manipulated using generative artificial intelligence. Specifically, the bill would require labeling on any AI-generated images or videos published by an agency, or any AI-generated text that is not reviewed by a human prior to publication. “In an age of disinformation, Americans should be able to trust that information coming from official government sources is legitimate and based in reality. With the rapid proliferation of AI-generated content, there must be clear guidelines to ensure those at our federal agencies and in our nation’s highest office are not using AI in a way that could purposefully or inadvertently mislead the American public,” said Congressman Foster. "I’m proud to Co-lead the REAL Act, which brings greater transparency and accountability to the federal government’s use of artificial intelligence. Our bill requires federal agencies and officials to clearly disclose when text, images, audio, or video shared with the public in their official capacity has been generated or manipulated using AI. This legislation protects agencies’ ability to use AI internally while ensuring that anything released publicly is clearly and consistently labeled. It is a commonsense step to maintain trust and strengthen transparency in government communications,” said Congressman Sessions. A copy of the bill can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-uses-oversight-hearing-press-colleagues-extend-aca Congressman Krishnamoorthi Uses Oversight Hearing to Press Colleagues to Extend ACA Tax Credits and Protect Illinois Families from Rising Costs 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Raja Krishnamoorthi K000391 krishnamoorthi.house.gov krishnamoorthi https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — During today’s joint Oversight Committee hearing on lowering health care costs, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, pressed his colleagues to take immediate action to prevent steep premium hikes for Illinois families and to block deep Medicaid and ACA cuts that would destabilize hospitals across the state. First, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that allowing the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to expire at the end of the year would create an immediate affordability crisis. Without action, half a million Illinoisans will see sharp premium increases, with rural families facing hikes of more than 100 percent. “If we don’t extend these tax credits, in Illinois alone half a million people will see their premiums go from $260 a month to $464 a month—an almost 80 percent increase. Rural families will be hit even harder, with premiums rising by more than 100 percent. People will not stop needing medical care. Safety-net and rural hospitals will pay the price, and communities will be pushed into health care deserts unless we act.” Congressman Krishnamoorthi also highlighted the separate, longer-term threat posed by the Republican so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which contains sweeping Medicaid and ACA cuts. Drawing on his visits to Loretto Hospital in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and Franklin Hospital in Benton, he noted that hospital leaders warned the cuts would force program reductions, staff layoffs, and potential service shutdowns. With eleven Illinois hospitals already at risk of closure, these cuts would accelerate an emerging statewide crisis. Finally, Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored the human stakes of failing to extend the ACA tax credits by sharing the story of Krystle, a mother from central Illinois whose three medically complex children rely on ACA subsidies to access care. “With the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, she can buy coverage for her three children at $800 a month.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-durbin-introduce-legislation-improve-medical-device-recall-process Schakowsky, Durbin Introduce Legislation to Improve the Medical Device Recall Process 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Janice D. Schakowsky S001145 schakowsky.house.gov schakowsky https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced legislation to improve the medical device recall process in order to protect patients. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and instruct hospitals and health care professionals to provide that information to patients. The legislation was inspired by Illinois constituents who had shared their personal stories about medical harms and other concerns related to recalled devices. “Americans deserve to know that the medical devices they depend on for their health and wellbeing are safe and effective,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Dick Durbin on the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act. Our bill ensures that all medical device recall information is sent to the Food and Drug Administration electronically, rather than through physical mail, so providers and patients can receive critical updates faster. With more than 1,000 recalls issued each year affecting millions of devices, timely communication saves lives. This important legislation makes sure patients get the information they need when they need it.” “Millions of Americans rely on a medical device to stay healthy. But if their medical device is recalled, patients have the right to know as soon as possible so that they can understand the risks and consult with their health care provider,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act is an obvious solution to ensure that medical device manufacturers, FDA, and health providers can quickly share up-to-date information with patients.” Specifically, t… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-vote-against-fy26-ndaa Schakowsky Statement on Vote Against FY26 NDAA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Janice D. Schakowsky S001145 schakowsky.house.gov schakowsky https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after voting against final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA): "Today, I once again voted against passage of the Republican’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While I support several important components of this legislation, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill in its entirety. The FY26 NDAA authorizes over $890 billion in additional Pentagon spending. That is $8 billion more than the Pentagon itself said it needed. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. We must instead make the investments in health care, education, housing, clean air and water, and public transit that Americans deserve. “Further, this legislation removed House-passed provisions that would lead to In vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage under TRICARE and restore collective bargaining rights to civilian employees. I was also discouraged to see that the bill still discriminates against the transgender community. With this year’s illegal military strikes against innocent boats in the Caribbean, the last thing we need to do is give the Pentagon even more power. "Although I opposed this bill, there were several bright spots, including a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), and a new requirement for military personnel to display the name of the military service they are affiliated with when supporting civilian law enforcement activities in our communities. "Despite these important provisions, this legislation exacerbates an already over-bloated Pentagon budget and funds several defense policies which will not make people any safer. This is why I could not support its final passage." ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-bipartisan-legislation-halt-counterfeit-imports-advances-us-house SCHNEIDER BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HALT COUNTERFEIT IMPORTS ADVANCES IN US HOUSE 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Bradley Scott Schneider S001190 schneider.house.gov schneider https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — The House Ways and Means Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation authored by Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Blake Moore (UT-01) to halt counterfeit and pirated imports into the United States. The bill, H.R. 4930, changes how Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can share the packing and shipping information of suspected counterfeit products with key intellectual property rights holders, transportation carriers, and e-commerce platforms. This unanimously bill passed the Ways and Means Committee. “Counterfeit goods undercut American businesses, threaten jobs, and endanger public safety,” said Rep. Schneider. “We need to help CBP disrupt counterfeit trafficking networks and better safeguard our economy and communities. I’m proud that this commonsense legislation – co-authored by my colleague Rep. Blake Moore – has received bipartisan and unanimous support in the Ways and Means Committee. I urge the Speaker to bring it to the floor for a vote.” “The global economy is flush with threats from counterfeiters, IP thieves, and black-market traders," said Rep. Moore "This bill will unlock real-time intelligence sharing between CBP and the private sector that will help shut down these networks and cut off the flow of counterfeit products before they reach American shores. This will safeguard American businesses and protect our citizens from dangerous counterfeit goods. I’m thrilled that this bill has generated strong bipartisan support and unanimously passed through the Ways and Means Committee today." Background: While CBP’s job is to identify counterfeit products at U.S. ports of entry and flag for businesses when they suspect a particular shipment might be counterfeit or pirated, they are currently only allowed to provide limited information about shipments in question. CBP is not permitted to share packing materials (such as the external container in which goods are shipped), images, labels, invoices, or packing slips that identify the product’s country of origin, with key parties such as prope… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-defense-bill-sorensen-highlights-wins-rock-island-arsenal-and-il House Passes Defense Bill, Sorensen Highlights Wins for Rock Island Arsenal and IL-17 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House IL Eric Sorensen S001225 sorensen.house.gov sorensen https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce major victories for the Rock Island Arsenal and communities across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District in this year’s national defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Sorensen voted to support the defense bill after securing critical provisions to protect jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal, support the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and strengthen Central and Northwestern Illinois. “We must do everything we can to put our servicemembers and military families first. These investments give our neighbors the support they deserve and help safeguard the jobs that drive our local economy,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Improving childcare, protecting the C-130 fleet and investing in the Arsenal all deliver meaningful results for Central and Northwestern Illinois.” Earlier this summer, Sorensen announced a series of major IL-17 victories included in the House-passed NDAA. Those provisions strengthen the Arsenal, support working families, and reinforce our national security. Key wins for IL-17 and the Rock Island Arsenal include: Congressman Sorensen’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which incentivizes private industry to partner with arsenals by giving preference to public-private partnerships in Army contracting, creating a more predictable, sustained workload to protect and create jobs. The bill bans the Army’s funding to restructure the Rock Island Arsenal’s Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), until they provide a plan that includes a timeline and information about any job cuts and the impact to our readiness. Authorizes $50 million for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Child Development Center to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at the Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare. Authorizes $5 million in design funding for a forging equipment annex at the Rock I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-cruz-cantwell-moran-criticize-widening-of-military-aircraft-safety-loophole-in-2026-ndaa Duckworth, Cruz, Cantwell, Moran Criticize Widening of Military Aircraft Safety Loophole in 2026 NDAA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined fellow U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) leaders Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in issuing a joint statement criticizing the inclusion of a provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) widening a loophole for military helicopters that threatens the safety of the flying public. Almost a year after the fatal crash near DCA, the Senators—who are working to close that loophole completely with their bipartisan ROTOR Act—join with the Families of Flight 5342 and the Lilley family in voicing serious concern that the NDAA, as written, would make American skies less safe. “Almost a year after 67 lives were lost when a military helicopter hit American Airlines flight 5342 over the Potomac River, the NDAA fails to make the skies safer. As drafted, the NDAA protects the status quo, allowng military aircraft to keep flying in DC airspace under different rules and with outdated transmission requirements,” said the Senators. “This comes as Pentagon data shows a spike in military aircraft accidents since 2020. The families of the victims deserve accountability. The NDAA should be stripped of this new loophole and instead include the ROTOR Act -- a bipartisan bill that closes the dangerous exemption that allows military aircraft to operate in domestic skies without communicating their position. We must act decisively to prevent future tragedies,” the Senators said. The Families of Flight 5342 issued a statement in solidarity with the Senators: "Over the past year the Families of Flight 5342 have united to push for meaningful aviation safety reforms so that no other families suffer the same devastating loss. While we appreciate congressional attention to rotary-wing operations in the National Defense Authorization Act, Section 373 does not resolve the visibility and coordination failures that contributed to the tragedy. As wr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-urges-senate-republicans-not-to-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on Duckworth Urges Senate Republicans Not to Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Tomorrow, my Republican colleagues will have a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans can’t run away from the healthcare crisis they created any longer. If they vote no, millions of middle-class Americans will feel the pain in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Tomorrow’s vote will be Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We can stop millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but only if Republicans finally get off the sidelines and vote to help us. This should be a no-brainer.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-the-senates-aca-tax-credit-vote-durbin-joins-spotlight-forum-highlighting-the-importance-of-the-aca Ahead Of The Senate’s ACA Tax Credit Vote, Durbin Joins Spotlight Forum Highlighting The Importance Of The ACA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper During his remarks, Durbin highlighted how the ACA addressed addiction treatment and mental health services WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum hosted by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) focused on the need to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the Senate’s vote tomorrow on the Democratic proposal for a clean three-year extension of the ACA tax credits. These tax credits have put health care within reach for Americans by lowering health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. If Republicans vote against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage next year, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple. Durbin began his remarks by reflecting on his own family’s experience of being uninsured when his newborn daughter was in need of critical care. “Many members are motivated and inspired by their own personal experiences. This is one for me. I was a student at Georgetown Law School when I got married… and God sent us a baby. She was a beautiful little girl with a serious medical condition, and I had no health insurance… What was next was to go to the old Children’s Hospital here in Washington and to sit in the charity ward for people who couldn’t afford to pay and didn’t have any insurance… I’ll never forget that moment and that has inspired me to be part of this conversation [on health care] for a long time,” said Durbin. Durbin then commented on the ACA including provisions to address mental health and addiction. “It made so much sense we included it and thank God we did. As we faced the opioid crisis, many lives [were] saved by the fact there was paid-for counseling available through the ACA,” said Durbin. He asked Susan Stearns, Executive Direct… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-surge-in-ice-hiring-durbin-remarks-on-low-standards-of-ice-recruits-who-have-failed-drug-tests-have-pending-criminal-charges-and-more Amid Surge In ICE Hiring, Durbin Remarks On Low Standards Of ICE Recruits Who Have Failed Drug Tests, Have Pending Criminal Charges, And More 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin again denounced President Trump’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” and called on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the President’s cruel mass deportation scheme WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today denounced the low hiring standards of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits amid a surge in hiring. The Trump Administration announced their goal of onboarding 10,000 new agents by the end of the year—which would double the number of deportation officers, from roughly 6,000 to 16,000. Durbin also spoke out on the Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has been used as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as immigration officials have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme. Durbin began by denouncing the Trump Administration’s false narrative that federal agents are only going after the “worst of the worst” during these aggressive immigration raids. “Of more than 600 immigrants recently arrested, do you know how many of them had significant criminal history? Sixteen—16 out of more than 600. Nationwide, ICE arrested nearly 75,000 people with no criminal history between January 20 and October [15]. Federal immigration agents have arrested and detained: a mother on her way to visit her 15-day-old baby in the NICU; a teacher at a preschool in front of her young students; [and] day laborers, vendors, construction workers, and cooks simply trying to make a living and support their families. Immigration agents arrested and detained at least 40 U.S. citizens in Illinois alone between late August and early November. Does that sound like we’re getting rid of ‘the worst of the worst’? People with no criminal history,” Durbin said. Durbin continued his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the Trump Administration’s cruel campaign against immigrants. “I … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delauro-introduce-the-federal-food-administration-act Durbin, Delauro Introduce The Federal Food Administration Act 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) reintroduced the Federal Food Administration Act, legislation that would streamline our food safety system by consolidating the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food oversight responsibilities into a single agency dedicated to keeping the foods Americans eat safe. “The sad reality is that FDA has failed to protect Americans from preventable foodborne illnesses and death. In recent years, FDA has failed to protect babies from bacterial infections in their infant formula and lead-tainted applesauce pouches,” said Durbin. “This is why Congresswoman DeLauro and I are introducing legislation to create a Federal Food Administration. With the Federal Food Administration Act, we hope our nation will have greater success in protecting the foods in our kids’ lunch boxes and on our dining room tables.” “We need a single food safety agency to ensure the food Americans eat is safe,” said DeLauro. “Currently, food safety oversight is scattered across multiple agencies with the bulk of the responsibility falling to the Food and Drug Administration – where food safety has often been treated like a second-class citizen. This legislation would put one agency clearly in charge with the singular mission of protecting our food supply with the resources, staff, and focus to achieve that goal. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin in this effort, because Americans deserve peace of mind that the government is keeping companies accountable with clear, consistent safety standards.” FDA regulates approximately 80 percent of our food supply. Consumers and companies depend on FDA to perform its regulatory role effectively. Yet, despite increased authorities included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the creation of the Human Foods Program at FDA, the agency has failed to make significant inroads in reducing rates of foodborne illness and death in the U.S. About one in six Americans—or 48 million people—g… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-schakowsky-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-medical-device-recall-process Durbin, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation To Improve The Medical Device Recall Process 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would bolster communication between medical device manufacturers, hospitals and health care professionals, and patients WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today reintroduced legislation to improve the medical device recall process in order to protect patients. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and instruct hospitals and health care professionals to provide that information to patients. The legislation was inspired by Illinois constituents who had shared their personal stories about medical harms and other concerns related to recalled devices. “Millions of Americans rely on a medical device to stay healthy. But if their medical device is recalled, patients have the right to know as soon as possible so that they can understand the risks and consult with their health care provider,” Durbin said. “The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act is an obvious solution to ensure that medical device manufacturers, FDA, and health providers can quickly share up-to-date information with patients.” “Americans deserve to know that the medical devices they depend on for their health and wellbeing are safe and effective,” said Schakowsky. “That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Dick Durbin on the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act. Our bill ensures that all medical device recall information is sent to the Food and Drug Administration electronically, rather than through physical mail, so providers and patients can receive critical updates faster. With more than 1,000 recalls issued each year affecting millions of devices, timely communi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-trumps-2018-racist-reference-to-s-hole-countries-was-an-embarrassment Durbin: Trump’s 2018 Racist Reference To “S-Hole” Countries Was An Embarrassment 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper After nearly eight years, Trump admitted to using the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Black immigrants during a meeting in the Oval Office, confirming Durbin’s statement from that time WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania last night. Following the 2018 meeting, Durbin was criticized by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and then-Senator David Perdue (R-GA), as well as President Trump himself, for corroborating media reports of Trump’s “shithole countries” comment, with Trump claiming Durbin “totally misrepresented” what he had said. “The meeting was historic… The President spoke at length about his views on immigration. The conversation declined at some point to a level I’d never expected to witness in my life. The President started saying things about immigrants in ways I thought had never been said before in the White House,” Durbin said. “He used terminology, which I will not repeat on the Senate floor, but he referred to a phrase of ‘s-hole’ nations. I was shocked to hear it. I heard him refer to several countries in this fashion. And I thought to myself, how have we reached a point where we discuss immigration in such crude and vulgar terms. After I left the White House, it leaked out what the President had said, and the White House denied it. They said it didn’t happen. I said it did, they said I’m lying to the point where two of my Republican Senate colleagues went on television several days later and said that I lied when the President made those statements. Well yesterday at his rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump admitted that he used the slur that I referred to earlier to disparage Haiti and African nations during that 2018 meeting with … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-push-back-against-fbi-doj-investigation-threats-into-six-members-of-congress Senate Judiciary Democrats Push Back Against FBI, DOJ Investigation Threats Into Six Members Of Congress 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper FBI political leadership is reportedly pressuring the Washington Field Office to open a seditious conspiracy investigation into Senators Kelly and Slotkin, Representatives Goodlander, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in pushing back against the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) attempt to use the threat of investigation to harass and intimidate U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), as well as U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-01), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06)—after the Members of Congress reiterated current law when they released a video telling active members of the Armed Forces not to obey unlawful or illegal orders. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, the Senators began by characterizing the threats of investigation as retributive, writing: “We write with grave concern that the Trump Administration is weaponizing the FBI against federal lawmakers who merely restated current law. This abuse of federal law enforcement authority as an instrument of retribution against the President’s political opponents is a threat to the constitutional freedoms of all Americans.” The Senators then reiterated current law, which aligns with the Democratic Members of Congress’s message to military members, writing: “As you know, the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires servicemembers to follow ‘lawful government order[s] or regulation[s],’ and the Manual for Courts-Martial explicitly states that the ‘inference [of lawfulness] does not apply to a patently illegal order.’ With regard to violations of the law of war, the Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual also states that ‘each member of the armed services has a duty to refuse to comply with clearly illegal orders to commit violations of the law of war.’ Indeed, servicemembers may be prosecuted for carrying out … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z

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