Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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27,283 rows where state = "IL" sorted by date descending
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| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-booker-colleagues-reintroduce-abortion-health-care-everywhere-act | Schakowsky, Booker, Colleagues Reintroduce Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act to Repeal Harmful Helms Amendment | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Janice D. Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | schakowsky | https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON - Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation that would repeal the harmful Helms Amendment and ensure U.S. foreign assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care. Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joining Schakowsky as House co-leads of the legislation. More than 80+ House Members have joined the effort. “Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the racist, harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where abortion is legal. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today, on International Safe Abortion Day and every day, we must stand with people around the world who deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will repeal Helms and help make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” "The right to decide what is best for your body, health and family should not be dictated by borders," said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. "The Helms Amendment i… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-director-vought-abandon-any-plan-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding | Durbin, Duckworth Join Senate Democrats In Demanding OMB Director Vought Abandon Any Plan To Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers emphasize the need for Republicans to join Democrats in supporting new guardrails to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following a long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and of 27 their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grantmaking process. The Trump Administration considering an executive order to establish and empower an external committee of political appointees with no discernable qualifications to veto any awards selected by NIH and its panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer-review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump Administration has shown time and again it wants to cancel NIH funding that misaligns with its political agendas and vendettas, all at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump Administration considering, at the highest level, an executive order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers write. “Injecting political interference into the NIH gra… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-president-trumps-pocket-rescission-is-an-illegal-power-grab | Durbin: President Trump’s Pocket Rescission Is “An Illegal Power Grab” | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin condemned President Trump’s illegal pocket rescission, which will rescind $810 million in congressionally-appropriated funding to education programs, health research, immigration services, and foreign aid WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the Trump Administration’s illegal move to rescind $810 million for federal programs, cutting off bipartisan funding Congress has allocated for education programs, health research, assistance for minority-owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries. This pocket rescission by the President is a clear violation of the Constitution, which explicitly gives Congress the power to determine how federal funds are spent. While the President can make a rescission request, Congress must approve that rescission with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the President must release the withheld funds. With only a few days left in the fiscal year, President Trump is unlawfully using a pocket rescission, denying Congress the time or ability to reject the rescission request in a move that the Government Accountability Office has stated is illegal. Durbin began his remarks by calling out President Trump for this illegal power grab. “On Friday night, the Trump Administration announced that the President had unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress had approved for spending on a bipartisan basis. This funding was meant for education programs, health research, assistance for businesses, immigration services, and support to other countries,” Durbin began. “This move is an illegal power grab by the Trump Administration—plain and simple,” Durbin said. President Trump has repeatedly used pocket rescissions to rip federal funding from critical programs, including support for forei… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-previews-tomorrows-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith | Durbin Previews Tomorrow’s Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case, and 40 counts in the classified documents case. Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction. “Tomorrow, finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from former Special Counsel Jack Smith,” said Durbin. “In 2020, President Trump spent months spreading the ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen… He pressured state election officials, his own Vice President, the Justice Department, and Members of Congress to overturn the results of the election. This culminated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, where President Trump’s supporters tried to violently prevent the constitutional certification of the 2020 election.” Durbin continued, “But instead of condemning this egregious criminal conduct… my Republican colleagues are spreading baseless conspiracy theories and attacking career prosecutors and FBI agents, claiming the so-called ‘deep state’ is out to get Donald Trump.” When Trump was re-elected president in November 2024, Special Counsel Smith moved to dismiss the cases against him based on the Department of Justice’s position that the Constitution forbids the fed… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-rescission-of-nearly-1-billion | Durbin Statement On Trump’s Illegal “Pocket Rescission” Of Nearly $1 Billion | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced that he has unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress has already approved for education programs, health research, assistance for minority owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries: “The illegal power grab by Donald Trump continues. The real question is whether my Republican colleagues will finally find their collective backbone and do something about it. “Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the CR so this could never happen again, but Republicans refused—fearing retribution from the White House. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express anger now, but where were they this summer during these negotiations? “Billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead, but money for schools is cut. Vanity projects like the Golden Arch are a priority, but medical research for cancer cures is cut. Taxpayer funded political ads of the wartime President are a must, but medical care for children is cut.” President Trump’s rescissions requests are made under a fast-tracked process, established in the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, in which a president can request that Congress rescind federal funding with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the president must release it. However, President Trump is attempting an unlawful maneuver called “pocket rescissions,” in which he seeks to rescind funding less than 45 days before the end of the fiscal year, believing this provides him with the power to cancel the funding with or without the approval of Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has stated that pocket rescissions are illegal. Last year, President Trump canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid via a “pocket recission.” And earlier in 2025, Republicans supported… | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-garcia-host-election-protection-roundtable-local-advocates-election | Ramirez, Garcia Host Election Protection Roundtable with Local Advocates, Election Officials | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Delia C. Ramirez | R000617 | ramirez.house.gov | ramirez | https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) hosted an election security and polling location safety roundtable with public officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners to discuss preparedness and coordination efforts to keep polling locations safe, secure, accessible, and free from intimidation or disruption. The roundtable comes after months of constant threats of the presence of armed federal officials at polling locations made by the Trump administration and the recently released plan for Election Infrastructure Security by the Department of Homeland Security. Just today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s SAVE program, a flawed voters database that removes eligible voters from the rolls. “In the face of an authoritarian attack on our democracy, it is up to an intergovernmental coalition to protect our elections and ensure every person’s vote is counted and represented. It is up to us to roll up our sleeves and step into the work of cooperation, organizing, and solidarity to protect our democracy,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our message is clear: We will not be bullied, we will not be intimidated, and we will not let our constituents be dissuaded from exercising their constitutional rights.” "We all know the lengths Trump will go to discredit our elections," said Congressman García. “But after hearing from the participants of this roundtable today, I'm confident we'll be ready for November. Every eligible citizen deserves to know when, where, and how to cast their ballot, and they should get that information from people they trust, not from Trump's lies and misinformation. While Trump and his anti-voting allies in Congress keep working to undermine confidence in our elections, Congresswoman Ramirez and I will keep working just as hard to defend them." The members of Congress and organizations reminded constituents that: In IL, you don’t need an ID if you are registered to vote. In IL, y… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-jayapal-and-garcia-urge-trump-administration-respect-brazils-electoral | Ramirez, Jayapal, and García Urge the Trump Administration to Respect Brazil’s Electoral Process | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Delia C. Ramirez | R000617 | ramirez.house.gov | ramirez | https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Congressmembers Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) led 28 colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising serious concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the Western Hemisphere’s second-largest democracy ahead of Brazil’s presidential election next month. In the letter, the Members of Congress asked Secretary Rubio to confirm whether the administration will commit to respecting Brazil’s electoral process and to recognizing its certified outcome. “Over the course of President Trump’s second term, we have seen U.S. officials engage in a sustained, multifaceted campaign of interference and destabilization in Brazil,” wrote the members. Last year, the Trump administration began imposing tariffs and sanctions to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court over its trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro for his role in an attempted coup, intended to overturn Brazil’s 2022 presidential elections. Recently, the administration designated Brazilian gangs as “foreign terrorist organizations” (FTOs) two days after right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son, reportedly made such a request to President Trump in the Oval Office. “Rather than helping defend Brazilian democracy, the United States is acting as an agent of interference and destabilization—using diplomatic, economic, and political pressure in ways that risk weakening the country’s democratic institutions, undermining confidence in Brazil's electoral process, and inflicting further damage on our relationship with a strategic U.S. ally and trading partner,” concluded the members. The Trump administration’s efforts reflect a deeply troubled pattern of interference in recent electoral processes across Latin America, including Argentina’s midterm elections and the presidential elections in Honduras and Colombia. The pattern risks eroding electorates’ confidence in democratic processes and institutions across the region. … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-trump-craters-economy-duckworth-and-meng-reintroduce-resolution-to-empower-mothers-in-the-workforce | As Trump Craters Economy, Duckworth and Meng Reintroduce Resolution to Empower Mothers in the Workforce | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Donald Trump’s reckless policies continue to crater our economy and leave families behind, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY-06) reintroduced the Mom Economy Resolution to promote and empower mothers in the workforce across the nation. While the Trump Administration cuts critical lifelines that so many depend on and offer nothing to support Americans struggling to get by, the lawmakers’ bicameral resolution lays out a plan to support moms who enter and stay in the workplace through investments in childcare, the child tax credit, SNAP, increasing the minimum wage and paid leave. The legislation also includes additional provisions seeking to assist LGBTQ+ mothers and maternal care/family planning resources. “Costs are climbing, child care is more expensive and too many moms are feeling left behind by an Administration that promised to help,” said Duckworth. “If we want to build a stronger economy, it’s past time we stop treating moms’ time as both expendable and endless. Our resolution recognizes the urgent need to invest in moms and make it easier for them to succeed in our workforce by advancing policies like universal child care, paid leave and beyond. Republicans in Congress must stop prioritizing harmful tax cuts that only benefit the ultra-wealthy and start working with Democrats to pass meaningful legislation that meets the needs of mothers across the country.” “Moms are the backbone of our economy, but too often, the economy doesn’t work for them,” said Congresswoman Meng. "Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even as so many are bringing home half—or all—of their family’s income. That has to change. I’m proud to introduce the Mom Economy Resolution with Senator Duckworth, which builds on my Marshall Plan for Moms, to recognize the burdens working moms face and renew the call for paid leave, affordable childcare, and the support families need to thrive.” "The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 bill… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hoeven-bipartisan-bills-to-support-the-health-of-our-aviation-workforce-and-strengthen-aviation-safety-pass-the-senate | Duckworth-Hoeven Bipartisan Bills to Support the Health of Our Aviation Workforce and Strengthen Aviation Safety Pass the Senate | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Two bipartisan pieces of legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee—and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to support the health of our aviation workforce and strengthen aviation safety today passed the Senate with unanimous consent. Duckworth’s Aviation Medication Transparency Act, co-led by Senator Hoeven, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue accessible, user-friendly guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding, applying for or training for a position that requires an FAA medical certificate—helping ensure these individuals don’t unknowingly take medications that could put their careers in jeopardy. “Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress. Their careers should never be threatened because they weren’t properly informed about which medications they’re allowed to take, or simply sought the mental health care they need,” said Duckworth. “These two bipartisan, commonsense bills will help make it easier for those in our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security—while also sending this important message to future recruits. Now that they’ve passed the Senate with unanimous consent, the House must do the same so we can address bureaucratic shortcomings within the FAA, dismantle the dangerous culture of silence surrounding mental health in the aviation industry and ultimately make our skies safer.” Additionally, Hoeven’s John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, co-led by Senator Duckworth, would require the FAA to modernize and strengthen access to mental health care—removing barriers to timely treatment, promoting early intervention and supporting the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) that lead to safer skies. “Our nation faces a severe shortage o… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-senate-democrats-in-renewed-push-to-help-prevent-police-involved-deaths-and-provide-justice-for-families | Duckworth Leads Senate Democrats in Renewed Push to Help Prevent Police-Involved Deaths and Provide Justice for Families | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the 29th birthday of Laquan McDonald, an Illinoisan teen who was shot and killed at the hands of a Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer with a recorded history of excessive force, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is leading her Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would help restore trust between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve by helping prevent police-involved deaths and encouraging independent, impartial investigations into law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. The Police Training and Independent Review Act—the second piece of legislation that Senator Duckworth ever introduced in the Senate—would create financial incentives for states to require training for law enforcement officials on fair and impartial policing and best practices for working with members of the community who are disabled and have mental illnesses. Additionally, it would encourage communities to use independent prosecutors to investigate law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. When implemented, the legislation would authorize the U.S. Attorney General to award grants to states that require an independent investigation and, if warranted, prosecution in cases where one or more of the alleged offenses result in death or serious bodily harm. Companion legislation will soon be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09). “From Chicago to Louisville or anywhere in America, we cannot allow ourselves to accept that Black teenagers, men and women are still being unjustly executed at the hands of law enforcement without judge or jury,” said Duckworth. “Laquan McDonald’s death was preventable, and Congress still has yet to do enough to ensure tragedies like his never happen again. In honor of Laquan 29th heavenly birthday, I’m proud to lead Senate Democrats in reintroducing this overdue legislation that would help save lives and restore trust between law enforcement and local communities by increasing resources fo… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-padilla-introduce-new-legislation-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions | Durbin, Padilla Introduce New Legislation To Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests & Detentions | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The Immigration Warrant Reform Act would push back on the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement across the country WASHINGTON – After immigration enforcement agents have arbitrarily arrested countless U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors. In a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration agents may make stops based solely on apparent race and ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent, and presence at certain worksites. The Trump Administration has gone beyond “stops” to arrest and even brutally attack U.S. citizens and immigrants without probable cause or a warrant for the arrest. The Trump Administration has further interpreted immigration laws to require immigration judges to deny bond to any noncitizen who entered the United States without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in the country, and severely limit the opportunities for an immigration judge to release noncitizens on bond. “The disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,” Durbin said. “As Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: ‘United States citizens are … being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-allowing-trump-administration-to-proceed-with-flawed-voter-screening-database-ahead-of-midterms | Durbin Statement On Supreme Court Allowing Trump Administration To Proceed With Flawed Voter Screening Database Ahead Of Midterms | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled today that the Trump Administration can move forward with an expansive and flawed database that states can use for potential voter purges. The database attempts to combine citizenship information, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data about millions of Americans and is rife with errors: “The Supreme Court just allowed the Trump Administration to weaponize an unreliable database against Americans’ fundamental right to vote less than six weeks before a consequential midterm election. With his poll numbers lagging, Donald Trump continues to attack Americans’ right to vote because he knows his party can’t win on the issues. “Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and every eligible voter across America has the right to cast a ballot—and should be able to do so without fear of being wrongly purged from the voting rolls. The right to vote is fundamental to our nation’s democracy, and President Trump’s efforts to chip away at that fundamental right and interfere with the election must be rejected.” In an unsigned per curiam opinion, over the objections of at least three dissenting justices, a majority of the Court granted a request for emergency relief from the Justice Department to stay a June ruling which had blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) overhauled database—called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)—which the Administration allows states and localities to use to verify citizenship and immigration status of registered voters. As Justice Jackson pointed out in her dissent, the Court “focuse[d] only on the harms the Government will purportedly suffer absent a stay, disregarding the harms that the modified SAVE system has caused, and will likely continue to cause, to lawful voters.” In April, Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-announces-more-5-million-returned-il-10-constituents-through | SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $5 MILLION RETURNED TO IL-10 CONSTITUENTS THROUGH CASEWORK | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | LINCOLNSHIRE, IL –Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after his team returned more than $5 million to IL-10 constituents this year through resolving casework issues like delayed Social Security benefits, IRS tax returns, and VA benefits. If you are having an issue with a federal agency, please reach out for assistance at (847) 383-4870. “Representing the people of the 10th district is the greatest responsibility and highest honor of my professional life. Among the many aspects of this job that bring me pride is the work of my team helping constituents across the district,” said Schneider. “Every day we are seeking solutions to the issues affecting residents, from helping with an urgent passport renewal, to addressing a delayed tax return, or resolving issues with Veterans’ Benefits, Medicare, or Social Security. Navigating federal agency processes is often difficult, if not impossible. My team has the experience, knowledge, and personal relationships to clear away obstacles and cut through red tape. All kudos to them for helping secure more than $5 million for IL-10 constituents this year alone.” To learn more about how Rep. Schneider’s office has assisted constituents, visit the Constituent Success Stories page. ### | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-gillibrand-call-hearings-after-navy-discloses-8-attempeted-suicides | SCHNEIDER, GILLIBRAND CALL FOR HEARINGS AFTER NAVY DISCLOSES 8 ATTEMPETED SUICIDES BY SAILORS IN USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN CARRIER STRIKE GROUP | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, called for congressional hearings following the Navy’s confirmation that 8 sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had attempted suicide during the group’s most recent deployment. This admission was made in a September 22 letter Gillibrand received from Acting United States Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, weeks after administration officials and the president had dismissed families’ and soldiers’ concerns about conditions on board the ship. Acting Secretary Cao’s response follows the August 2026 letter that Gillibrand and 14 of her colleagues sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling for transparency after reporting detailed dismal conditions for sailors on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Gillibrand also previously demanded hearings over those reports. “What Trump and Secretary Hegseth dismissed as ‘fake news’ turned out to be serious and deteriorating conditions for our service members,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Our troops and their families make immense sacrifices every single day, yet the president dismissed them with open disrespect. That this administration can find endless taxpayer dollars for bombs, ballrooms, and billionaires, but cannot take care of our service members, is completely unacceptable. The American people need hearings, accountability, and a clear plan to protect our service members and prioritize American families.” “As the Member of Congress representing Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, where every Navy recruit receives basic training, the health and well-being of our men and women in uniform is one of my highest priorities,” said Rep. Brad Schneider. “Every American should be outraged by this Administration’s failure to equip our service members with the tools and support the… | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-ramirez-host-election-protection-roundtable-with-local-advocates-election-officials | García, Ramirez Host Election Protection Roundtable with Local Advocates, Election Officials | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Chicago, IL — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) hosted an election security and polling location safety roundtable with public officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners to discuss preparedness and coordination efforts to keep polling locations safe, secure, accessible, and free from intimidation or disruption. The roundtable comes after months of constant threats of the presence of armed federal officials at polling locations made by the Trump administration and the recently released plan for Election Infrastructure Security by the Department of Homeland Security. Just today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s SAVE program, a flawed voters database that removes eligible voters from the rolls. "We all know the lengths Trump will go to discredit our elections," said Congressman García. “But after hearing from the participants of this roundtable today, I'm confident we'll be ready for November. Every eligible citizen deserves to know when, where, and how to cast their ballot, and they should get that information from people they trust, not from Trump's lies and misinformation. While Trump and his anti-voting allies in Congress keep working to undermine confidence in our elections, Congresswoman Ramirez and I will keep working just as hard to defend them." “In the face of an authoritarian attack on our democracy, it is up to an intergovernmental coalition to protect our elections and ensure every person’s vote is counted and represented. It is up to us to roll up our sleeves and step into the work of cooperation, organizing, and solidarity to protect our democracy,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our message is clear: We will not be bullied, we will not be intimidated, and we will not let our constituents be dissuaded from exercising their constitutional rights.” The members of Congress and organizations reminded constituents that: In IL, you don’t need an ID if you are registered to vote. In IL, y… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-more-6-million-federal-funding-support-child-care-nursing | Underwood Secures More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Support Child Care, Nursing Education Flood Prevention, and More in Northern Illinois | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for childcare, nursing education, substance abuse treatment, university research, and flood prevention in northern Illinois. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for our community a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14th District with federal resources: Childcare Resource and Referral, Joliet, Illinois – $1,946,280 Childcare Resource and Referral in Joliet has been awarded $1,946,280 in federal funding through the Office of Head Start at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant increases access to high-quality, full day, full-year child care, including family child care for low-income working families. The grant also supports programming to support the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences and prepares them for the transition into Head Start and preschool. Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois – $103,401 Lewis University in Romeoville has been awarded $103,401 in federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant supports low interest loans to nursing students and loan cancellation for students who then go on to work as faculty. The loans, provided through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program at HRSA, seek to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide. Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Illinois – $125,000 Will County has been awarded $125,000 in federal funding administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant expands the availability of substance abuse treatment and recovery services available to Americans to improve the lives of those affected by alcohol and drug addictions, an… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-boozman-lead-bill-to-enhance-support-of-women-veterans | Duckworth, Boozman Lead Bill to Enhance Support of Women Veterans | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | The VOICE for Women Veterans Act would require a comprehensive look at VA care, benefits and services to identify areas for improvement [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Boozman (R-AR), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen oversight of women Veterans’ health care and improve access to the services and resources they need. The Veterans’ Outcomes, Inclusion, Care, and Experience (VOICE) for Women Veterans Act would modernize an annual report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so legislators, the VA and Veteran advocates have a comprehensive reference to drive change and resolve issues affecting the care and benefits women Veterans have earned and deserve. “Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform. For all they’ve sacrificed for our country, we owe it to our women heroes to ensure the VA is equipped to provide them the high-quality, tailored care that they have earned through their service,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation would require the VA to take a deep look at how well female Veterans are actually being served and how we can improve health outcomes. As the primary health care home for Veterans, this comprehensive review at the VA is long overdue to better care for the fastest growing Veteran group in the country.” “Women veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and they deserve access to the quality care and resources they have earned. As we look to improve the quality of care for women veterans in Arkansas and across the country, we must ensure the VA gathers the data and information necessary to identify gaps, address challenges and improve health outcomes. This bipartisan legislation will help strengthen accountability and ensure women veterans receive the care and support they are owed,” said Boozman. This bill is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. T… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-trump-for-targeting-military-families-for-deportation | Duckworth Slams Trump for Targeting Military Families for Deportation | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Donald Trump and his Administration for targeting military families in their extreme immigration enforcement campaign, arguing that their efforts are hurting military readiness, morale and national security. Appearing at a press conference beside other Veterans, military family members and advocates, Duckworth stressed how the Administration’s tactics are not only inhumane, but also send an unacceptable message to the brave servicemembers currently fighting in Trump’s war of choice and to future recruits. Key quotes from Duckworth’s remarks can be found below and the full livestream can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. Key Quotes: “It’s a betrayal to our heroes to have a family member detained or deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend. No servicemember should be forced to choose between fulfilling their military obligations and protecting their families. And with fewer and fewer people enlisting as the years go on, we should be celebrating every person who serves, including their families who sacrifice so much to support them…I’m here today to call out that five-time draft-dodging coward for dodging his most sacred responsibility: honoring those who were actually brave enough to serve.” “The Trump Administration’s actions are inhumane, and they’re disastrous from a national security perspective. We don’t need our troops who are heading into a firefight to be worried about whether their husband or wife is going to get picked up on the streets, leaving their toddler in foster care…What does any of that do to our military’s morale? To our national strength? To our reenlistment numbers? What message does any of that send to our troops—or to our enemies?” “I’m grateful that last spring I was able to help secure the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after she was arrested with no warrant and no explanation. But she should never have been in that situation in the first place…There are countless other ‘De… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-introduces-care-for-moms-act-to-address-maternal-mortality | Durbin Introduces Care For Moms Act To Address Maternal Mortality | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The CARE for Moms Act is a comprehensive solution to the crisis of mortality and morbidity among American mothers, particularly Black mothers WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) for Moms Act as maternal mortality and morbidity continues to rise across the United States, disproportionately impacting Black women. The CARE for Moms Act builds upon Durbin’s MOMMA Act, a provision of which was passed as part of the American Rescue Plan. The provision ensured that states had the option to expand Medicaid coverage to new moms from 60 days postpartum to a full year postpartum. Illinois was the first state to do so. U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced companion legislation in the House. “In the U.S., Black women are three times more likely to die as a result of their pregnancy. It is unacceptable that in this country we are losing mothers and their babies to deaths that could have been prevented with the right interventions and health care,” said Durbin. “We must act to address this national tragedy. I’m introducing the CARE for Moms Act to provide more comprehensive and culturally competent maternal and postpartum health care for mothers, especially women of color, and their babies.” The CARE for Moms Act supports the maternal health workforce, promotes access to prenatal and postpartum care, and provides the resources that moms and babies need to thrive. The legislation includes provisions to: Establish a State-Based Perinatal Quality Collaborative Grant Program; Establish Regional Centers of Excellence to tackle implicit bias and promote cultural competence among health professionals; Support federal efforts to grow and diversify the doula workforce; Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in all 50 states; Establish grants for Rural Obstetric Mobile Units; Require 90-day prior notification to HHS for hospital obstetric unit closure; Extend Medicaid and CHIP to Oral Health Coverage to pre… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-peters-release-gao-report-detailing-reckless-expansion-of-immigration-detention-under-trump | Durbin, Reed, Peters Release GAO Report Detailing Reckless Expansion Of Immigration Detention Under Trump | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Senators release damning findings on rushed efforts to expand unsuitable immigration detention facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), led the release of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) newly-completed report examining the Trump Administration’s flawed immigration detention expansion, including ill-conceived plans to convert warehouses to detention facilities, and waste and performance issues at facilities such as Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay. GAO found that despite unprecedented funding, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has wasted and will continue to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on immigration detention expansion efforts due to a failure to appropriately plan for facilities that would meet immigration detention standards. The Senators asked GAO to investigate detention expansion at the start of this Administration due to concerns of deteriorating conditions in detention facilities across the country. This is the second installment on the effects of rapid expansion after GAO’s scathing report about the Department of Defense and ICE detention facility on Fort Bliss, Camp East Montana. “This report has uncovered more of what we’ve come to expect from the Trump Administration—cavalier and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars without any benefit to the American people. Remember when Donald Trump promised to get rid of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ in Washington? Well, GAO now has exposed a shocking pattern of waste within the Administration’s unconscionable mass deportation campaign,” said Durbin. “The American people have rightfully expressed outrage at its detention expansion and enforcement policies, and it’s time to hold DHS … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-chairman-grassley-to-hold-a-hearing-to-investigate-donald-trump-jr-accepting-a-lavish-gift-from-a-russian-oligarch | Durbin Urges Chairman Grassley To Hold A Hearing To Investigate Donald Trump Jr. Accepting A Lavish Gift from A Russian Oligarch | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin: “If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’s (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’s letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch. During his opening, Durbin reiterated that the Committee could take up the investigation during the lame duck session—rebutting Republicans’ statements that there is not enough time in the year. Key Quotes: “As I told the Chairman privately, I support Senator Curtis’s request. Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup. Hunter Biden, who has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue twice, has offered to appear before the Committee voluntarily.” “Some claim that it’s too late in the year to investigate. Come on. This is September. Putting together the questions for a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. is not going to take more than a week, is it?... Republicans are about to take a six-week recess from the people’s business, but we have staff who can conduct a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden and we can hold a hearing when the Senate reconvenes in November.” “Yesterday, the Chairman tried to justify ignoring Senator Curtis’s request by claiming the Democrats failed to conduct oversight during the Biden Administration. Not true. When I was Chair of the Committee, we held regular oversight hearings over the Justice Department, FBI, and DHS. And I frequently criticized the Biden Administration and compelled Biden officials… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-durbin-raskin-padilla-press-dhs-secretary-on-refugee-admission-during-refugee-consultation-with-congress | Ranking Members Durbin, Raskin, Padilla Press DHS Secretary On Refugee Admission During Refugee Consultation With Congress | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The Trump Administration provided minimal details on a plan to abandon American values and focus solely on admitting more white-only Afrikaner refugees WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration; and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, yesterday pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration’s uncertain refugee policies during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting occurred as the Trump Administration announced a plan to welcome up to 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next year. During the meeting, Durbin urged Secretary Mullin to process more refugees from around the world, including our Afghan allies stranded abroad. “The Trump Administration’s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,” said Durbin. “Although we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration’s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore our longstanding asylum policies and admit lawful refugees—including the Afghan allies who served alongside our troops abroad.” “Yesterday’s consultation reinforces our sense that the Administration has turned America’s traditional refugee program into a whites-only airplane ride for South African Afrikaners into Trump’s America. Afghan allies who risked their lives fighting alongside our troops, religious minorities facing intensified persecution in Iran and tens of thousands of approved and pre-vetted refugees flee… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-civil-society-community-leaders-announce-community-led-legislation | Ramirez, Civil Society, & Community Leaders Announce Community-led Legislation to Dismantle DHS, Abolish ICE, Reimagine Community Safety | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Delia C. Ramirez | R000617 | ramirez.house.gov | ramirez | https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of a Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee, stood with Illinois public officials, civil society, and community members to announce the Reimagining Safety Act. The landmark community-led legislation would create a new human- and community-centered federal department that promotes collective safety, repeal the authorities that give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) its power, and redirect DHS funds to programs that working families rely on. The Reimagining Safety Act is a first-of-its-kind bill that would dismantle DHS. It is the first time a community has designed a cabinet-level department. The Reimagining Safety Act would: Establish the Department of Community Safety Dismantle DHS, preserving CISA, FEMA, TSA, and Customs functions Abolish ICE and CBP Reinvest funds in our communities Limit government surveillance, rein in unlawful abuses of data, and curb militarized enforcement Begin the process of establishing a separate civil immigration system “Today, I am proud to announce the Reimagining Safety Act, a community-led roadmap to establish the Department of Community Safety, dismantle DHS, abolish ICE and CBP, and reinvest resources in our communities,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “The Department of Homeland Security was founded out of a profound national trauma. But we cannot add new pains to old ones. We must heal old pain and create new opportunities.” For more than a year, the communities that Congresswoman Ramirez represents have been targeted, terrorized, and attacked by DHS through its unlawful mass deportation campaign. Those same communities worked to build the Reimagining Safety Act while protecting their neighbors through Know Your Rights campaigns, observer networks, whistles and cell phones, human school buses, and more. “Building something new, creating in a time of destruction, is a revolutionary act. It is proof of our hope and belief in what is possible even in dark times,” added Ramirez. “The p… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-jewish-caucus-urges-secretary-rubio-preserve-special-envoy | CONGRESSIONAL JEWISH CAUCUS URGES SECRETARY RUBIO TO PRESERVE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR HOLOCAUST ISSUES AS A DISTINCT AND PERMANENT OFFICE | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Co-Chairs Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), led the Congressional Jewish Caucus, in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) as a permanent and distinct entity within the Department of State and not for SEHI to be absorbed under the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS). This letter highlights that SEHI is the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf, and the need to appoint a career official as the next SEHI, with the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters. “Since its establishment in 1999, the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues has been the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf,” the members wrote. “The office has also been supported on a bipartisan basis in Congress and administrations of both parties have actively affirmed its importance. For decades, SEHI has worked with foreign governments, international institutions, and Jewish organizations to pursue restitution and compensation for survivors and their families, recover Nazi-looted property, preserve Holocaust memory, and address unresolved Holocaust-era obligations. As the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline, this work is only becoming more urgent.” “That is why we oppose any effort to consolidate or eliminate SEHI and are troubled by the reported plan for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) to absorb the SEHI office. SEHI and SEAS have clearly distinct mandates and responsibilities,” the members continued. “Both are full-time responsibilities that require full-time principals with unique areas of focus and full-time staff with unique expertise. Combining them would… | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hosts-we-cant-afford-this-telephone-town-hall | Duckworth Hosts “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Tonight, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted a telephone town hall to hear firsthand how Illinois families are enduring higher grocery, gas and health care costs. During her “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall, Duckworth discussed the devastating consequences that Trump’s Medicaid cuts, tariffs and ongoing illegal war are having on their wallets. She also highlighted her ongoing work to hold the Trump Administration accountable while supporting Illinois families and protecting the essential programs they rely on. “Grocery bills, energy bills and health care bills are piling up. From Elgin to Romeoville to Chicago, families all across Illinois are telling me the same thing: ‘We can’t afford this,’” said Senator Duckworth. “Donald Trump promised families he would lower costs and protect their wallets, but instead, he has delivered a cratered economy where Illinoisans are getting left behind. Families deserve better, and I’m laser-focused on doing everything I can to lower costs, protect access to health care and hold this Administration accountable. The damage Republicans have done will take more than a repair job—we need a top-to-bottom renovation that puts families first.” The average Illinois household has paid more than $4,200 in higher costs for everyday essentials under the Trump Administration, including an additional $1,091 on housing costs, $310 for groceries and approximately $654 more in gas costs. Earlier this month, Duckworth hosted a roundtable discussion with local Quad Cities leaders to discuss how they can address what too many Americans are feeling every day: “We Can’t Afford This.” Over the summer, Duckworth also hosted a telephone town hall and a listening session alongside U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) focusing on the devastating consequences of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” one year later, including cuts that jeopardize health care, food assistance and economic security for thousands of Illinoisans. -30- | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-durbin-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project | Duckworth Joins Durbin, Great Lakes Senators in Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses of the Brandon Road Project | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement. “We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.” The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp. “While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north… If invasive carp were to become esta… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-backs-senator-curtis-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr | Durbin Backs Senator Curtis’ Call For Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr. | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin: “We have enough resources, staff, and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition, to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’ (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’ letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch. “[Senator John Curtis] sent a letter raising a question as to whether there has been a violation of ethical standards at the highest level of our government. Now, John showed real courage in doing this. As a Republican to say anything critical of the Trump Administration is a risk. But he’s been a brave man, and he’s a man of principle. What he called on is for Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and myself, as [the] Ranking Democratic Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to have an investigation and hearing [into] Donald Trump Jr.’s recent wedding, where he received lavish gifts from a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin. This sort of thing cannot be allowed to happen without some response from Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee is the place to start,” said Durbin. “There are those who argue we only have a few months left in this year. Well, let me tell you something: we’re not overworking ourselves during those few months. We have enough resources and staff and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony,” Durbin continued. “Now, in fairness, Senator Curtis also asked the same of Hunter Biden. To be fair to Hunter Biden, who has already responded by saying he’s willing to a… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-denounces-judiciary-committee-republicans-hearing-on-transgender-athletes | Durbin Denounces Judiciary Committee Republicans’ Hearing On Transgender Athletes | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Senate Republicans and Republican witnesses spent hearing attacking the very existence of trans kids instead of addressing critical issues before the Committee’s jurisdiction WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on transgender athletes in his opening statement. Durbin noted that he refuses to treat this hearing like a responsible exercise of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s authority. And therefore, he will not ask questions and did not call Democratic witnesses. Key Quotes: “If you ask the American people, what are the priority issues you hope Congress will address as soon as possible, the issue of this hearing would not be in the top 10, maybe not the top 20.” “People are concerned about the cost of living. They are concerned about the ability to pay for the college education of their kids. They are concerned about their utility bills. They are concerned about their grocery bills. They want to know what we are doing about it. The President has dismissed these concerns and said he doesn’t want to talk about affordability.” “If you ask people where we should be focusing if we want to help children and make sure they are protected, I think they would start off by saying ,‘how are we going to get these damn cellphones out of their hands.’” “We took this issue on because young people and their families are being exploited today. The social media firms stonewall and try to keep us from doing anything. But we have passed several major bills on a bipartisan basis in this Committee to protect children from the harms of these social media platforms. But for some reason, the bills never move on the floor. And the control of floor traffic is in the hands of the Republican Leader.” “We had a hearing when I was Chair several years ago, and the hearing invited the CEOs of the major companies. We had the CEOs from Meta, [Discord, X,] TikTok, and Snap… why aren’t those CEOs back again? … it is st… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-we-have-got-to-find-a-way-to-balance-privacy-and-security | Durbin in Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras: “We Have Got To Find A Way To Balance Privacy And Security” | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In his opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, Durbin spoke about the need to adopt guardrails on Automated License Plate Reader technology to protect Americans’ right to privacy WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” In his opening remarks, Durbin spoke about the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans. Durbin also referenced the story of a witness in today’s hearing, Lindsey Isaacs, who was wrongfully arrested and spent 13 days in jail on eight felony charges for a crime she did not commit. She was jailed after a Flock camera misidentified her car, yet it took seven months for the case against Ms. Isaacs to be thrown out. Key Quotes: “For the Flock CEO, obviously they are nervous about being on camera, but I wish they would have joined us today. It would be interesting to hear their explanation.” “The collection of information and data is what it’s all about these days… Hard to imagine, but that [personal] information is being sold and collected constantly.” “I support law enforcement… We trust them with keeping us safe in our homes and in our businesses. We also value privacy.” “We also know that as we look at the information being gathered, this is nothing new. The volume of the undertaking is not new. The state of Illinois has had an ALPR, an Automated License Plate Reader, as part of their state effort to catch people on the tollway who don’t pay their fair share. It’s been around for a long time. It’s been used to locate people that … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shares-153rd-dreamer-story-on-the-senate-floor | Durbin Shares 153rd Dreamer Story On The Senate Floor | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin: “I may be leaving the Senate in a few months, but I am not leaving this fight [for Dreamers].” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared his 153rd Dreamer story. During his time in Congress, Durbin has continuously shared stories of Dreamers—young people who have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. Under current law, there is no pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. “For 25 years, I have come to the Senate floor with a simple request—for Congress to protect children who know no other home than the United States of America. I first made this request after I heard from a constituent—a young high school graduate in Chicago and a brilliant piano prodigy. She was brought to the United States when she was only two years old and didn’t know how to fill out her college applications because of her undocumented status. I couldn’t believe our nation had no path to citizenship for young people like her, so I introduced a bill to change that,” said Durbin. Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001. The Dream Act is bipartisan legislation that would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. This Congress, Durbin introduced the bill with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “I have pushed for this legislation to make them [Dreamers] legal in the eyes of the law—to be included in bipartisan legislation like the 2013 ‘Gang of Eight’ immigration bill, which passed the Senate with 68 votes. Over the years, the Dream Act passed the Senate, and it has passed the House of Representatives, but never at the same time so that we could send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law. As I near the end of my time in the Senate, Congress continues to fai… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-calls-ban-ndas-between-data-center-developers-and-government | Krishnamoorthi Calls for Ban on NDAs Between Data Center Developers and Government Officials and Agencies at Any Level | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SCHAUMBURG, IL — Today, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement on government transparency and data center development: “Americans have a right to know how data center projects affect their communities, and that is why we need to ban non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and government officials or agencies. These agreements have shrouded critical information from the public, including water and electricity use, infrastructure demands, and taxpayer-funded incentives. Communities deserve this information before decisions are made, not after the fact. We cannot allow secrecy agreements to keep the public in the dark about projects with such significant local impacts.” According to NPR, data center projects across the country have been subject to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that restrict the disclosure of information about proposed developments. These agreements between developers and government officials or entities have drawn criticism from residents seeking greater transparency into projects that could affect their communities. | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-ai-experts-extinction-risk-china-chip-loopholes-and | Krishnamoorthi Presses AI Experts on Extinction Risk, China Chip Loopholes, and Data Center Secrecy | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 pressed artificial intelligence and national security experts on catastrophic AI risks, gaps in U.S. export controls governing Chinese access to American computing power, and secretive data center deals that leave communities in the dark. During a Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Democratic shadow hearing, Krishnamoorthi asked Dr. Geoffrey Hinton whether his 2024 estimate of a 10 to 20 percent chance that AI could lead to human extinction within three decades had increased as AI capabilities advanced. Hinton said his “gut instinct is still between 10 and 20%.” He also cited CNN reporting that an AI chatbot helped produce a false intelligence assessment claiming a Chinese ship was carrying nuclear cargo, an incident a source said “almost started a war.” Turning to export controls, Krishnamoorthi questioned retired Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan about reports that DeepSeek trained a recent AI model on Nvidia’s Blackwell chips despite U.S. restrictions, and that Chinese AI companies have accessed restricted chips remotely through data centers in Southeast Asia. He urged Congress to adopt the AI Overwatch Act, which would reinstate Biden-era export controls on advanced chips, and the REMOTE Access Security Act, which would regulate foreign access to cloud compute. “The president professes to want us to win the AI competition with China, but he's currently loosening our regulations with regard to export controls instead of tightening them.” On data centers, Krishnamoorthi pressed EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel on the use of non-disclosure agreements in data center development. He cited NPR reporting that 25 of 31 projects examined involved NDAs, including a nearly $4 billion Louisiana development where the environmental impact study was kept secret and residents did not learn what was happening until construction had already begun. “Communities shouldn't have to fight for the truth about what's coming. And I believe we must prohib… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-accepts-ukrainian-order-merit-president-zelenskyy | Quigley Accepts Ukrainian Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, received the Ukrainian Order of Merit, Second Class, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations in Manhattan. Zelenskyy selected Quigley for the award in August of 2025 for “a significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, charitable activities, and popularizing the Ukrainian state in the world.” After the presentation of the medal, Quigley released the following statement: “I was honored to receive the Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy today. I have had the pleasure of meeting with Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans for many years who have displayed incredible resilience and devotion to a democratic Ukraine. That dedication, Ukraine's critical role in Europe, and the importance of defending free nations everywhere have inspired my work to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and self-determination. “As I have long said, Ukraine is on the front line of the fight to save democracy worldwide. The freedoms and values they are fighting for today are the same ones we defended in World War II. Despite nearly five years of relentless attacks by the Russian military and the horrific acts committed in previously occupied areas, Ukrainians have persevered. If Ukraine falls, other nations will follow. They deserve the unwavering support of the United States and all NATO member nations. “Receiving this award and meeting with President Zelenskyy has strengthened my resolve to continue standing with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.” | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-witnesses-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-and-protecting-americans-right-to-privacy | Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras & Protecting Americans’ Right To Privacy | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” Today’s hearing examined the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), including Flock cameras, that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans. Durbin began his questioning by asking Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel for ACLU, about how data collected by Flock cameras could be used during the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation campaign. “We are concerned in Illinois with Operation Midway Blitz, where ICE and the Department of Homeland Security came into our state and started looking for people to deport… It turned out that the majority of people they were deporting were not committing any crimes. Our state passed a law which limits law enforcement from using Flock data for immigration purposes. Have you heard of such laws in other states?” Durbin asked Mr. Marlow. Mr. Marlow explained that while some states have laws limiting the use of Flock data for immigration purposes, federal law supersedes those laws. As a result, if a federal agency were to present a judicial warrant or administrative subpoena, any state would be required to comply. Further, one actor within a state government who has access to a data-sharing database could easily search and release information on someone else’s behalf. Durbin then asked Alasdair Whitney, legislative counsel for the Institute for Justice, about how warrants could prevent federal agencies from unconstitutionally obtaining information through the use of Flock cameras. “Mr. Whitney, I heard your testimony, saying the answer is a warrant. A warrant is certainly reco… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/el-representante-garcia-se-une-a-mas-de-70-legisladores-de-las-americas-para-exigir-el-fin-de-los-ataques-a-embarcaciones-y-las-ejecuciones-extrajudiciales-por-parte-de-eeuu | El Representante García se une a más de 70 legisladores de las Américas para exigir el fin de los ataques a embarcaciones y las ejecuciones extrajudiciales por parte de EE.UU. | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — En una acción interparlamentaria conjunta sin precedentes que reúne a más de 70 legisladores de 13 países de las Américas, incluyendo los Estados Unidos, y Puerto Rico, el Representante Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), junto con los Representantes Andre Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), y Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) emitieron una declaración exigiendo el cese inmediato de los ataques del gobierno de Estados Unidos contra embarcaciones en el mar Caribe y el Pacífico Oriental, los cuales han provocado al menos 234 ejecuciones extrajudiciales. Asimismo, los firmantes reclaman justicia para las víctimas de estos ataques e instan a los demás gobiernos de la región a abstenerse de facilitar acciones que, según expertos jurídicos, organizaciones de derechos humanos y miembros —actuales y retirados— de las fuerzas armadas de Estados Unidos, constituyen violaciones del derecho internacional. Los legisladores señalan que el propio gobierno estadounidense ha determinado que estas operaciones no han reducido significativamente el flujo de cocaína hacia el país. Destacan que el derecho a la vida y al debido proceso, así como las garantías frente al uso arbitrario de la fuerza, son principios fundamentales del Estado de derecho democrático. Advierten que las acusaciones de narcotráfico, por graves que sean, no anulan ni prevalecen sobre estas protecciones. Ante el anuncio de la administración Trump de continuar con estas operaciones y extenderlas a objetivos terrestres, los legisladores manifiestan su compromiso de utilizar sus “facultades legislativas y de fiscalización para promover la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas en torno a estas ejecuciones extrajudiciales”. La declaración completa y la lista de firmantes están disponibles en este enla… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garcia-joins-more-than-70-lawmakers-across-the-americas-urging-an-end-to-us-boat-strikes-and-extrajudicial-killings | Rep. García Joins More Than 70 Lawmakers Across the Americas Urging an End to U.S. Boat Strikes and Extrajudicial Killings | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In the first joint interparliamentary action of its kind, bringing together more than 70 legislators from 13 countries across the Americas, including the United States, and Puerto Rico, Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the United States government’s attacks on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific, which have resulted in at least 234 extrajudicial killings. In addition, the signatories call for justice for the victims of the strikes and urge all other governments of the region to refrain from facilitating what amounts to violations of international law according to legal experts, human rights organizations, and current and former members of the United States armed forces. The legislators note that the U.S. government itself has determined that these operations have not significantly reduced the flow of cocaine into the country. They note that the rights to life and due process, as well as guarantees against the arbitrary use of force, are fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law. They warn that accusations of drug trafficking, however serious, do not circumvent or override these protections. With the Trump administration having signaled that it plans on continuing these operations and extending them to land-based targets, the legislators announce their commitment to using their “legislative and oversight authorities to promote transparency and accountability surrounding these extrajudicial killings.” The full statement and the list of signatories are available here. “Donald Trump is dropping bombs across the Caribbean and Pacific in blatant violation of the law and of fund… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-at-center-for-american-progress-by-praising-xi-trump-is-leaving-american-consumers-and-our-indo-pacific-partners-behind | Duckworth at Center for American Progress: “By Praising Xi, Trump is Leaving American Consumers and Our Indo-Pacific Partners Behind” | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Just two days ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping at the White House, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) outlined the stakes of this Trump-Xi summit and the impact it will have on our national security, our economy and our partners in the Indo-Pacific region. At the Center for American Progress (CAP), Duckworth shared her firsthand takeaways from her official trips this year to Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore where top government, defense and economic leaders told her how Trump’s reckless trade wars and defense policies are hurting them, leaving them feeling left behind as Trump embraces President Xi, who continues to engage in economic coercion and aggression. Full video of the event can be found on CAP’s YouTube and photos from the event can be found on the Senator’s website. “President Trump is fundamentally unable to manage the United States’ relationship with the People’s Republic of China,” said Senator Duckworth, a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC). “A successful bilateral relationship doesn’t look like chaotic tariffs, leaving American farmers devastated, throwing our allies under the bus to cozy up to dictators and creating more challenges for Americans. It looks like protecting Americans from economic coercion and instability, finalizing real commitments on AI, protecting human rights and maintaining our advantages in the areas that matter the most while building our national security—not sacrificing all of these, which Trump continues to do.” During the event, Duckworth underscored the importance of being a reliable partner to our friends in the Indo-Pacific who are facing PRC coercion, emphasizing the need to secure our supply chains and protect American consumers. She pointed to the President’s reckless tariffs and illegal war as examples of how supply chain insecurity can impact our economy. The Senator also stressed that regional … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-president-trump-to-push-for-release-of-chinese-political-prisoners-during-meetings-with-president-xi-jinping-this-week | Durbin Calls On President Trump To Push For Release Of Chinese Political Prisoners During Meetings With President Xi Jinping This Week | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Ekpar Asat WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor advocating for the release of several Chinese political prisoners ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States this week. Specifically, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who was reportedly imprisoned as retaliation for her family’s public criticism of the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs; Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai; Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, who were imprisoned for serving as church leaders; and Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur. Beginning his remarks, Durbin noted the tension between the U.S. and Chinese governments, but he spoke about the need for both nations’ leaders to discuss the evolution of AI, nuclear proliferation, and global economic stability. “The meeting between the leaders of our two countries is important and timely. Both nations have a great deal to discuss, including areas of shared concern and disagreement,” Durbin began. “Our nations have many areas of shared concern, including the dangers of AI, North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change and energy supplies, global economic stability, and reduced tensions in and around the South Pacific,” Durbin said. “We undoubtedly have points of continued disagreement on issues such as the future of Taiwan, Chinese harassment of allies, the war in Ukraine, economic espionage, and stemming fentanyl precursors from being exported by China, and of course, basic political freedoms and human rights.” In May, the Senate unanimously passed Durbin’s bipartisan resolution calling for the release of several political prisoners in China, including Pastor Ezra Jin. “Not long after [Durbin’s resolution was passed], and with the assistance of President Trump, Pastor Ezra Jin was released after 266 days in a Chinese prison for the ‘crime’ of opera… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-sounds-the-alarm-on-trumps-attacks-on-a-free-and-open-press | Durbin Sounds The Alarm On Trump’s Attacks On A Free & Open Press | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin: “President Trump has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called out President Trump banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds because of his personal disagreements with their coverage. The three news outlets have filed a First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access. “If a person walks the halls of the United States Capitol, there is a pretty good chance that you will bump into a reporter. They are seemingly around every corner, with their phones out, ready to ask your opinion on a recent statement or the news of the day. Those of us who serve in this chamber have become used to their presence—and their many, many questions,” Durbin said. “While we may bristle when they press us, we know that these journalists serve an indispensable purpose: they shine a light on the Senate, and they keep the American people informed about their government. The work these reporters perform is a great service to our nation—one that deserves our thanks.” Durbin continued, “Yet you won’t hear that kind of gratitude coming out of the Trump White House. Since President Trump returned to the Oval Office, he has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.” Durbin noted that last year, after the Associated Press refused to use the President’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, he barred the organization from the Oval Office and Air Force One. At the same time, President Trump launched an unprecedented number of baseless defamation suits against respected news outlets for their factual reporting on his failed businesses, relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. “This ban is unconstitutional retaliation for factual reporting. It is something you would expect to read about in the communist Russia days… or perhaps … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr | Durbin Statement On Call for Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr. | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) calling for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests: “Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. Senator Curtis has made a good faith request that the Senate Judiciary Committee investigate the lavish gift of a Russian oligarch to President Trump’s son as well as any wrongdoing by the son of former President Biden. “In fairness, Hunter Biden has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue of corrupt activity. Donald Trump Jr. has not. For the Committee to ignore this matter is to run the risk of being complicit in a coverup. I will join in supporting Senator Curtis’ request of the Senate Judiciary Committee.” -30- | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-young-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning | Durbin, Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Children From Lead Poisoning | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to update its lead poisoning prevention measures WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today reintroduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to update its lead poisoning prevention measures to reflect modern science and ensure that families and children living in federally-assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning. “Children should not be at risk from lead poisoning in their own home. We have to do more to address this health hazard before it harms more kids,” Durbin said. “Senator Young and I are leading the push to reform outdated federal housing standards and put additional prevention measures in place. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our children.” “All children deserve the opportunity to grow up without the fear of harmful toxins in their home, but sadly lead exposure continues to be an ongoing problem for millions of children with devastating long-term effects. The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act will help ensure the health and safety of our children by improving federal lead poisoning detection and prevention measures,” said Young. Lead hazards in a home pose serious health and safety threats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead hazards such as dust and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children. A 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that lead-based paint is in 34.6 million U.S. homes, 89 percent of which were built before 1978––the year lead-based paint use in housing was banned in the United States. While the available science for detecting and remediating lead hazards in a home has evolved significantly in the last two decades, federal laws and regu… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians | Duckworth Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)— led a bipartisan group of 30 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the Senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them. Along with Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Mu… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-leads-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project | Durbin Leads Great Lakes Senators In Demanding Answers On Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses Of The Brandon Road Project | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In today’s letter, the Senators emphasized that the Brandon Road Project Interbasin Project cannot be halted again as invasive carp have been found dangerously close to Lake Michigan WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), today sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement. “We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.” The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp. “While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://lahood.house.gov/2026/9/icymi-lahood-delbene-introduce-bipartisan-meals-for-communities-tax-credit-act-to-encourage-charitable-prepared-meal-donations | ICYMI: LaHood, DelBene introduce Bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act to Encourage Charitable Prepared Meal Donations | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | lahood | https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Susan DelBene (WA-01) introduced the bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act. This legislation would encourage restaurants and retail food establishments to donate prepared meals to charitable organizations serving communities across the country by creating a new tax credit for prepared meal donations. The legislation is supported by ReThink Food, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food waste and food insecurity by transforming surplus food into nutritious meals for communities in need. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) also joined the legislation as an original cosponsor. “Restaurants and food retailers in Illinois and throughout the country have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by donating prepared meals to organizations that can put them directly into the hands of people in need,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act provides a commonsense incentive for businesses to be charitable and turn surplus prepared food into meals for families and individuals who need them. By encouraging these donations, we can help strengthen our communities and make sure good food reaches the people who need it most.” “Millions of families across the country are struggling to reliably put food on the table because of rising grocery bills and a more expensive economy. Our food pantries and local nonprofits are stretched thin and cannot meet the demand in their communities. Meanwhile, restaurants are also contending with higher overhead costs and fewer customers,” said Rep. DelBene. “This legislation helps address both problems by providing restaurants with incentives to donate prepared meals directly to nonprofits serving hungry families. It will support restaurants, their workers, and families who don’t have enough to eat.” "Restaurants are more than places where people eat – they are a vital part of our community infrastructure, with the kitchens, talent, and local relationships to hel… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-condemns-reports-ice-targeting-us-citizen-evanston | Schakowsky Condemns Reports of ICE Targeting U.S. Citizen in Evanston | 2026-09-20 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Janice D. Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | schakowsky | https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | EVANSTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in response to reports that a U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained and injured by federal immigration agents in Evanston on Sunday: “I am disgusted and outraged by reports of what happened in my hometown of Evanston on Sunday. A U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained by federal immigration agents, injured, and taken to the hospital. “This is unacceptable. For over a year, Trump and his cronies have been trying to terrorize our communities, leaving some of our neighbors afraid to go about their daily lives. No one should have to fear being detained or harmed by their own government. “My team and I are continuing to monitor the situation and working with local authorities and partners. We must get to the bottom of exactly what happened, and those responsible must be held accountable. “Our diversity is our strength. We will not let Trump or anyone else get in our way. Our neighbors have come together and fought back, and we must continue to stand together and stand up for one another. We cannot let fear win. We are stronger together.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-garcia-hayes-and-senator-booker-introduce-the-diversify-act | Representatives García, Hayes and Senator Booker Introduce the DIVERSIFY Act | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), reintroduced the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act, legislation that would strengthen and expand the TEACH Grant award and help build a well prepared and diverse educator workforce. The TEACH Grant, created in 2007, provides up to $4,000 to undergraduate and graduate students interested in becoming teachers and serving in a high-need field teaching students from low-income families. However, even when the cost of higher education has risen significantly, the statutory maximum of the TEACH grant has not changed. “Students deserve to see their own diversity reflected in those who teach them. In Chicago, less than 50% of teachers come from diverse backgrounds while Latino and Black students make up nearly 90% of the student population. As the cost of higher education and student loan debt continue to place a growing financial burden on students, we must do more to make a career in education accessible and affordable,” said Congressman García. “Increasing the TEACH Grant will help remove financial barriers for aspiring educators, expand opportunities for students, and ensure this critical program keeps pace with the rising cost of earning a degree.” “Every student should have the opportunity to learn from educators who understand their experiences, reflect their communities, and help them to break down negative stereotypes and biases. A diverse teacher workforce can strengthen student outcomes, improve school engagement, lower absentee and discipline rates and decrease incidents of misdiagnosis for special education,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The DIVERSIFY Act will help encourage more individuals with multiple viewpoints and life experiences to enter the teaching profession and bring their talent back to the communities they call home. I am pleased to partner with Senator Booker and Representative García on this important legis… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-schumer-call-on-airlines-to-guarantee-that-emergency-medical-kits-aboard-their-commercial-planes-include-life-saving-epinephrine | Duckworth, Schumer Call on Airlines to Guarantee That Emergency Medical Kits Aboard Their Commercial Planes Include Life-Saving Epinephrine | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | The Senators’ push comes after the FAA proposed a rule that wouldn’t require epinephrine delivery methods designed for self-administration on every flight, jeopardizing passenger safety [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—and U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today called on every U.S.-based passenger airline to guarantee that the emergency medical kit (EMK) kept on-board their aircraft include epinephrine—a life-saving medication to treat passengers who go into anaphylactic shock—in delivery methods designed that can be easily self-administered by individuals without medical training. The Senators’ letter comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule that wouldn’t require medications to be standard, consistent and dependable for passengers in need on commercial flights. In the landmark FAA Reauthorization Law that she co-authored, Duckworth successfully secured a provision which required the FAA to ensure commercial airlines have adequate emergency medical kits on-board to treat conditions like anaphylaxis. And yet, the FAA’s proposed rule would not require them to carry epinephrine, the only medication that reliably treats this medical emergency. “The Trump Administration’s proposed rule will reduce public safety and trust when flying by increasing ambiguity, subjectivity and opacity with respect to EMK components,” wrote the Senators. “There have already been reports of incomplete, outdated and unusable EMKs, with some physician passengers being forced to crowdsource medication from passengers. Further, airlines are not required to publicly or centrally report the real-time inventory and exact contents of their EMKs and have continued to operate under exemptions granted from the FAA for years.” Without EMKs containing epinephrine delivery methods that can be easily self-administered, like auto-injectors or nasal sprays, passengers experiencing anaphylaxis must rely on carryin… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-new-reports-of-pentagon-covering-up-more-troop-casualties-in-iran-war-duckworth-and-ryan-call-on-congress-to-pass-their-bill-to-ban-pentagon-from-manipulating-casualty-records | Following New Reports of Pentagon Covering Up More Troop Casualties in Iran War, Duckworth and Ryan Call on Congress to Pass Their Bill to Ban Pentagon from Manipulating Casualty Records | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers’ call comes after the Washington Post reported that 22 servicemembers have been killed in the Iran War, not 18 servicemembers as the Pentagon previously disclosed [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following new reports that the Pentagon has covered up 4 additional American servicemember deaths in President Donald Trump’s Iran War, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY-18)—both Iraq War combat Veterans—are calling on Congress to pass their legislation that would prevent the Trump Administration from continuing to do this. The lawmakers’ Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act would ban Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our military families. “Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are proving once again they will stop at nothing to hide the true cost of this war from the American people. Reports now indicate as many as 22 of our servicemembers have laid down their lives fighting in a conflict we never should’ve been in. And instead of honoring their sacrifice and telling the truth, this Administration is trying to cover it up in attempt to cover up what a failure they are ahead of an election,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “We’ve been here before. Trump tried to hide the deaths of four of our heroes nearly 2 months ago, which is why I wrote the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act and called for its passage then. Now that it’s clear they’ll keep this up, Congressional Republicans must join us and help immediately pass our legislation to put a stop to this dishonorable playbook for good. Our fallen heroes deserve better than a five-time draft dodger who manipulates their sacrifices this way.” “Pete Hegseth is engaged in a coverup to downplay his failed leadership when it comes to the war in Iran. We now know that 22 servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellow soldiers. Instead of honoring their heroism and Patriotism, Trump and Hegseth are trying to sweep it under the rug. They… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-introduces-bill-to-expand-benefits-of-local-transmission-lines | Casten Introduces Bill to Expand Benefits of Local Transmission Lines | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) introduced the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act, legislation that will make electricity more affordable, reliable, resilient, and clean by helping to make best use of key local transmission facilities in the expansion of regional and interregional transmission capacity. Well-planned transmission broadens the pool of electricity generation resources available to customers, increasing access to less expensive electricity – which tends as well to be the cleanest energy. “Ensuring that local transmission facilities are considered in regional and interregional transmission planning is vital in creating lower-cost new transmission capabilities,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The current transmission planning process can be inefficiently narrow in scope. At a time when our electric grid is under tremendous stress, the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act offers a fix that can make our grid more efficient, reliable, and resilient, while expanding access to affordable clean energy.” Claire Wayner and Chaz Teplin of RMI, authors of the landmark 2024 report, “Mind the Regulatory Gap,” said, “We applaud the introduction of the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act. The Act will help close the regulatory gap by incorporating local transmission projects into regional and interregional transmission planning. This will maximize benefits for ratepayers by reducing overall system costs and maximizing planning and market efficiencies.” Talia Calnek-Sugin, Senior Energy Policy Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), said, “Right now, transmission planning is done in a disjointed way that produces a less robust grid at a higher cost for Americans. The Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act would harmonize these fragmented and incomplete planning processes and deliver consumers lower electric bills, clean and affordable energy, an… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-brutal-stabbing-sikh-truck-driver-denounces-trump-dhs | Krishnamoorthi Condemns Brutal Stabbing of Sikh Truck Driver, Denounces Trump DHS Post Demonizing Sikh Driver Amid Rising Anti-Sikh and Anti-South Asian Hate | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today issued the following statement after reports that a Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop: “I’m horrified by the brutal attack on a Sikh truck driver who was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop. This comes amid rising hatred targeting Sikh and South Asian Americans, with even the Trump Department of Homeland Security recently posting a racist caricature of a Sikh truck driver telling him to ‘get off our roads’ and ‘self-deport or find out.’ “Those spreading this hate, including officials in our own federal government, need to stop. Those who turn it into violence must be held accountable. And all of us need to stand together against both. America must be better than this. I’m praying for Mr. Singh’s full recovery and grateful to the family whose quick action helped save his life.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-after-fbi-director-patel-refuses-rule-out | Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers After FBI Director Patel Refuses to Rule Out Deploying FBI Agents to Polling Places | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 demanded answers from Attorney General Todd Blanche after FBI Director Kash Patel repeatedly refused to rule out deploying FBI agents to polling places during the November midterm elections, the latest Trump Administration official to leave open the possibility of armed federal agents being sent to polling places on Election Day. During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, Patel repeatedly declined to give senators an unequivocal commitment that FBI agents would not be stationed at or dispatched to polling places on Election Day. When Senator Richard Blumenthal pressed Patel to commit that zero agents would be present at polling locations, Patel instead declined to rule out deployments in response to reports of “problems” or “interference.” In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes: “This ambiguity is difficult to reconcile with federal law. Since 1948, 18 U.S.C. § 592 has made it a felony for any officer ‘in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States’ to order, bring, or keep ‘armed men’ at any place where a general election is held, absent the need to repel armed enemies of the United States. The penalty includes up to five years’ imprisonment and disqualification from federal office. The Department’s own manual on the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses has long construed that provision to reach armed federal agents, not merely military personnel.” Krishnamoorthi noted that Patel’s testimony follows months of similar statements from senior Trump Administration officials. At his confirmation hearing, Blanche declined to categorically rule out armed federal agents at polling locations, while DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said armed federal law enforcement could be sent to polls in response to a “specific threat.” The letter also points to President Trump’s July address claiming that hostile foreign nations could “rig” or “steal” American elections, despite the intelligence community’s conclusion that there w… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-opposes-f-35-sale-saudi-arabia-after-us-intelligence-warns | Krishnamoorthi Opposes F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia After U.S. Intelligence Warns China Could Obtain Sensitive Technology | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today opposed the Trump Administration’s proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia following reports that U.S. intelligence officials have warned China could gain access to sensitive American military technology through the deal. “The Trump Administration should not move forward with its proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia when our own intelligence community is warning that it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing has spent decades stealing American intellectual property and technology to close the gap with the United States, and we must not help them do it. We must not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere the CCP may be able to get its hands on the technology inside it.” According to The New York Times, U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that China could acquire F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or through the kingdom’s military and security relationship with Beijing. A recent Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about Chinese military access to Saudi bases, Chinese technology in Saudi telecommunications infrastructure, and whether sensitive F-35 sites could be adequately secured. The proposed $24 billion sale includes 48 F-35s and a spare engine, with U.S. officials particularly concerned about protecting the aircraft’s advanced radar and surveillance technology. | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://lahood.house.gov/2026/9/lahood-s-change-act-passes-out-of-the-ways-and-means-committee | LaHood's CHANGE Act Passes out of the Ways and Means Committee | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | lahood | https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to advance the Concentrating on High Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act, which was included as a provision in the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. This bipartisan legislation was led by Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). The CHANGE Act coupled with ASAP Act works to remove roadblocks to care, support early detection efforts for Alzheimer's, and improve early assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. “Alzheimer’s impacts millions of Americans, and we must do everything we can to support the search for a cure. This bipartisan bill provides help to patients and clinicians through expanded early detection support and improved data collection,” said Congressman LaHood. “The CHANGE Act, coupled with the ASAP Act, will strengthen existing tools to help streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other forms dementia. I thank Representatives Sánchez, Bilirakis, and Matsui for their collaboration on this critical legislation, and my Ways and Means colleagues for advancing this bill as we work to find ways to support patients, their families, and caregivers.” “This is deeply personal for me. I lost both of my parents to Alzheimer’s, and I know firsthand how much earlier detection could have meant for our family,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Advancing this bill out of committee brings us one step closer to giving other families that chance. I’m grateful to my Ways and Means colleagues for passing our bipartisan bill and will keep fighting to get it signed into law.” “Alzheimer’s touches millions of families, and identifying the disease early can make a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The CHANGE Act brings us closer to giving healthcare providers the tools to recognize the warning signs sooner a… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-votes-bipartisan-ratepayer-protection-act-protect-against-energy | SCHNEIDER VOTES FOR BIPARTISAN RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT TO PROTECT AGAINST ENERGY COST SPIKES CAUSED BY DATA CENTERS | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | “Everywhere families look, costs are rising,” said Schneider. “From groceries to gas to housing, health care to utilities, it’s getting more and more difficult for Americans to make ends meet. Every day I hear directly from constituents in my District who are concerned about the high cost of living and need relief now. Yesterday’s vote will help address the impact large-load customers like data centers will continue to have on our electric grid and ultimately Illinois residents’ wallets. This is an important first step, but there is much more we must do. I will continue working to ensure data centers do not result in higher utility rates for customers and protect the communities in which they operate. The American people are depending on Congress to come to the table with solutions. There’s no time to waste.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-sorensen-flood-lead-bipartisan-letter-support-us-air-force | Congressmen Sorensen, Flood Lead Bipartisan Letter of Support for U.S. Air Force Reserve’s “Hurricane Hunters” | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Eric Sorensen | S001225 | sorensen.house.gov | sorensen | https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (D, IL-17) and Congressman Mike Flood (R, NE-01) announced they led a bipartisan letter of support for the United States Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunters” of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. The letter emphasizes the need for the unique data collection capabilities of the Hurricane Hunters, as well as the life-saving nature of their work. “Hurricane Hunters carry out vital missions flying directly into storms to garner real-time, precise data on wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature. This data, which cannot be gathered through other means, improves our ability to keep the homeland safe,” wrote the Members in their letter. “Precise forecasts for intensity and zone of landfall allow Emergency Management the time and scope to move people away from danger as well as expedite recovery response, post-landfall. In an active season, our predictive capability saves billions of dollars and countless lives.” Established in 1944, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve,” is the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes. The unit is comprised of ten WC-130J aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Joining Congressmen Sorensen and Flood on this letter were Representatives: Ezell (R, MS-04), Gimenez (R, FL-28), Weber (R, TX-29), Salazar (R, FL-27), Edwards (R, NC-11), Houlahan (D, PA-06), Lawler (R, NY-17), Carson (D, IN-07), Case (D, HI-01), Steube (R, FL-17), Wilson (R, SC-02), Moskowitz (D, FL-23), Deluzio (D, PA-17), Frost (D, FL-10), Davis (D, NC-01), Castor (D, FL-14), and Ross (D, NC-02). Read the full text of the Representatives’ letter here. Congressman Sorensen is the Co-Chair of the Weather Enterprise Caucus and is the only Meteorologist serving in Congress. After over two decades on local TV—communicating life-saving information that impacted Illinoisans’ jobs, … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-introduces-legislation-prevent-veteran-suicides | Underwood Introduces Legislation to Prevent Veteran Suicides | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— This week, Representatives Lauren Underwood and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced legislation to address the veteran suicide crisis by expanding evidence-based lethal means safety training for all VA employees who regularly interact with veterans, as well as community care providers and family caregivers. Currently, clinical health care providers in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities are the only staff required to receive this training. "The evidence is clear: supporting lethal means safety saves lives. The Lethal Means Safety Training Act will make sure that all VA employees and community partners who care for our veterans are equipped to help a veteran in crisis," said Representative Underwood. "The Lethal Means Safety Act is an evidence-based approach that creates valuable time and space between a veteran at risk for suicide and potentially lethal means, a critical step for saving veterans' lives." “VA safety training programs provide VA employees with the tools they need to be successful, especially when discussing storage of firearms and medications with veterans, and they should be offered to anyone who wants to take them,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “This bill would expand lethal means safety training to ensure more VA employees, caregivers, and community care providers are able to guide veterans in secure storage and help save lives. I thank Rep. Underwood for her partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process.” VA employees and contractors are essential partners in promoting evidence-based suicide prevention practices, such as lethal means safety, which is one of the few population-level interventions that reduce suicide rates. VA's training equips recipients for conversations with veterans about lethal means safety, helping them to create valuable time and space in the event of a crisis. According to VA researchers, "for a veteran in crisis, lethal means safety during a critical period can make all the difference." The Lethal Means Safety Train… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-senate-democrats-call-on-hegseth-to-report-total-costs-of-iran-war | Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Democrats Call on Hegseth to Report Total Costs of Iran War | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and 43 of their colleagues, nearly the entire Democratic caucus, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the Senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” The United States is now more than seven months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the Senators note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. In their letter, the Senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The Senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page su… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-brings-home-22-million-in-federal-funding-for-central-and-southern-illinois-airports | Budzinski Brings Home $22 Million in Federal Funding for Central and Southern Illinois Airports | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Nikki Budzinski | B001315 | budzinski.house.gov | budzinski | https://budzinski.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $22,928,305 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for St. Louis Downtown Airport and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. The federal grants will go towards several construction and safety-related upgrades at both airports. “St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield play a critical role in providing regional air service for our district, but they’re in need of modernization to help better serve travelers and businesses,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce more than $22 million in federal funding that will modernize infrastructure and implement necessary safety and infrastructure upgrades at these airports. These grants ensure our regional airports can continue to serve travelers and support local economic growth.” The following projects will receive funding under the grants: $11,839,322 for Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): The funding will support the rehabilitation of 7,400 feet of Runway 13/31 to maintain its structural integrity, reduce foreign object debris, and extend the runway’s useful life. This grant will fund Phase 1 of the project, including lighting installation along 2,470 feet of runway. $11,020,583 for St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS): The funding will support improvements to Taxiway B to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant will fund Phase 7 of the project, shifting 3,200 feet of Taxiway B between Taxiways B1 and B5 by 25 feet. $68,400 for St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS): The funding will be used to acquire 18 new vehicle movement area transponders, helping bring the airport into conformity with current safety standards. “This is a critical community transportation infrastructure asset, and we are grateful for Representative Budzinski’s and the FAA’s continued support of this important project.” said Mark Hanna, Executive Director of the Springfield Airport Authority. “These discretionary awards are hi… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-smart-td-leadership-about-funding-illinois-transit-projects | Durbin Meets With SMART-TD Leadership About Funding Illinois Transit Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Bob Guy, SMART-TD Illinois State Safety and Legislative Director, and other SMART-TD leaders, about the need for a robust surface transportation reauthorization to continue the critical funding programs and infrastructure projects supported by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Durbin and SMART-TD also spoke about the need for greater rail safety measures. “Our rail workers serve an integral role in our state’s economy, keeping our transit systems in top shape so they can deliver for riders. The federal government can do its part to support our union workers and our transit systems by pushing for a robust surface transportation reauthorization and greater rail safety improvements,” Durbin said. Photos of the meeting are available here. -30- | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-pouring-money-into-the-defense-department-as-it-continues-to-cut-lifesaving-nih-funding | Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Pouring Money Into The Defense Department As It Continues To Cut Lifesaving NIH Funding | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The agreement between DoD and NIH could transfer as much as $2 billion from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases WASHINGTON – Following an announced agreement to transfer funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) slammed the Trump Administration for their misplaced priorities by seeking to divert lifesaving funding from the NIH to the Pentagon. “There are a lot of issues that come before us in Congress, and there are a lot of political opinions on those issues. What I have found over the years is that there are few issues that transcend politics—medical research is one of those issues. It’s a situation where I don’t care if the researcher, scientist, or doctor is a Democrat or Republican, or even votes. I want to know if they are doing worthwhile research that can lead to cures [and] can save lives,” Durbin said. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY2015 to $49 billion today. Last year, the President’s budget sought to cut NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or $18 billion. Thankfully, the Senate rejected that proposal and instead increased funding for the NIH. Unfortunately, due to President Trump’s continued attacks on medical research, this funding remains in jeopardy. Durbin said, “The agreement sets up a path for the Department of Defense and the NIH to collaborate on chemical and biological defense research and development. That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Of course it is. But who is going to pay for it? Who’s going to pay for this research? The Department of Defense that has $1 trillion annual budget, or is it the NIH, an agency that struggles at $49 billion to fight off cuts in the budget proposed by the President? If you guessed the NIH, you’re right.” The so-ca… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-withholding-air-traffic-controllers-pay-raise | Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Withholding Air Traffic Controllers’ Pay Raise | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In April, Congress authorized a 3.8 percent pay raise for all air traffic controllers, but the Trump Administration is wrongfully delaying the implementation of the full raise WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the Trump Administration for refusing to deliver air traffic controllers’ congressionally authorized 3.8 percent pay raise because Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford argued that more controller productivity needs to be “unlocked.” In his remarks, Durbin underscored that air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping fliers safe and that withholding their promised pay raise only exacerbates the stressful conditions that air traffic controllers already face. Durbin began his remarks by commending air traffic controllers on their commitment to the safety of air travelers. Despite Congress authorizing a 3.8 percent pay increase for air traffic controllers, they have only received the 1 percent pay increase authorized for all government employees. “Later this afternoon, I’ll take an airplane ride from Washington to Chicago… Once again, as I’ve done thousands of times, I will entrust my safety and my future and my survival to a competent air crew, as well as the air traffic controllers of America. It is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. They work six-day weeks. Unfortunately, there’s been proposals that they should not receive the pay raise that was promised,” Durbin said. The Trump Administration is directly responsible for withholding the promised pay raise, and Administration officials have gone so far as to publicly admit they are blocking its implementation. “This wasn’t a mere oversight. It was intentional, and the Administration admitted it. In a recent interview, the FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, was asked what was delaying this payment to the air traffic controllers. He told the reporter, the Administration needs to ‘unlock more productivity,’ and that the data reg… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-tonko-heinrich-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-federal-energy-investments-create-good-paying-union-jobs-and-benefit-workers-and-communities | Budzinski, Tonko, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Energy Investments Create Good-Paying Union Jobs and Benefit Workers and Communities | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Nikki Budzinski | B001315 | budzinski.house.gov | budzinski | https://budzinski.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Paul Tonko (NY-21) introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act, legislation that ensures federal investments in America’s energy future create good-paying union jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and deliver meaningful benefits to the communities where projects are built. The Good Energy Jobs Act would codify labor and community-benefit standards that the Department of Energy (DOE) has used as conditions for certain federal financial assistance, ensuring that taxpayer-supported energy projects provide tangible benefits to American workers and communities. “If we want to build the next generation of American energy infrastructure, we need to empower the union men and women who are going to build it. This legislation ensures that workers are paid family-sustaining wages and have a fair shot at organizing, while also ensuring that projects drive local economic development on the front-end through clear, binding commitments,” said Budzinski. “I’m honored to lead this bill with Congressman Tonko and Ranking Member Heinrich and proud to have the support of so many labor unions who see the impact this bill will have on America’s workforce and the communities their members call home.” “I’ve always believed that investing in people and communities is the surest way to strengthen our economy,” Tonko said. “Our Good Energy Jobs Act takes that principle to heart, building on the successes of our Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with strong labor standards that create good-paying, union jobs and drive community development. Our legislation envisions a future where the Department of Energy isn’t just an ATM for project developers, but a partner in building a more prosperous economy for everyone. I’m thankful to my colleagues for standing with me to introduce this legislation, and urge Congress to join us in advancing this commonsense bill.” DOE investments and financial assistance have helped catalyze significant privat… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-whitehouse-introduce-legislation-to-restore-epas-core-mission | Casten, Whitehouse Introduce Legislation to Restore EPA’s Core Mission | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Environmental Health Restoration Act, legislation to restore and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s core mission to protect public health, the environment, and the climate. The lawmakers introduced the bill just days after the Trump Administration’s EPA finalized the repeal of major greenhouse gas standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants and moved to eliminate remaining federal climate pollution requirements for the power sector. “At a time when the Trump Administration is ignoring the climate crisis and undermining Americans’ ability to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and enjoy the outdoors, it is more important than ever to restore a commitment to science-based environmental protection at the EPA,” said Rep. Casten. “The EPA was created to protect public health and our environment. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to refocus the agency on its core mission.” “The Trump EPA has fully abandoned its decades-long duty to protect Americans’ health and safety. Its relentless attacks on science have delivered for big political donors while poisoning our air and water and speeding up the climate crisis,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our bill would jumpstart the long process of restoring the science, the scientists, and the original mission guiding the EPA.” On Wednesday, September 16th, Rep. Casten and Sen. Whitehouse hosted a press conference with Protect Our Winters and Olympic athletes to highlight the bill's importance and the need to protect the great outdoors. “As an Olympian training in the mountains all over the world, I’ve seen less and less snow, glaciers shrinking at a not-so-glacial pace, and volatile air quality,” said Tommy Ford, three-time Olympian and World Cup Champion. “This directly affects our community’s health and economy. A stronger, more durable EPA is essential for clean air, clean water and a strong, healthy community.” “Rolling back environmental prot… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/con-apoyo-del-congresista-garcia-el-aeropuerto-midway-recibir-55-millones | Con Apoyo del Congresista García, el Aeropuerto Midway Recibir $5.5 Millones | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO — El Congresista Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), miembro del Comité de Transporte e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes, anunció hoy que el Aeropuerto Internacional Midway de Chicago (MDW), ubicado en su distrito congresional, recibirá 5,475,808 dólares en fondos federales para mejoras y la reconstrucción de pistas de rodaje y pavimentación. La subvención fue otorgada por la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) del Departamento de Transporte de los EE. UU. como parte del Programa de Mejora de Aeropuertos, el cual financia proyectos de infraestructura aeroportuaria tales como pistas, pistas de rodaje, señalización, iluminación y marcas en el pavimento. “El Aeropuerto Midway es un importante centro de viajes nacionales para el Medio Oeste y una fuente de empleo para los residentes de mi distrito”, dijo el Congresista García. “Los fondos de esta subvención permitirán que siga atendiendo a los viajeros de manera segura y eficiente, para que continúe siendo una opción atractiva para quienes viajan hacia y desde Chicago. Me enorgullece haber apoyado para conseguir estos recursos”. # # # | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-secures-55-million-for-midway-airport | Congressman García Secures $5.5 Million for Midway Airport | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús G. "Chuy" García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | chuygarcia | https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced today that Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW), located in his Congressional District, will receive $5,475,808 in federal grant funding for improvements and reconstruction of paved taxiways and pavements. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Airport Improvement Program which funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. “Midway Airport is a major domestic travel hub for the Midwest and a source of employment for constituents in my district,” said Congressman García. “The funds from this grant will allow it to continue serving travelers safely and efficiently so it can continue to be an attractive option for people traveling to and from Chicago. I am proud to have worked to secure it.” # # # | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-lee-introduce-bill-protect-student-data-far-left-voter-operations | Miller, Lee Introduce Bill To Protect Student Data From Far-Left Voter Operations | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | IL | Mary E. Miller | M001211 | marymiller.house.gov | marymiller | https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the Student Voter Data Protection Act to protect college students’ personal information from being shared without their consent for partisan voter registration efforts. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading the legislation in the Senate. The bill amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to explicitly prohibit private student data from being shared for voter registration efforts without the student’s consent and establishes an opt-in standard for such disclosures. “The Student Voter Data Protection Act puts a hard stop to Left-wing data harvesting, making student data strictly opt-in and cutting off the pipeline to non-consensual personal information,” said Congresswoman Miller. “I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senator Mike Lee to stand up for our students' basic privacy rights.” "Partisan organizations should not have access to college students' personal data under the guise of civic engagement," said Senator Lee. "Our bill closes the loopholes that allow institutions to disregard the consent of their students. If leftist groups want a student’s info for electioneering, they can do it the old fashioned way: standing on campus with a clipboard." The Student Voter Data Protection Act would: | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-casar-reintroduce-legislation-ensure-federal-contractors-treat | Schakowsky, Casar Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Contractors Treat Workers Fairly | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Janice D. Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | schakowsky | https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Greg Casar (TX-35) reintroduced the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, legislation to ensure federal taxpayer dollars support companies that treat their workers fairly, respect workers’ rights, protect the environment, and pay their fair share. The legislation would establish high-road standards for companies seeking federal contracts, requiring contractors to meet baseline standards on wages, workers’ rights, and environmental responsibility. It would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that demonstrate strong records on collective bargaining, retirement benefits, CEO-to-worker pay ratios, and diversity in leadership. “Taxpayer dollars should help create good jobs and strengthen communities, not reward corporations that cut corners at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “If a company wants to do business with the federal government, it should be held to a higher standard. Our legislation makes clear that federal contracts should go to companies that respect their workers, protect their rights, pay their fair share, and invest in the communities they serve.” "Taxpayer dollars shouldn't bankroll corporations that bust unions, dodge taxes, and replace workers with AI," said Congressman Greg Casar. "The Patriotic Corporations of America Act sets a simple rule: if you want a federal contract, you have to do right by working people. Anything less is not patriotic, and not acceptable." "The AFL-CIO welcomes the introduction of the Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2026 that would guarantee that U.S. taxpayer dollars go to employers that are headquartered in the United States, play by the rules, ensure fair wages and treat workers with respect," said AFL-CIO Policy Director Candace Archer. "We applaud Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Greg Casar for introducing this important legislation that will promote family- and community-sustaining jobs right h… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-opposes-effort-give-trump-broader-tariff-authority | SCHNEIDER OPPOSES EFFORT TO GIVE TRUMP BROADER TARIFF AUTHORITY | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, voted against giving President Trump more power to capriciously abuse tariff authority and arbitrarily threaten allies. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would grant the President power to enact more sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval and raise costs on American households by thousands of dollars. “I will always support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. I have consistently called on Congress and the President to do more to help Ukraine,” said Schneider. “Sadly, President Trump has not responded. If the President had any interest in imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting the Ukrainian people, he already has the necessary authority and power to do so. Yet, after nearly twenty months in office, he’s stubbornly refused to use that power. “The President, however, abused his power to attack our important allies and trading powers,” Schneider continued. “The Supreme Court was crystal clear — the authority to impose tariffs belongs to Congress, not the President. Trump’s costly tariffs have already cost hardworking Americans thousands of dollars, further burdening families’ already stretched budgets. The American people need relief, but Republicans don’t have a plan for that. Instead, they are letting Trump continue to run rampant and impose tariffs. “We can and will continue to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and hold Russia accountable. But we will not be duped into handing Trump more tariff power to abuse,” concluded Schneider. “Power that he will almost certainly use to give himself more leverage to raise costs on hardworking American families and damage relationships with our allies. I will continue working to both rein in Trump’s trade war and lower costs and pursue comprehensive strategies to push back against Putin’s regime and uphold democracy for the people of Ukraine.” Rep. Schneider has introduced multi… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-sorensen-applauds-passage-bipartisan-legislation-key-step-towards | Congressman Sorensen Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Legislation as Key Step Towards Bringing $25 Million+ in Federal Funding to IL-17 | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Eric Sorensen | S001225 | sorensen.house.gov | sorensen | https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced he voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), critical bipartisan legislation which serves as a step towards bringing federal funding for several water resource and flood control project to Illinois’s 17th Congressional District. When the process is complete, over $25 million in federal funding could come to the district as well as renewed support from United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for future evaluations, surveys, and other projects across IL-17. “Our neighbors should never have to wonder if the water they’re drinking is clean or worry their sewer system could back-up at a moment’s notice,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I’m glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle could join together, advance this critical legislation, and forge a path toward making a real difference in our communities. But the work doesn’t end here, and I look forward to working with everyone to ensure these transformative projects go from plans and dreams to shovels in the ground.” The most recent WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, was signed into law on January 4, 2025. Congress has enacted a bipartisan WRDA every two years since 2014, making the upcoming bill the seventh consecutive bipartisan WRDA. Included in this package are authorizations for the following projects: $15 million for a clearwell replacement in East Moline: Funding would replace a deteriorating clearwell, which is a critical tool used to disinfect drinking water during the last stage of the purification process. This project has been classified as an emergency by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency because the city does not have a backup clearwell which provides potable water to over 21,000 residents, and approximately 415 businesses including John Deere World Headquarters. $8 million for water treatment plant and water supply infrastructure improvements in South Pekin: Funding would replace watermains throughout the community. Upgra… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blackburn-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-emergency-communication-technology-that-could-help-save-lives-passes-committee | Duckworth-Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Communication Technology That Could Help Save Lives Passes Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) that would improve emergency communication technology that could help save lives. The bipartisan ITS Codification Act would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which currently serves as the research and engineering laboratory at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to help locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited. The House companion bill, led by U.S. Representatives “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-7), passed the House by voice vote in July 2025. The legislation will now be considered by the full Senate. “When people are in crisis and find themselves trapped in confined spaces, how quickly our first responders are able to conduct search and rescue often depends on these workers’ access to modern, reliable technology to save precious time,” said Duckworth. “Now that our bipartisan legislation has passed committee, the Senate must pass it swiftly so we can help ensure our first responders have the technology they need to save lives.” “America’s leadership in wireless technology depends on making the most efficient use of our spectrum resources,” said Blackburn. “The ITS Codification Act will strengthen the research and engineering capabilities that help us identify new opportunities for spectrum sharing, support commercial innovation, and protect critical federal missions. This bill also helps ensure our first responders have access to reliable, cutting-edge communications technology when every second counts. I’m pleased the Commerce Committee advanced this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move quickly through the Senate.” This legislation comes at a time when Illinois leads the United… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing1 | Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in which he slammed President Trump and the Trump Administration for the blatant weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Today’s Committee hearing will consider the nominations of Daniel Ballou, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Richard Bennett, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Courtney Coker, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas; Trevor Pemberton, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Kyle Reardon, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska; and Zachary West, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Key Quotes: “Historically, the Justice Department has been afforded a presumption of regularity, meaning that courts presume that an [Assistant U.S. Attorney’s] representations can be trusted—deference not afforded to many private litigants.” “But the Justice Department under this President and Attorney General has upended this presumption of regularity by weaponizing the Department of Justice to protect the President and his followers and target anyone who dares to cross him.” “As a result, federal judges across the country, even those appointed by Presidents of the Republican Party, have found that the Justice Department has made misrepresentations to the court—an egregious act for any officer of the court, let alone a federal prosecutor. From January 2025 to March 2026, judges in at least 90 cases stated on the record that they distrusted the Justice Department’s representations.” “With the midterms fast approaching, the Trump Administration is using the vast resources of the Justice Department to politicize the agency and interfere with the election. Look no further than Attorney General Blanche’s speech last week at the Republican… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-honored-by-healing-our-waters-great-lakes-coalition | Durbin Honored By Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The organization presented Durbin with artwork in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, an organization made up of more than 200 environmental, conservation, outdoor-recreation, and community organizations focused on restoring and protecting our Great Lakes. During their meeting, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition presented Durbin with an art piece in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes. Durbin reflected on his work with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has provided more than $4 billion in the past 16 years for projects that restore habitat, fight invasive species, clean up toxic pollution, and reduce pollution runoff. Because of the Initiative’s advocacy, Illinois has received more than $300 million in federal funding for nearly 300 projects. “The Great Lakes is one of the Midwest’s most valuable resources, and I take seriously the commitment to preserve its beauty,” Durbin said. “I’m grateful to the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition for being my partner in championing projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect the Great Lakes for future generations to enjoy.” A photo from the meeting is available here. -30- | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-united-counties-council-of-illinois | Durbin Meets With United Counties Council Of Illinois | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday met with the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI)—a delegation of roughly 40 county-elected officials—to discuss the importance of expanding access to SNAP benefits, measures to ensure Social Security solvency, and the implications of data centers throughout Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and UCCI members spoke about the importance of a robust surface transportation reauthorization to ensure that Illinois transportation projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can continue. “Our government is at its best when our local, state, and federal officials are working together. I hosted county officials from across Illinois for a conversation about how our federal government can support counties in achieving our shared goals,” Durbin said. Photos of the meeting is available here. Counties with representatives at the meeting include: Bond County Boone County Bureau County Calhoun County Champaign County Henry County Iroquois County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Kane County Kankakee County Kendall County Lee County Livingston County Logan County Madison County Ogle County Peoria County Saline County Stephenson County Will County Williamson County -30- | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing1 | Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Durbin first questioned Judge Daniel Ballou, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, about his concerning comments involving specialty courts. Judge Ballou called specialty courts, such as drug courts, “social engineering,” and claimed they were “doing great harm by validating and encouraging excuse making and promoting a lack of accountability.” During his questioning, Durbin noted he disagrees with Judge Ballou’s views on specialty courts. Department of Justice and Government Accountability Office research has shown that drug treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism, save costs for the criminal justice system, and reduce drug use. “Can you explain that [Judge Ballou’s past statements on specialty courts]?” Durbin asked. Judge Ballou doubled down on his previous comments about specialty courts and noted they are “avenues for excuse makings.” Durbin then asked Judge Trevor Pemberton, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Zachary West, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, about their anti-abortion records. In 2022 and 2023, Mr. West defended Oklahoma’s draconian abortion restrictions before the Oklahoma Supreme Court—including limitations on medication abortion and a law that would have prohibited nearly all abortions, even if the life of the mother was at stake. Judge Pemberton called this same Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, where a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy to preserve her life, “remarkably troubling.” “Can you explain today your thoughts on that issue—and whether there should be an exception to save the life of the pregnant mother?” Durbin asked. Mr. West deflected Durbin’s question by stating the topic of abortion is a “political debate.” “Judge Pemberton, you said that you… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-blasts-florida-councilmans-latest-anti-indian-attack | Krishnamoorthi Blasts Florida Councilman’s Latest Anti-Indian Attack | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 responded to Palm Bay, Florida City Councilman Chandler Langevin after Langevin wrote, “I won Rajesh. Take your curry and go home,” the latest in a series of attacks he has directed at Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Indians, and Indian Americans. “I’m staying. So is the curry. America is my home. No bigot gets to decide who is American, who belongs here, or what they have for dinner. That’s the America I’ll always fight for,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-russia-sanctions-bill | Quigley Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, Chicago Congressman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting yes on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to pressure Russia into reaching a peace agreement with Ukraine. The bill passed on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 262-159. “As Ukrainian and Russian officials continue to work toward a peace agreement, the United States must do everything in its power to back Ukraine and pressure Russia to end its invasion. I have said again and again that Vladimir Putin will not end his war until he is forced to feel the pain of his invasion. “Chicago is home to one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in the nation, and I have met with hundreds of people who have lost loved ones to Russia’s invasion or been forced to flee their homeland. I have seen the mass graves from Russian massacres and hidden in bunkers as Russian bombs rained on Kyiv. I am deeply dedicated to helping the people of Ukraine, defending Ukrainian sovereignty, and blocking Putin’s expansionist goals. “I supported this bill to further those aims and bring us closer to the end of Russia’s war. This was an important first step, but what Ukraine needs now is more than just symbolic support. They need weapons and economic support, and Trump needs to put the full support of the United States government behind Ukraine. Next year, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that happens.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-joins-bipartisan-letter-led-senators-durbin-and-duckworth-urging | SCHNEIDER JOINS BIPARTISAN LETTER LED BY SENATORS DURBIN AND DUCKWORTH URGING PRESIDENT TRUMP TO GRANT MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR ILLINOIS COUNTIES FOLLOWING SEVERE WEATHER | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) joined a bipartisan letter led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth with all members of the Illinois delegation urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to help Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties recover from severe storm damage. During the period of August 11-16, severe storms—including tornadoes, straight-line winds, and a derecho—crossed the state, resulting in serious damage to Illinoisans’ homes and businesses. Today’s letter comes after the Trump Administration twice rejected FEMA aid for Illinois storm victims impacted by severe weather in summer 2025. The Trump Administration offered no serious justification for the repeated rejections. In their letter, the lawmakers request immediate support for Illinois for August’s storms, emphasizing that the severity of damage justifies swift assistance from the federal government. Notably, FEMA has already approved a major disaster declaration request from the Indiana state government for the same storm system, which swept through both Illinois and Indiana in August. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business A… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-lead-illinois-lawmakers-in-urging-president-trump-to-grant-major-disaster-declaration-for-illinois-counties-following-severe-weather | Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Lawmakers In Urging President Trump To Grant Major Disaster Declaration For Illinois Counties Following Severe Weather | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth today led all members of the Illinois delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to help Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties recover from severe storm damage. During the period of August 11-16, severe storms—including tornadoes, straight-line winds, and a derecho—crossed the state, resulting in serious damage to Illinoisans’ homes and businesses. Today’s letter comes after the Trump Administration twice rejected FEMA aid for Illinois storm victims impacted by severe weather in summer 2025. The Trump Administration offered no serious justification for the repeated rejections. In their letter, the lawmakers request immediate support for Illinois for August’s storms, emphasizing that the severity of damage justifies swift assistance from the federal government. Notably, FEMA has already approved a major disaster declaration request from the Indiana state government for the same storm system, which swept through both Illinois and Indiana in August. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-cloud-introduce-bipartisan-no-flock-act-crack-down-abuse | Krishnamoorthi and Cloud Introduce Bipartisan No FLOCK Act to Crack Down on Abuse of License Plate Readers | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON —Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) have introduced the bipartisan No FLOCK Act (No Federal License-Plate Observation and Camera Keeping Act), legislation to crack down on abuses of automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety, following reports of law enforcement officers using the technology to stalk former partners and others for personal reasons. “Automated license plate readers can be powerful tools for law enforcement to investigate serious crimes and protect our communities, but they must not become tools for officers to stalk ex-partners or spy on people for personal reasons,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi (IL-08). “Our investigation into Flock exposed serious gaps in oversight, and this bipartisan bill would put clear limits in place to prevent abuse while preserving legitimate public safety uses.” “Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to fund the shredding of their own civil liberties or the growth of a surveillance state. Flock cameras are enabling mass surveillance of Americans, infringing on the Fourth Amendment. This bill is a first step toward reining in unchecked surveillance. We can protect public safety without sacrificing the privacy of Americans,” said Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27). Under the legislation, states would be required to enact laws limiting automated license plate readers to specific public safety and toll-enforcement purposes. After a two-fiscal-year implementation period, states that fail to have those restrictions in effect would have 10 percent of the federal surface transportation funding apportioned to them under Section 104(b) of Title 23 withheld each fiscal year. Permitted uses would include: enforcing toll systems; identifying stolen vehicles; locating missing or endangered people; identifying vehicles registered to individuals with warrants for felony offenses; and investigating vehicles involved in felony offenses. | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-applauds-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-trumps-usps-voter | Krishnamoorthi Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump’s USPS Voter Suppression Scheme | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 rejected the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to enforce new U.S. Postal Service restrictions on mail ballots, leaving in place a federal court order blocking the policy ahead of the November elections: “Donald Trump tried to turn the Postal Service into an instrument of voter suppression, and the Supreme Court stopped him. The President has no authority to rewrite our election laws or give USPS the power to decide which eligible Americans receive a ballot. The Postal Service has one job here: deliver the ballots, not decide who gets to vote.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-thanedar-subramanyam-jayapal-bera-blast-trump-dhs-targeting | Krishnamoorthi, Thanedar, Subramanyam, Jayapal, Bera Blast Trump DHS for Targeting Sikh Identity in Anti-Immigrant Post | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Ami Bera (D-CA) today blasted the Trump Department of Homeland Security for using Sikh identity to portray a dangerous, unwanted foreigner while promoting immigration enforcement, warning that the now-deleted “Mr. Singh” post fuels growing racist and xenophobic hostility toward Sikh and South Asian Americans. The DHS post depicted a brown, bearded man identified as “Mr. Singh,” told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out.” “Singh” is intimately associated with Sikh identity, and the Members warned that its use in the post was not incidental, but degrading. In the letter, the Members write: “We write to express grave concern about the increasingly open racial and xenophobic hostility directed at South Asian Americans, particularly Sikh Americans, and about the ways federal rhetoric surrounding immigration and visa policy can reinforce the idea that these communities are suspect, disposable, or less American. South Asians are increasingly cast as economic interlopers, immigration cheats, people unwilling to assimilate, or simply people who do not belong here. Against that backdrop, it was appalling to see an agency of the United States government turn a man called ‘Mr. Singh’ into a racialized movie villain to be driven from the country.” The Members also raised concerns that DHS used the post to promote its new ICE tipline for reporting suspected commercial driver’s license fraud, while its social media messaging urged the public to report “illegal aliens on American roads.” They warned that, paired with the depiction of “Mr. Singh,” the campaign invites the public to treat perceived ethnicity, religion, or foreignness, rather than evidence of wrongdoing, as grounds for suspicion and creates an “obvious risk” of race-based profiling. The letter cites growing hostility toward South Asian Americans. Stop AAPI Hate found that anti-South Asian slurs i… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-led-health-care-bills-advance-house-energy-and-commerce-committee | SCHNEIDER-LED HEALTH CARE BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee considered two bipartisan bills led by Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), the KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act and the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act. The Energy and Commerce Committee is actively working to advance these bills to the House floor. Together, these bills represent efforts to develop meaningful, long-term solutions to challenges facing providers and patients. The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act expands access to remote monitoring and care for Medicare beneficiaries with end stage renal disease, eliminating costly appointments and ensuring they can receive the care they need in the comfort of their home. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act provides for Medicare coverage of pharmacist-administered tests for common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strep throat, and COVID-19. “I have been a longtime advocate for a health care system that prioritizes effective, accessible care and ensures patients receive help from providers they know and trust, when and where they need it,” said Schneider. “As our health care system becomes increasingly expensive and complex, these bills will help cut through the red tape and focus on what matters most — ensuring seniors receive the care they need and deserve. I will continue working to advance these bills through Congress and support commonsense solutions to lower health care costs and expand access to care.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-duckworth-push-dod-inspector-general-releases-first-quarterly-iran-war-report | After Duckworth Push, DoD Inspector General Releases First Quarterly Iran War Report | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-IL) push, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), as the Lead OIG on the war, released its first quarterly watchdog report on Operation Epic Fury after Duckworth called for and then secured Inspector General (IG) oversight of Donald Trump’s costly, illegal war against Iran. The report details how the first four months of this war, ending in June, cost American taxpayers a whopping $33.7 billion dollars—including $22 billion spent on munitions alone and $184 million in damages from Iranian strikes on U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Middle East. “For the first time in nearly eight months, the American people finally have an official glimpse into the cost of this disastrous war—and it is jaw-dropping. On top of the financial pain being inflicted on middle-class pocketbooks, this report sheds new light on how this illegal war is making all Americans less safe by draining our military resources and hollowing out the diplomatic footprint that we sorely need at full strength to end this war. And make no mistake: this report is still a gross underestimate of the grand total that taxpayers are already on the hook for. “Our servicemembers are exhausted, our munitions are depleted, our diplomatic capabilities have been wrecked and 18 of our troops will never come home. The American people deserve transparency about how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and how their national security is being weakened by this quagmire that is leaving them worse off. “No matter how hard the Administration tries to keep us in the dark, I will keep demanding answers, accountability and an end to Trump’s costly war of choice.” The DoD OIG’s first quarterly report is the first government accounting to pull together, across Federal agencies, the costs, scope and scale of the opening silos of Trump’s disastrous war, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 brave servicemembers. The report illuminates exactly how Donald Trump’s reckless, unjustified w… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-more-than-66-million-for-illinois-airport-improvements | Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $66 Million for Illinois Airport Improvements | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $66,345,494 in federal funding for infrastructure improvements at various airports across the state. This funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration will help improve taxiways, accommodate more passengers and make travelling through Illinois airports safer and more efficient. “Illinois’s airports not only keep passengers moving, but they also connect our communities, support local businesses and provide good jobs for families across the state,” Duckworth said. “This investment will help grow, modernize and expand our airports across the state. Together, we will keep working alongside our local leaders to advocate for federal funding that will make our skies safer, make traveling easier and support economic development across Illinois.” “Illinoisans rely on our airports to stay connected to loved ones, to travel for work, and to explore the best of the Midwest,” Durbin said. “Investing in our airports means better, safer service for Illinois’ travelers, so with this funding from FAA, our airports can expand their runways, improve safety, and deliver for fliers.” Recipients of funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grant Program include: Illinois State Block Grant Program (Statewide): $28,540,776 St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $11,020,583 St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $68,400 DuPage Airport (West Chicago): $250,800 Lansing Municipal Airport (Lansing): $1,449,196 Lewis University Airport (Romeoville): $3,267,881 State of Illinois (Statewide): $1,896,372 Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (Mascoutah): $1,149,763 Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago): $5,475,808 Quad Cities International Airport (Moline): $210,045 Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (Marion): $1,176,548 Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield): $11,839,322 -30- | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grills-director-patel-on-record-of-failed-leadership-at-fbi-in-senate-judiciary-committee-oversight-hearing | Durbin Grills Director Patel On Record Of Failed Leadership At FBI In Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | During the hearing, Director Patel deflected Durbin’s questions by denying that federal agents shot Chicagoan Marimar Martinez; refusing to comment on whether there are investigations into fraud perpetrated by Trump Admin officials; and misrepresenting the change in FBI hiring standards WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight of the FBI. During the hearing, Durbin grilled Director Patel on the Trump Administration’s destructive and violent immigration enforcement campaigns; the gutting of FBI hiring standards; his role in covering up the Epstein files; and the perpetration of rampant corruption and fraud within the Trump Administration. Durbin began by pressing Director Patel about his failure to acknowledge that federal agents acted inappropriately during Operation Midway Blitz and Operation Metro Surge, in which multiple U.S. citizens were shot or killed by federal agents. Rather than follow protocol, Director Patel dismissed the incidents and refused to properly open a federal civil rights investigation. “One year ago, my home state of Illinois was experiencing the beginning of a ruthless, reckless, deadly campaign orchestrated by this Administration known as ‘Midway Blitz.’ Masked federal agents armed with military grade weapons and unmarked vehicles descended on Chicago and other communities, bashing in car windows, indiscriminately rounding up people, deploying chemical agents, and shooting innocent people,” Durbin began. “A border patrol agent shot U.S. citizen and Chicago native Marimar Martinez five times after sideswiping her vehicle. She survived. After Ms. Martinez was shot, DHS [U.S. Department of Homeland Security] branded her as a domestic terrorist. A border patrol agent bragged about shooting her. And an FBI agent falsely claimed she chased a border patrol agent before she was shot.” “Dire… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kash-patel-is-the-least-qualified-and-most-partisan-fbi-director-in-our-nations-history-durbin-says-in-opening-statement-in-senate-judiciary-committee-fbi-oversight-hearing | “Kash Patel Is The Least Qualified And Most Partisan FBI Director In Our Nation’s History,” Durbin Says In Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee FBI Oversight Hearing | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In his opening statement, Durbin criticized Director Patel’s failed leadership, citing his weaponization of the FBI, his involvement in covering up the Epstein files, his misuse of FBI resources, and more WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) featuring testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel. During his remarks, Durbin underscored that Americans are less safe with Kash Patel leading the FBI as he is far more concerned with weaponizing the agency against the President’s perceived political enemies while covering up the wrongdoings of President Trump’s allies. Further, Director Patel’s personal conduct—wasting and exploiting FBI resources and failing to account for when official business ends and personal recreation begins—has shown that he is a liability to national security. Key Quotes: “Let me say at the outset, that we just heard again, an introduction by the Chairman [Grassley] that gave reference to Crossfire Hurricane and a lot of things that are in the history of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over a year ago, all of the Democrats on this Committee said, ‘Stop giving these speeches, and bring the people before us to testify under oath as to what actually happened.’” “Jack Smith, the special counsel, who is a constant reference point when it comes to this ‘Grand Conspiracy,’ has volunteered for more than a year to appear before this Committee under oath and answer the questions. What more could we ask of him?” “Perhaps in a few weeks when we have been promised he will show up, they [Republicans] could start by explaining, why did you wait a year if we are talking about a ‘Grand Conspiracy?’ Jack Smith, the special counsel, will be under oath before this committee. Each of us will have a chance to ask pertinent questions to clear it up. For some reason, the … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://bost.house.gov/2026/9/bost-announces-2-3-million-in-faa-grants-for-southern-illinois-airports | BOST ANNOUNCES $2.3 MILLION IN FAA GRANTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORTS | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | bost | https://bost.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grants totaling over $2.3 million to enhance safety and infrastructure improvements at Veterans Airport in Marion and MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah. “Southern Illinois is emerging as a transportation hub for our region, and Veterans Airport and MidAmerica Airport are critical transportation assets,” said Bost. “These investments will help ensure both airports have safe and reliable infrastructure they need to continue protecting travelers and creating economic opportunities for the region." Veterans Airport will receive $1,176,548 to purchase a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, along with protective equipment and medical kits to enhance safety. MidAmerica Airport will receive $1,149,763 to bring the surrounding landscape into conformity with current FAA standards. ### | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-chicago-duckworth-visits-illinois-quantum-and-microelectronics-park-to-highlight-illinoiss-leadership-in-quantum-innovation | In Chicago, Duckworth Visits Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to Highlight Illinois’s Leadership in Quantum Innovation | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [CHICAGO, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week visited Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) to tour the construction progress and meet with leaders from IQMP and PsiQuantum about opportunities to harness quantum innovation and strengthen national security. IQMP is a first-of-its-kind campus built to house a central base on Chicago’s South Side where quantum companies, researchers, manufacturers and suppliers can come together to tackle challenges in healthcare, energy, communications and more. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Illinois is leading a quantum revolution, and it’s about to take off on Chicago’s South Side,” said Duckworth. “From Japan to Taiwan and all around the world, I’ve praised Illinois as the perfect place for more investments in quantum—and today’s progress is yet another example of why that couldn’t be more true. More investments in quantum means more investments in our national security, in finding cures to diseases, in bending the curve on climate change and more. With the construction of this first of its kind quantum campus, I’m eager see these advancements help bolster the strength of our state and region’s manufacturing.” “Senator Duckworth has been a tremendous champion at the federal level, helping advance quantum investment and establish Illinois as a global destination for quantum discovery and commercialization,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “It was an honor to welcome her to the IQMP today and show her firsthand the ecosystem we're building. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work to advance quantum technology in a way that benefits our state and the people who call it home.” “PsiQuantum is proud to be the anchor tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Chicago,” said Victor Peng, Chief Executive Officer of PsiQuantum. “Together with the strong support and bipartisan leadership of elected officials like Senator Duckworth, we are creating the jobs of the future, support… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-padilla-whitehouse-jayapal-raskin-introduce-cra-resolution-of-disapproval-regarding-regulation-that-changes-how-international-students-and-journalists-maintain-immigration-status | Durbin, Blumenthal, Padilla, Whitehouse, Jayapal, Raskin Introduce CRA Resolution Of Disapproval Regarding Regulation That Changes How International Students & Journalists Maintain Immigration Status | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding a regulation, entitled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which changes how international students and journalists maintain their immigration status. U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors. U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) are leading the House companion. For more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, a practice known as “duration of status.” However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years; similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule’s impacts on the nation’s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule is scheduled… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senate-judiciary-democrats-scrutinize-director-patels-decision-to-gut-fbis-hiring-standards | Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Scrutinize Director Patel’s Decision To Gut FBI’s Hiring Standards | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In their letter to FBI Director Patel ahead of tomorrow’s oversight hearing, Senate Judiciary Democrats demand justification for the FBI’s recent decision to remove sex solicitation, bestiality, and theft from an employer from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications WASHINGTON – Ahead of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s testimony in tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the agency, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Director Patel demanding answers about the FBI’s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025. “We write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI’s workforce for decades,” the lawmakers wrote. Under the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification if they were not serving in positions the FBI deems of “public trust” at the time of the solicitation. Theft from a prior employer that occurred more than three years ago, and other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred prior to the applicant turning 18, is also no longer automatically disqualifying. As the lawmakers note in their letter, these are major adjustments to FBI eligibility requirements, opening up law enforcement positions to be filled by applicants with a history of significant misconduct. “These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau’s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-blasts-xenophobic-tweet-texas-gop-railroad-commission-nominee | Krishnamoorthi Blasts Xenophobic Tweet by Texas GOP Railroad Commission Nominee Bo French Targeting South Asian Students | 2026-09-13 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 condemned Texas Republican Railroad Commission nominee Bo French’s racist and xenophobic tweet targeting South Asian students at the University of Texas, after French posted photos of students celebrating a Longhorns football victory and portrayed them as evidence that Americans are being “displaced by foreigners.” “Bo French’s xenophobic hate toward South Asian students is disgraceful and part of a broader rise in attacks targeting South Asian Americans across the country. These young people were cheering for their university, and he chose to demonize them based solely on how they look. South Asian Americans are as American as anyone, and this kind of hatred has no place in our politics or our country.” | 1 | 2026-09-14T10:19:32Z | 2026-09-14T10:21:05Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-25th-anniversary-september-11th-attacks | Schakowsky Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Janice D. Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | schakowsky | https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks: “Twenty-five years ago today, I watched in disbelief with the rest of the nation as two planes struck the Twin Towers and our nation came under attack. Later, from my office in the Capitol, I watched smoke rise from the Pentagon. I remember the fear and chaos of that day, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed. “I remember standing on the Capitol steps with my colleagues singing 'God Bless America.' I remember learning about the heroes on Flight 93. I remember our Solidarity March down Devon Avenue, where more than 100 people walked arm in arm, carrying American flags and declaring that we would not let this tragedy divide us. “Let us honor and mourn the thousands of lives we lost that horrific day, and all those we have since lost to 9/11-related injuries and illnesses. “We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Twenty-five years later, let us remember that unity is what carries us through our darkest days.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-commemorates-25th-anniversary-of-9/11-attacks-with-day-of-service | Duckworth Commemorates 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks with Day of Service | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [CHICAGO, IL] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, today joined volunteers at Chicago Union Station to help pack 520,000 meals that will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as part of a day of service commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Photos from the event are available on the Senator’s website. “Twenty-five years ago today, a heinous attack on our country took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people and changed the course of countless other American lives,” said Duckworth. “Today, we remember those we lost and reflect on the bravery shown by the first responders who ran toward danger—many of whom never made it home to their families or will forever live with illnesses caused by that day. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, today and always. As we come together to pack 520,000 meals for local families in need, we honor this day through service and remind ourselves that the strength of our nation is found in how we support and serve one another.” -30- | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-urging-supreme-court-to-block-postal-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting | Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Urging Supreme Court to Block Postal Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI), along with U.S. Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), in leading a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of state attorneys general against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by USPS pursuant to President Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “Donald Trump’s desperate attempts to obstruct voting by mail for every American but himself are unconstitutional and jeopardize our democracy,” said Duckworth. “Trump has already voted by mail twice this year alone. We cannot allow him to illegally intimidate his fellow tens of millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. As we approach the 2026 midterms, the Supreme Court must reject these unlawful executive orders and protect Americans’ right to vote this fall.” “The President is dead set on attacking Americans’ right to vote and undermining our democracy by making baseless claims about ‘rigged’ elections, demanding unreasonable voter reg… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-remarks-at-national-center-for-victims-of-crimes-annual-training-institute | Durbin Delivers Remarks At National Center For Victims Of Crime’s Annual Training Institute | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO—Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered brief remarks at the National Center for Victims of Crime’s (NCVC) National Training Institute (NTI), an annual conference providing nearly 800 victim service professionals an opportunity to engage and learn from leaders in the victim advocacy community. In his remarks, Durbin focused on the need for Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for its failure to protect children and users from harm. Durbin also applauded last month’s landmark settlement requiring Meta to pay more than $17 billion in penalties and make major changes to Facebook and Instagram over claims the company endangers children with addictive social media platforms. “Parents and grandparents across America feel a pit in their stomachs every time their child logs onto a phone, tablet, or video game console. These parents and grandparents know that the internet has now become a hunting ground for predators, but accountability is finally coming,” Durbin said. “The recent landmark verdicts confirming that social media companies have a duty to protect children using their platforms is a crucial first step. As moment builds in the courts, Congress must do its part to ensure Big Tech is forced to change its behavior.” Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined forces to reintroduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits … | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks | Durbin Statement On The 25th Anniversary Of The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “Twenty-five years ago today, I vividly recall looking down the National Mall from the Capitol Building and watching as black smoke billowed up from the Pentagon. That image is seared into my mind. But what I also remember about that day was the outpouring of compassion and common purpose that united us. “Twenty-five years after that devastating day, we still mourn the 2,977 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including the heroic members of the New York City Fire Department, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. “Today, as we reflect on how those acts of pure evil forever altered our sense of security and safety, let us also reflect on the importance of remaining faithful to our values and the Constitution while protecting the American people. The victims of 9/11, their loved ones, and the American people deserved justice and accountability long ago.” Today, Durbin attended the City of Chicago Fire Department’s 9/11 Tribute, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The formal memorial tribute at Navy Pier faced east toward New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania to honor the lives lost and remember the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. -30- | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-elmhurst-university-celebrate-950000-in-federal-funding-for-health-research-technology | Casten, Elmhurst University Celebrate $950,000 in Federal Funding for Health Research Technology | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Elmhurst, Illinois — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Elmhurst University celebrated an award of $950,000 in federal funding for the purchase and installation of instructional, simulation, and research equipment to enhance student learning and support faculty research activities within the Health Sciences Building at Elmhurst University. “Ensuring schools and universities across the 6th District have the resources they need to provide a world-class education is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m proud to have worked with Elmhurst University to secure this Community Project Funding, which will give students the tools and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and prepare for careers serving our community. This federal funding for Elmhurst University is an investment in the students and families of the 6th Congressional District, and I’m proud to have helped deliver it.” “We are thrilled to receive this funding, and deeply appreciate Congressman Casten’s efforts in securing it for Elmhurst University and our students,” said President Troy D. VanAken. “I’m very proud that our new Health Sciences Building, and the new opportunities this funding creates, will give our future healthcare professionals the kind of invaluable educational experiences that will lead to better patient care and a healthier world.” Rep. Casten and Elmhurst University leaders participated in a check presentation to recognize the federal funding coming to the 6th Congressional District. Photos from the event can be found here. Rep. Casten selected the project as one of his Community Project Funding sites for FY 2026. Rep. Casten advocated for the funding in Congress, and it was officially appropriated in the FY 2026 government funding package. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers the funds. Learn more here. Elmhurst University’s Health Sciences Research Equipment Project helps enhance teaching, learning, and research opportunities for faculty and students in the newly… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-nhtsa-action-after-tesla-drivers-caught-sleeping-behind | Krishnamoorthi Demands NHTSA Action After Tesla Drivers Caught Sleeping Behind the Wheel With Driver-Assistance System Engaged System Engaged | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) demanded that the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take immediate action to address the misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems after an NBC News investigation identified dozens of videos appearing to show Tesla driver asleep or otherwise disengaged behind the wheel while their vehicles were moving. In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Krishnamoorthi cited an NBC News investigation that identified 43 videos appearing to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. Tesla’s own documentation states that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems. In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes: “A recent NBC News investigation identified 43 videos that appear to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. These incidents are particularly alarming because Autopilot and FSD require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent on American roads, DOT and NHTSA must ensure that manufacturers have adequate safeguards to prevent foreseeable misuse and that drivers are not encouraged to place dangerous levels of reliance on systems that still require their full attention.” Krishnamoorthi noted that NHTSA has previously identified shortcomings in Tesla’s driver-engagement safeguards. In an earlier engineering analysis of Autopilot, the agency concluded that Tesla’s system did not sufficiently ensure that drivers remained attentive and used the technology appropriately, identifying a mismatch between Autopilot’s substantial control over the vehicle and its safeguards for keeping drivers engaged. NBC News also reported on videos appearing to show Tesla drivers sleeping at highway speeds, using laptops, watching videos, and otherwise disengaging wh… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-denounces-trump-administrations-racist-get-our-roads-mr-singh | Krishnamoorthi Denounces Trump Administration’s Racist “Get Off Our Roads, Mr. Singh” Tweet | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement condemning an official Department of Homeland Security social media post that depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” in a Transformers-style deportation graphic, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out”: “Our government should never use its power to demonize people or suggest that their faith, heritage, or identity means they do not belong here. Yet in an official social media post styled as a movie poster, the Trump Department of Homeland Security depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” as the villain, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out.” More than 160,000 people in the United States share the surname Singh. When the government demonizes a name carried by so many Sikh families, it fuels xenophobia and casts suspicion on an entire community. Sikh and South Asian Americans are as American as anyone. This is our country and our home, and there should be no room for hate here.” | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-joins-illinois-mental-health-and-lgbtq-leaders-push-restore-988 | Krishnamoorthi Joins Illinois Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Leaders in Push to Restore 988 “Press 3” Crisis Services | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | krishnamoorthi | https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), author of the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act and a Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, today joined Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero, The Trevor Project, NAMI Chicago, Equality Illinois, and other mental health and LGBTQ+ advocates for a roundtable and press conference calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump Administration to restore specialized 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services for LGBTQ+ young people. “When an LGBTQ+ person reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, they should be able to reach a counselor trained to understand what they are going through,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Press 3 provided that lifesaving support, and the Trump Administration shut it down. I worked with partners from both parties to secure $33.1 million for the program and directed the Administration to restore these lifesaving services. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. needs to turn Press 3 back on and make sure every LGBTQ+ person, including transgender young people, can get the help they need when they need it most.” During the roundtable at NAMI Chicago, participants discussed efforts to restore Press 3 and strengthen crisis support in Illinois. The state is working with The Trevor Project to train general 988 counselors in LGBTQ+ crisis competency while the specialized federal service remains unavailable. Congress directed $33.1 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding toward restoring the specialized services. In June, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department acknowledged in a response to a bipartisan request led by Krishnamoorthi that Congress had directed the services to be restored, but said it was still assessing implementation while seeking to comply with Executive Order 14168. Krishnamoorthi has also introduced the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act to permanently protect the specialized services and require HHS to reserve at least 9 percent of annual 988… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
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CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);