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2,266 rows where state = "IL" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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  • 2014 · 2,266 ✖

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http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/paul-simon-water-for-the-world-act-signed-into-law Paul Simon Water for the World Act Signed Into Law 2014-12-29 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL John Shimkus S000364 shimkus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is pleased to announce that the President signed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act into law on December 19. Shimkus was a cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House December 8 and then passed the Senate on December 15. “While this legislation does not have a direct effect on Southern Illinois, Senator Simon’s legacy lives on through this initiative to utilize water, sanitation, and hygiene as tools for foreign assistance,” Shimkus noted. The Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act was originally established in 2005, and this law amends that legislation. Specifically, this law directs the Secretary of State: To develop a strategy every five years to further U.S. foreign policy objectives by providing affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation in developing counties; and To develop a complementary strategy to further U.S. foreign assistance to provide affordable and equitable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing countries. Shimkus added, “First, it is noteworthy that both the House and the Senate passed this bill on voice votes – without any objections, which is quite amazing in today’s political world. Second, this law helps make the water programs be more focused, efficient, transparent, and better monitored.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-fda-policy-change-to-blood-donor-deferral-policy Quigley Statement on FDA Policy Change to Blood Donor Deferral Policy for MSM 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy CHICAGO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) policy change of the blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM) from lifetime ban to one-year deferral: "Today's official policy change by the FDA on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) from a lifetime ban to one-year deferral is disappointing. A time-based deferral focusing solely on men who have sex with men is still discriminatory and fails to exclude donors based on actual risk factors. However, as the leader of the bipartisan, bicameral effort to reverse the FDA's discriminatory policy, I remain encouraged by this ongoing conversation to change the outdated policy. I will continue to fight for a deferral policy based on behavioral risks, commensurate with the rest of the population and based on sound science, bringing equality for the LGBT community while still protecting the U.S. blood supply." The previous lifetime ban on MSM donating blood was put in place during the rise of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, but is no longer scientifically justified with current blood screening technology. In 2010, the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA) found the ban to be suboptimal and asked for re-evaluation of this policy. In response to a letter from legislators in 2013, HHS indicated that the Department will finish deliberations on a policy change to the blood ban by the end of 2014. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution opposing the current lifetime ban as discriminatory and not based on sound science. Instead, the AMA supports new donation deferral policies that are based on an individual's level of risk. The blood banking community, including the American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers, has also long-supported a change in policy. Most recently, Rep. Quigley led a bipartisan, bicameral push, urging HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell to reevaluate the current … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-praises-15-million-auschwitz-birkenau-foundation-pledge-authorized- REP. GUTIRREZ PRAISES $15 MILLION AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU FOUNDATION PLEDGE AUTHORIZED IN CROMNIBUS SPENDING MEASURE 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy “Remembering is the only way to ‘never forget,’” Rep. Gutiérrez says of delayed 2010 appropriation.  “It should have happened a long time ago, but I am pleased it is happening now.”   Washington, DC – Buried in the “Cromnibus” budget bill (HR 83), Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) scored a legislative victory by securing language to authorize payment of $15 million the Department of State pledged to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation almost five years ago (https://1.usa.gov/1w3uHk9). At the urging of Rep. Gutiérrez and dozens of other Congressional Representatives, the United States made a pledge to support the endowment of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, preserving the site of the Nazi death camp in Poland as a reminder to the world.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded in 2010 by pledging $15 million to the international effort and that money was appropriated by Congress and given to the State Department starting in 2010, but it was never transferred to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation endowment because State did not feel it had the necessary authorization from Congress to make a grant to an endowment that would then fund preservation for future generations.  “This month marks 70 years since the beginning of World War II,” Rep. Gutiérrez said in September 2009, when he first started urging Congress and the State Department to fund Auschwitz-Birkenau preservation (https://1.usa.gov/1z9tfnj).  “And while time is taking its toll on this rapidly deteriorating historic site, it has not diminished violent ideologies of anti-Semitism and racism that still run rampant today.” Rep. Gutiérrez was part of a delegation that visited the Auschwitz camp in August 2009 and wrote the President (LINK) and Secretary of State (LINK) urging them to prioritize funding for the international remembrance effort.  “The only way we can work toward the eradication of these painful and dangerous mentalities is to preserve, remember and teach others about the atrocities of the past. The United States must be a leader in the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-delivers-bradley-university-commencement-address Congresswoman Kelly Delivers Bradley University Commencement Address 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Robin Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov     legacy Nearly 40 years after her own graduation from Bradley University, Congresswoman Robin Kelly returned to her alma mater on Saturday as keynote speaker at the school’s winter commencement ceremony.  Kelly encouraged the more than 300 graduates to consider careers in public service as a way of improving the lives of others and “leaving the world better than they found it.” Speaking of an early job at a day care center that laid the foundation for her future success, Kelly also encouraged the graduates to take pride in every job, big or small, because they teach skills that may unexpectedly come in handy later in life. “What I thought was a dead end job was really more of an on-ramp to a career path that eventually led me to Congress,” Kelly said. “That’s why it’s important to do your very best in everything you do—because you never know where that little job will lead you.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-helps-bring-in-142-million-in-assistance-for CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY HELPS BRING IN $14.2 MILLION IN ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTITUENTS, COMMUNITIES 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Robin Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that a total of $14.2 million in federal grants were awarded in 2014 to municipalities, public safety departments, health and housing agencies and schools within the 2nd Congressional District. A total of 53 grants were awarded and provided funding for a variety of community needs, including purchasing critical equipment and training for local firefighters, expanding health and housing services, making street improvements and supporting physical education and arts programs. “The ultimate beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of the 2nd District,” Kelly said. “I will continue to be pro-active in notifying municipalities, schools and community-based organizations about potential grant opportunities and supporting applications for worthy programs and services.” For more information about grant opportunities, visit Rep. Kelly’s website at www.robinkelly.house.gov and search under the category “Resources.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democratic-leaders-urge-fda-action-call-for-state-attorneys-general-to-classify-e-cigarettes-under-the-master-settlement-agreement Democratic Leaders Urge FDA Action, Call For State Attorneys General To Classify E-Cigarettes Under The Master Settlement Agreement 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.14 Democratic Leaders Urge FDA Action, Call For State Attorneys General To Classify E-Cigarettes Under The Master Settlement Agreement [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Representative Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), and Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent letters to 29 State Attorneys General applauding their ongoing efforts to press the FDA to use its enforcement discretion to prevent e-cigarette manufacturers from targeting teens. The members also called on the Attorneys General to classify e-cigarettes as cigarettes under the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) to prevent e-cigarette makers from marketing their products in ways that are appealing to youth. The members wrote: We have admiration for your efforts to protect children from the dangers of tobacco. We want to work with you to strengthen FDA's resolve. At the same time, we hope you will consider taking this much-needed step in the ongoing battle against tobacco products. The MSA gives you a powerful tool to stop e-cigarette makers from targeting youth, and we urge you to consider using it. Earlier this year, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan was one of 29 Attorneys General to submit comments to the FDA urging the agency to strengthen its proposed regulations of electronic cigarettes to better protect children and young adults from nicotine addiction. More information is available here. The full text of the letter is available here. December 19, 2014 Dear Attorney General: This week, three new studies were released that documented the soaring use of electronic cigarettes by America's youth. One study showed that for the first time, more teens used e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes or any other tobacco products.[1] The two other studies indicate that more than one quarter of high school students in Connecticut and Hawaii have used e-cigarettes.[2] These findings are particularly concerning because e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, and because e-cigarette use may be a gateway to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-to-health-secretary-more-needs-to-be-done-to-address-heroin-epidemic Durbin, Reed To Health Secretary: More Needs To Be Done To Address Heroin Epidemic 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.14 Durbin, Reed To Health Secretary: More Needs To Be Done To Address Heroin Epidemic National comprehensive plan to reduce overdose deaths should include increased resources for life-saving drugs and follow up care [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)and Jack Reed (D-RI) led a group of twenty-one Senators today in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize programs that reduce heroin and other opioid overdose deaths in its national strategy to curb prescription drug abuse. In a letter to Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the Senators urged the Department to coordinate with the White House to ensure that opioid abuse prevention priorities continue to be reflected in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy and the Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal. Today's letter also highlighted the need for expanded access to overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to substance abuse treatment services and other follow-up care. Despite the life-saving capabilities of naloxone, its use in overdose prevention is not widespread, wrote the Senators. A comprehensive plan for reducing overdose deaths should include adequate financial assistance for state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to purchase and distribute naloxone to first responders, law enforcement officials, medical facilities, and trained and qualified members of at-risk individuals' communities. We know that expanding naloxone access to a broader population can reverse drug overdoses and save lives, particularly when accompanied by education and training in overdose prevention and naloxone use. Today's letter was signed by: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), U.S. Senator Ben Car… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/aurora-forum-examines-fight-to-stop-heroin-use Beacon-News: Aurora forum examines fight to stop heroin use 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Heroin abuse, and the deaths that have happened in Kane County because of it, have made for major headlines in the Fox Valley over the past few years. On Wednesday, a group of local leaders got together to talk about how the fight against heroin is going, and what can be done to finally win the battle against the addictive drug. The group which met at the Aurora Public Library’s Eola Road branch included U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville),  Kane County Coroner Rob Russell, Kane County Health Department Executive Director Barbara Jeffers and two very special guests — fathers whose sons died from heroin overdoses. As a former Fermilab physicist, Foster said he gravitates to the analysis of statistics, but it is the stories of heroin-related deaths that have put the issue front and center with him. “I am a scientist so when I see the statistics are increasing and hear of the situations from constituents we know it is an area that needs action,” Foster said. One important change that is happening in the fight against heroin is an understanding of the nature of the addiction itself, he said. Foster said he’s already begun to sense through his work that people are starting to believe that drug addiction is a “medical condition” and not a “moral failure.” Another difference maker involves naxolone, a drug which can work to reverse heroin and some other drug overdoses, if administered in time. Because of that, a push has been made to make the drug available to police officers and others who respond to emergency calls of a drug overdose. To help in that effort, Jeffers launched a “train the trainer” program in July to equip law enforcement officials in Kane County with naxolone. She said at least one life has been saved in the county thanks to the drug. “Collectively more than 350 officers have been trained,” Jeffers said. Foster said, though, that it is important to build on that effort to save more lives. He said there already has been a dramatic effect by getting the drug in the hands of police officers, but if famil… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-james-r-burgess-jr-post-office-building-bill-signed-into-law Bipartisan James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building Bill Signed Into Law 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Bipartisan James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building Bill Signed Into Law [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) today announced that President Obama has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 302 East Green Street in Champaign, Illinois, as the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building. Naming a post office in Champaign is a fitting tribute to Mr. Burgess' distinguished record of service, both as part of our nation's military overseas and right here in Central Illinois, Durbin said. I am proud to join my colleagues in completing the effort undertaken by Mr. Burgess' late son, Steve, to honor this longtime public servant and trailblazing Illinoisan. I look forward to joining the Burgess family and other members of the Urbana-Champaign community in celebrating at the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office very soon. James Burgess' contributions to our nation and state will not be forgotten, Kirk said. As leader of the first African-American armored battalion in WWII, Champaign County State's Attorney, and as a U.S. Attorney, this post office is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service. This day has been such a long time coming, and I am so incredibly happy for the late-Steve Burgess the entire Burgess family, said Davis. I have to thank my colleagues in the House and the Senate for working hard to ensure that this bill was passed and on the president's desk before the end of the year and the president for signing it so quickly. In the coming months, we'll celebrate the life of James R. Burgess Jr. at a ceremony at the post office with the entire Champaign-Urbana community. And while his son, Steve, won't be with us, he'll be smiling and beaming with pride knowing that the legacy of his father will live on forever. James R. Burgess Jr. was born on December 19, 1915 in Algood, Tennessee and served more than twenty y… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-join-in-support-of-scott-afb-to-house-critical-new-defense-facility Durbin, Kirk Join In Support Of Scott AFB To House Critical New Defense Facility 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Durbin, Kirk Join In Support Of Scott AFB To House Critical New Defense Facility [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined together today in sending the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) a letter in support of housing a new NGA facility at Scott Air Force Base. Scott Air Force Base is a cost-effective location for the facility, and situated in an incredibly strong and supportive local community in downstate Illinois, the Senators wrote. The Department of Defense named Scott Air Force Base as a finalist to house a new facility for the NGA in July. The current NGA facility which includes multiple buildings located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri is more than 100 years old. The aging buildings at the NGA's current location require high maintenance costs, and do not meet either force protection standards or seismic safety standards. The NGA will continue its current operations at a facility in Arnold, Missouri. Funding for environmental analysis of all six candidate sites for the new facility announced today was included in both the Fiscal Year 2014 and Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations bills, and in the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill approved by Congress last week. As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Durbin oversees funding for the military and intelligence community, the nation's national security requirements and the daily needs of over two million active duty and reserve service members. All told, the Subcommittee controls more than half of the nation's annual discretionary budget. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James joined Durbin, Kirk, and other elected officials at a visit to Scott Air Force Base in April of this year.They toured Scott's Air Operations Center and the 126th Air Refueling Wing and met with civic and business leaders from nearby communities to discuss the strong local and regional … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-says-ecmcs-push-for-mandatory-arbitration-is-straight-from-for-profit-college-industry-playbook Durbin Says ECMC's Push For Mandatory Arbitration Is Straight From For-Profit College Industry Playbook 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Durbin Says ECMC's Push For Mandatory Arbitration Is Straight From For-Profit College Industry Playbook [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said that the Department of Education should not allow ECMC Group to include mandatory arbitration agreements in student enrollment documents. In his letter to ECMC, Durbin called the tactic alarmingly similar to those used by the for-profit college industry to shield themselves from being held responsible for wrongdoing while preventing students from receiving relief. His letter was also sent to Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the Illinois Board of Higher Education While a common tactic in the for-profit playbook, use of mandatory arbitration is almost unheard of at public and private, not-for-profit institutions. In addition some states, like my home state of Illinois, prohibit these types of agreements as a condition of receiving approval for some schools to operate in that state, said Durbin. If ECMC wants to truly be a not-for-profit institution of higher education, it should follow the clear model of non-profit education. Text of today's letter is below: December 19, 2014 Mr. David Hawn President and CEO ECMC Group 1 Imation Place Building 2 Oakdale, MN 55128 Dear Mr. Hawn: I write today about ECMC Group's potential acquisition of 56 Corinthian Colleges, Inc., campuses, including those in my home state of Illinois. Specifically, I am deeply concerned about ECMC's reported insistence on including mandatory arbitration agreements in student enrollment documents and ask you to drop that effort immediately. Since the collapse of Corinthian, I have been adamant with the Department of Education that the victims of that company not be thrown to the wolves again by allowing another for-profit company to acquire the campuses. While I have several other concerns about ECMC Group, I am pleased that it is a not-for-profit company, in name at least. I am concerned that as negotiations continue, ECMC is signaling that it… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-hosts-2nd-district-business-roundtable-with-us-trade Congresswoman Kelly Hosts 2nd District Business Roundtable with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Robin Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Wednesday at a roundtable with more than a dozen business leaders in the 2nd District to discuss international trade issues.  The roundtable, which took place at the Hazel Crest headquarters of Mi-Jack Products, focused on U.S. trade agreements and helping Illinois businesses compete in the international marketplace. Representatives with Nucor Steel, Best Diamond Plastics, Whiting Corporation, Gelita, Solvay Inc., Avatar Corporation and Landauer were also present at the roundtable.  “The meeting was a unique opportunity for our local business community to have an audience with the Ambassador to air their international trade concerns,” Kelly said. “Business leaders were able to share their experiences in importing materials from overseas and offered input on future trade agreements with Europe and Asia.”  "It was great to join Congresswoman Kelly and local businesses and manufacturers in her district today to discuss President Obama's trade agenda,” Ambassador Froman said. “Last year, Illinois exported $66.1 billion of Made-in-America goods to the world, supporting 339,000 jobs. Our goal is to build on that success by removing trade barriers abroad so that local businesses can sell to the world. Our discussion today also focused on how the President's trade agenda helps level the playing field for American businesses and workers by setting higher labor and environment standards with our trading partners." The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is the agency responsible for developing and recommending trade policy to the President of the United States. Ambassador Froman negotiates directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, and meets with business groups, legislators and public interest groups to gather input on trade issues and to discuss the President's trade policy positions. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-goes-undercover-with-bittersweet-pastry-shop Quigley Goes Undercover With Bittersweet Pastry Shop 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy CHICAGO Yesterday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) worked alongside Bittersweet Pastry Shop employees to help them prepare holiday orders by working in the cookie decorating room, mixing cake batter, finishing cupcakes and serving customers as part of his Undercover Congressman series. The series connects Rep. Quigley with constituents at their place of employment to better understand the daily challenges they face in their industry and community. Chicago has a reputation for being unfriendly to small businesses, said Rep. Quigley. A goal of my undercover congressman visits is to better understand what I can do in Washington to change this perception and to help small businesses grow. It is things like sugar and chocolate import prices and availability of public transportation for the employees that you don't think about, but has a real impact on the success of a small business. I appreciate Judy and all of the employees at Bittersweet for welcoming me in during their busiest time of year to learn about how their business operates. Bittersweet Pastry Shop has been in business in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago for over 20 years. Rep. Quigley started his shift by helping decorate gingerbread man cookies, one of Bittersweet's most popular holiday treats. He then moved into the kitchen, where he helped employees decorate tarts and holiday cakes. Rep. Quigley learned about the dough making process by rolling and cutting cinnamon rolls and preparing ham and cheese croissants. He wrapped up his shift by venturing to the front of the shop to greet customers and help them pay for their orders. Rep. Quigley learns about all the details that go into running a successful small business by Judy Contino, owner of Bittersweet Pastry Shop. Rep. Quigley decorates gingerbread man cookies alongside Bittersweet Pastry Shop employees. Congressman Quigley has been stopping by Bittersweet for years now, always choosing our hot chocolate as his drink of choice, said Judy Contino, owner of Bittersweet Pastry. It was a ple… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-us-cuba-diplomatic-relations Rush Statement on U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bobby Rush R000515 rush.house.gov     legacy CHICAGO — U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement pursuant to the announcement that the United States will resume normalized diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba: “I applaud President Obama for his decision to begin the process of restoring full diplomatic relations with Cuba. This process has been a long time coming and I look forward to its successful completion. “Since my most recent official visit to Cuba in April 2009, I have seen the vibrancy of the Cuban people and, by lifting this embargo, the United States will be in a better position to ensure their human rights are protected. “Beginning in the 112th Congress, I have introduced legislation to normalize our relations with Cuba. As we prepare to convene the 114th Congress I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues to ensure that whatever legislative changes are necessary can be accomplished. “I would also like to note the significance of the State Department review of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. It has long been my belief that this designation should be removed and I applaud the President for helping bring this to fruition. “Ensuring the maintenance of human rights in Cuba, as in the rest of the world, is of the utmost importance to me and, as I said before, the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba will not only simplify the maintenance of these standards on a bilateral basis but will allow us to work with our international partners to expand them. “Once again, I congratulate President Obama and the American and Cuban peoples on the blossoming of a new, stronger, relationship.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399061 Obama Signs Kinzinger/Lipinski Legislation Into Law 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Adam Kinzinger K000378 kinzinger.house.gov     legacy Congressman Adam Kinzinger released the following statement after President Barack Obama signed legislation containing the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. Congressman Kinzinger, along with Congressman Dan Lipinski, cosponsored the legislation that became part of H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, which was signed into law by President Obama late last night. "I'm proud to see this important piece of legislation signed into law," said Congressman Kinzinger. "The United States simply cannot afford to continue to lose manufacturing jobs to other countries. The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act will help us use the resources we already have to put us back on top and create new middle-class jobs. This is a major victory for manufacturing hubs such as the Rockford area, the middle class, and our economy as a whole." The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act requires the President to create a national manufacturing strategy every four years starting in 2018. A national manufacturing strategy would provide provide long-term guidance for Federal programs and activities in support of United States manufacturing competitiveness, specifically including activities related to advanced manufacturing research and development, improve government coordination on manufacturing policy and related R&D, and to provide a mechanism to evaluate progress in implementing recommendations from prior strategies. It will also provide businesses, the manufacturing workforce and others a means to give input on Federal programs and policies, and to gain certainty from long-term planning. This strategy will build upon the work of government and non-government organizations to build consensus on actions that should be taken by the President and Congress to support manufacturing competitiveness in the United States. Congressman Adam Kinzinger is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, including its subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-release-of-alan-gross-normalization-of-relations-with-cuba Durbin Statement On The Release Of Alan Gross, Normalization Of Relations With Cuba 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Durbin Statement On The Release Of Alan Gross, Normalization Of Relations With Cuba [JOINT BASE ANDREWS] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)released the following statement while en route to welcome home Alan Phillip Gross, an American aid worker imprisoned by the Castro regime in Cuba, and regarding President Barack Obama'sannouncement on the normalization of trade and travel relations with the Republic of Cuba: I'm overjoyed to welcome Alan Gross home after five long years in a Cuban prison. Alan's supposed crime was that he provided Cuba's small Jewish community with computer equipment to help them access the internet. I have pressed the Cuban government for years to release him. I and my staff visited him in prison in 2012 and again earlier this year. Opening the door with Cuba for trade, travel, and the exchange of ideas will create a force for positive change in Cuba that more than 50 years of our current policy of exclusion could not achieve. In 2012, Durbin met with Alan Gross during his imprisonment in Cuba. A photo of their meeting is attached. Durbin also met repeatedly with Alan's family while he was in captivity. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-stb-stands-with-illinois-communities-extends-monitoring-period-of-canadian-national Durbin: STB Stands with Illinois Communities, Extends Monitoring Period of Canadian National 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Durbin: STB Stands with Illinois Communities, Extends Monitoring Period of Canadian National [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Surface Transportation Board (STB)has extended the oversight period for the Canadian National (CN) Railroad by two years until January 23, 2017. Durbin has made numerous calls for the STB to extend its oversight over the problematic rail company, most recently in a letter to the board this September. A copy of Durbin's letter to the STB is available here. In 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB)placed CN under an unprecedented monitoring period to ensure the company fully complies with the promises it made when it acquired the EJ&E rail corridor.In that time, CN has been fined for failure to report blockages along the corridor.The current oversight period was set to expire this January 23 2015. Canadian National has claimed that track upgrades would decrease the number and duration of blocked crossings along its rail lines. Unfortunately, the experiences of thousands of suburban Chicagoans and the data thousands of blocked rail crossing and lengthy delays just don't support their claims, Durbin said. What the evidence of CN's performance does support is the Surface Transportation Board's decision today to extend its oversight of this rail company. In August, Durbin convened meetings in Champaign and Chicago to discuss issues with CN's Illinois operations.In Champaign and Chicago meetings with STB Chairman Dan Elliott, Amtrak and local officials, Durbin called for renewed efforts to end rail service delays and long durations for blocked crossings. The Village of Barrington and City of Aurora in particular have been vigilant in promoting increased rail safety, especially for trains carrying crude oil and ethanol. These large unit trains, and other freight trains, are blocking crossings and increasing delays throughout the EJ&E corridor. Durbin also met with Carbondale officials to hear their concerns a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-into-law-bipartisan-legislation-to-name-galesburg-va-clinic-after-lane-evans President Signs Into Law Bipartisan Legislation To Name Galesburg VA Clinic After Lane Evans 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 President Signs Into Law Bipartisan Legislation To Name Galesburg VA Clinic After Lane Evans Legislation Will Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois' 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation that will name the veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House by Bustos and in the Senate by Durbin and Kirk and was supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation. Evans who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63. Lane Evans, a proud Marine, was a special friends to veterans not just in his district or in Illinois, but across the United States, said Durbin. By the end of his Congressional career, he had made a name for himself as their strongest champion. Naming the VA Clinic in Galesburg after Lane Evans name is the right thing to do. It will remind every veteran passing through the doorway that Lane Evans had them in his heart, and in his mind, every minute that he was in public service. Now that the President has signed this bill into law, I look forward to joining them, and walking through the doorway of the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic myself. For 24 years, Lane Evans was a champion for our servicemen and women on the front lines and here at home, Kirk said. This Galesburg facility will serve as a reminder to Illinois veterans that Lane Evans worked tirelessly on their behalf t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=9f64441c-17a2-499b-ab77-31945b3d0977 Alan Gross Arrives in the United States 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=17f18e7f-716d-4ea3-aded-5022c7e83e28 Alan Gross Lands In The United States 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399062 Kinzinger Condemns Brutal Attack on School in Pakistan 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Adam Kinzinger K000378 kinzinger.house.gov     legacy Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) today released the following statement reacting to the news of the brutal attack by the Taliban on a school in Pakistan on Tuesday:This horrifying attack on innocent schoolchildren is outside the bounds of understanding for most of us - it is downright evil, said Congressman Kinzinger. When you attack children, you not only rob innocent kids of their lives, but you attack their parents and loved ones in the most vicious and permanent way imaginable. As we debate the future role of the United States in Afghanistan, we have but to look to Iraq to see what happens when we withdraw too soon and for the wrong reasons. How many more innocent lives need to be lost before we decide to see our mission there through to the end? Over 130 people were killed in the devastating attack, mostly children who attended the Army Public School and Degree College in Peshawar. Six Taliban suicide bombers scaled school walls on Tuesday morning and proceeded to hold the school under siege for several hours. Pakistani troops responded and managed to kill all six Taliban militants. Kinzinger is a U.S. Air Force veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, currently serving as a Major in the Air National Guard. Last year, he joined a congressional delegation on a trip to Pakistan, where he toured conflict-prone regions of the country and met with women who have been helped by U.S. aid programs. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-new-chair-of-illinois-farm-service-agency Durbin Announces New Chair Of Illinois Farm Service Agency 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Durbin Announces New Chair Of Illinois Farm Service Agency [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has named Jill Appell of Altona, Illinois to be Chair of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Illinois State Committee. Ms. Appell farms in Knox County. Ms. Appell replaces Darell Sarff of Chandlerville, Illinois, a Central Illinois grain and vegetable farmer and a past board member of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Durbin first recommended both Ms. Appell and Mr. Sarff for appointment to the FSA Illinois State Committee in February 2009. Jill Appell has served in a variety of roles representing Illinois' farming community, accumulating decades of experience in rural and agricultural issues, Durbin said. As Chair of the Illinois Farm Service Agency, Jill has big shoes to fill, and I commend Darell Sarff for his years of service at the helm of this committee. I am confident that Jill will shine in this new leadership position, and I look forward to our continued work together on both national and local agricultural issues. Ms. Appell is currently a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, a position she has held since 2010, and the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade of Animals and Animal Products. She is also a past President of the National Pork Producers Council and the Illinois Pork Producers Association. In addition, she previously served as Illinois State Director for Rural Development for the USDA. The Farm Service Agency aims to stabilize farm income, help farmers conserve land and water resources, provide credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and help farm operations recover from the effects of disaster. The Farm Service Agency uses a unique system under which federal farm programs are administered locally a grassroots approach gives farmers a much-needed say in how Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-fda-to-act-as-teen-e-cigarette-use-surpasses-traditional-tobacco-products Durbin Calls On FDA To Act As Teen E-Cigarette Use Surpasses Traditional Tobacco Products 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Durbin Calls On FDA To Act As Teen E-Cigarette Use Surpasses Traditional Tobacco Products [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today in response to new data showing that more U.S. teenagers are using e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes: Thanks to decades of strong federal regulations and effective public health efforts, like the CDC's recent Tips from Former Smokers campaign, youth tobacco use is finally on the decline. But these hard-won gains are at risk if we fail to address a gateway to tobacco addiction: e-cigarettes, Durbin said. While the FDA continues to drag its feet on finalizing commonsense regulations to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of e-cigarettes, more and more young people are getting hooked on this potentially deadly habit. Every day the FDA fails to move forward with federal regulation is another opportunity for Big Tobacco to peddle its newest product unchecked. The scientific evidence has never been clearer: strong regulatory action on e-cigarettes cannot wait. Data showing teen use of e-cigarettes surpassing use of traditional cigarettes was released today as part of the Monitoring the Future survey, which has been conducted annually by researchers at the University of Michigan since 1975. Each year, 40,000 to 50,000 students are surveyed at about 400 secondary schools from across the country. Today's survey found that twice as many eight and tenth graders reporting using e-cigarettes as compared to traditional cigarettes. For example, among tenth graders, 16.2 percent reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, while only 7.2 percent reported using a traditional cigarette. Of primary concern is whether high levels of e-cigarette use will counteract gains from reductions in cigarette smoking. The survey found that across eight, tenth, and twelfth graders, the combined prevalence for smoking tobacco cigarettes was 8%, down from 28% in 1998. Additional information on the Monitoring the Future s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2446 Reps. Lipinski and McCaul's Cybersecurity Enhancement Act Passes Congress 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Daniel Lipinski L000563 lipinski.house.gov     legacy Critical bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) that will increase the security of federal networks and information systems, improve the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, train a cybersecurity workforce, and coordinate and prioritize federal cybersecurity research and development efforts has passed through the Congress, and now awaits the President’s signature. “Since I first introduced this bill in 2010, cyber threats have gotten much worse,” said Rep. Lipinski.  “Every day, we wake up to reports of more cyber attacks in this country and around the world.  In the United States, these attacks have the potential to destroy our military and economic security.  American workers have lost jobs and businesses have been damaged because of cyber espionage, and that’s why it has been a priority of mine for years to get this bill onto the President’s desk to help America thwart cyber attacks.”    This legislation will: • Improve coordination in government, providing for a strategic plan to assess cybersecurity risk and guide the overall direction of federal cyber research and development.  • Update the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsibilities to develop security standards to harden our federal networks and processes for agencies to follow. • Recruit the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to work for federal, state, and local governments through a scholarships-for-service program.  • Continue much-needed cybersecurity research and development programs at the National Science Foundation and NIST.    “The first step in securing our cyber future is education, and by that, I mean everything from educating individuals, to companies, to the next generation of IT professionals,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “This bill works toward these goals by building on existing partnerships, such as the NSF-sponsored Center for System Security and Information Assurance at Moraine Valley Comm… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2452 Reps. Lipinski and Roskam Succeed in Protecting Local Economy and Environment 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Daniel Lipinski L000563 lipinski.house.gov     legacy U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Peter Roskam (IL-6) have succeeded in blocking an attempt to add language to the annual federal spending bill – known this year as the “cromnibus” – that would have crippled the economically vital Illinois waterways system and put our environment at risk.  Some members of the House had been working on including construction authorization for physical barriers that would restrict barge traffic at the Brandon Road Lock & Dam near Joliet and along the Chicago Area Waterways System.  If approved, this would have had a disastrous impact on the current and future potential of the area waterways system, which currently moves 100 million tons of goods worth nearly $28 billion each year, and would have undermined the environmental reviews contained in the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act signed into law this year.  But after Lipinski and Roskam led 15 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Speaker Boehner, the final language of the report accompanying the bill specifically forbids the installation of infrastructure that would effectively close the waterway – a process formally known as hydrologic separation that involves constructing physical barriers.  “There is no question that we must continue to fight the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species,” said Rep. Lipinski.  “Unfortunately, some of our colleagues had proposed installing physical barriers that would have effectively closed the Illinois Waterways, and would have done so by circumventing congressional debate, proper project review, and the necessary environmental reviews for this project.  Fortunately, House leadership responded to our concerns and included language that clearly states that the issue would need to be fully analyzed by the Corps of Engineers and that no funding has been provided in this bill for hydrologic separation.  “Funding is only provided for the continued construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric barrier system, which is what I have continue… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2456 Rep. Lipinski's Bill Requiring National Strategic Plan for Manufacturing Signed Into Law; Will Boost American Manufacturing and Jobs 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Daniel Lipinski L000563 lipinski.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dan Lipinski’s (IL-3) bipartisan legislation to boost domestic manufacturing and American jobs by requiring a National Strategic Plan for Manufacturing has been signed into law.  The bill requires that at least every four years the President work with public and private stakeholders to produce and publish a plan to promote American manufacturing.  In addition, every year the President’s budget blueprint will have to contain an explanation of how it promotes the most recent manufacturing strategy.  Lipinski’s bill, which passed the House three times over the past five years, was included in legislation that passed both houses and was signed into law by the President last week.  Sen. Mark Kirk (IL) had introduced the bill in the Senate and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) was the lead Republican co-sponsor in the House. “From my days growing up near Midway Airport, I have understood how important manufacturing is to good middle-class jobs, strong communities, and America’s defense,” said Rep. Lipinski.  “Since I have been in Congress, I have been relentlessly working to bring Washington around to understanding this also, and to producing policies that promote American manufacturing.  This bipartisan bill guarantees that Washington has to pay attention to what can be done to help manufacturers and workers.  This law can make a real difference by leading to economic growth, increased American security, and more middle class jobs that pay hard-working Americans a family wage.  I want to thank Mark Kirk for his leadership on this bill in the Senate and Adam Kinzinger for his help in the House.” “The people of Illinois reflect the highest work ethic of the Midwest,” said Senator Kirk.  “It’s those men and women who keep me optimistic about the future of Illinois and the future of manufacturing as a pillar of the Illinois economy.” Based on the Quadrennial Defense Review – the Pentagon's policy planning process – Lipinski’s plan requires that every four years the President consults with manufacturing e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislators-call-on-hhs-to-end-discriminatory-blood-ban-donation-policy Legislators Call on HHS to End Discriminatory Blood Ban Donation Policy, Implement Risk-Based Policies 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), led a letter with 75 of their congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell to replace the outdated and discriminatory lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) with a policy based on individual risk factors. The legislators expressed deep concerns with the recent recommendations made by the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA). The full text of the letter is available here. Under current regulations, MSM are banned from donating blood for life. AABB, the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the American Medical Association all agree that the ban is no longer scientifically justified. Last month, the ACBTSA voted to replace the lifetime deferral policy with a one-year deferral policy, contingent on the implementation of a blood safety surveillance system, while dismissing a risk-based policy. The legislators raised concerns about this proposal, writing, "A one-year deferral policy, like a lifetime ban, is a categorical exclusion based solely on the sex of an individual's sexual partner - not his actual risk of carrying a transfusion-transmittable infection." The legislators continued, "The ACBTSA's proposed policy change would, in practice, leave that lifetime ban in place for the vast majority of MSM, even those who are healthy and low-risk. Both policies are discriminatory, and both approaches are unacceptable. Low-risk individuals who wish to donate blood and help to save lives should not be categorically excluded because of outdated stereotypes." The legislators also urged HHS to consider the work of implementing an infection monitoring system separately from the MSM deferral policy. The legislators wrote, "The ACBTSA's recommendation to hinge any change in the MSM blood donation policy to the estab… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-now-is-the-time-to-confirm-dr-vivek-murthy-as-surgeon-general Durbin: Now Is The Time To Confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy As Surgeon General 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC]. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) took to the Senate Floor today in support of the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General. Durbin praised Dr. Murthy for his dedication to fighting obesity, tobacco related diseases, and other chronic diseases that account for 7 out of the top 10 causes for death in America and make up for 84 percent of America's health care costs. Dr. Murthy's nomination is supported by over 100 public health and medical organizations including the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association. This past year, Americans have battled public health crises on all fronts. Here at home, parents watched while a severe strain of enterovirus spread from state to state, threatening the lives of young children. Abroad, we still face the worst Ebola epidemic in history. With over 6,300 deaths, and many more diagnosed with this devastating disease, now, more than ever, Americans need a top doctor. Dr. Vivek Murthy is that doctor, Durbin said. I know that the Indian-American community is very proud of Dr. Murthy's accomplishments, as all of us should be. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this outstanding nominee to be our next Surgeon General. There's a lot of work to do, and I can think of no better doctor to do it. Durbin's full speech, as prepared for delivery can be found below. Video of Durbin's speech is available here. Audio of Durbin's speech is available here. Footage of Durbin's full speech is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here. Surgeon General Nominee Dr. Vivek Murthy Senator Dick Durbin December 15, 2014 This past year, Americans have battled public health crises on all fronts. Here at home, parents watched while a severe strain of enterovirus spre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-sponsored-ukraine-freedom-act-of-2014-heading-to-presidents-desk Durbin-Sponsored Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 Heading To President's Desk 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.15.14 Durbin-Sponsored Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 Heading To President's Desk Measure Includes Sanctions on Russia, Assistance for Ukraine [CHICAGO] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives have passed the Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014, legislation he co-sponsored that imposes additional sanctions against the Russian defense, energy and financial sectors and also authorizes military and non-military assistance to Ukraine. The measure now heads to President Obama's desk to be signed into law. Congress has come together to send a strong rebuke to Russian leaders for their interference in Ukraine, Durbin said. These sanctions build on President Obama's actions and the assistance to Ukraine included in the measure demonstrates the friendship between Ukraine and the United States. The Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 supplements existing U.S. and European Union sanctions, with a focus on defense firms, energy providers and financial institutions. The bill also provides an additional $350 million in military assistance for Ukraine while designating Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova major non-NATO allies. The U.S Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Agency for International Development would be required to work with the Ukrainian government to develop plans on how to address an anticipated energy and gas shortage this winter. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Durbin voted in favor of the bill when it unanimously passed the committee earlier this year. More information on the Ukraine Freedom Act of 2014 can be found here on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. In March, Durbin helped lead a congressional delegation to Kiev for meetings with the interim Ukrainian government, Ukrainian political party leaders, democracy activists, civil society groups and U.S. embassy officials. Durbin previously traveled to Ukraine in 2012. -30… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-durbin-corker-water-for-the-world-act Senate Passes Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.15.14 Senate Passes Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Bill to improve access to clean drinking water without spending new money or creating new bureaucracy heads to President Obama for signature [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The Senate today unanimously passed The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), and cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ). The bill was passed earlier this month by the House of Representatives, where it is sponsored by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX). Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe, Durbin said. But this is no longer simply a global health and development issueit's a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Senate agreed unanimously and passed this legislation today and I hope the President will quickly sign it before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point. I'm pleased lawmakers from both chambers agree that investing in water can make the most of existing foreign aid resources. These programs bring life-saving water and sanitation to vulnerable people around the globe, helping to support improved health and stability in these communities, said Corker. Nearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitationmany living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mortality, and e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-priorities-included-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill-passed-by-congress Durbin Announces Priorities Included In Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Congress 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.14 Durbin Announces Priorities Included In Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Congress [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act of 2015 was passed by the Senate. The bill was passed by the House earlier this week and next heads to President Obama for his signature. I'm disappointed Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans felt compelled to give what amounts to a taxpayer handout to Wall Street just in time for the holidays, said Durbin. By attaching odious provisions that undo important financial reforms, Speaker Boehner gave us all a preview of the special treatment Republicans plan to give their special interest friends next year.Instead of allowing these 11th hour riders to sink a funding bill that otherwise reflected months of bipartisan negotiations, I voted today in favor of the dozens of job-creating Illinois projects this bill will fund.From important research at our national laboratories to highway construction projects throughout our state, this bill keeps America's economic growth on track. The following projects, programs, and provisionslisted with the cities, towns or regions they primarily impactwill benefit Illinois: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Department of Transportation TIGER Grant Program, Statewide / Nationwide: $500 million in nationwide funding for the Transportation Infrastructure Grants and Economic Reinvestment (TIGER) grant program allows local communities to apply directly to the DOT for funding of nationally significant transportation projects. This program is especially helpful to communities engaged in multimodal projects that improve connections to different transportation networks. Several projects have been funded under the TIGER grant program in Illinois including: The Normal Multimodal Transportation Center, the Peoria Warehouse District, the CREATE project and the Tri-City Port in Mad… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/academic-spotlight-naperville-north-senior-wins-app-contest Academic Spotlight: Naperville North senior wins app contest 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Yasha Mostofi, a senior at Naperville North High School, was named the inaugural winner of the 11th Congressional District House App Challenge, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) academic competition. “I think it’s great that the House of Representatives is taking initiatives to promote STEM at the high school level,” said Mostofi, 17. “Furthermore, winning this contest, and participating in it, has helped me realize that computer science and programming are what I want to do in the future.” Established by members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the nationwide contest allows high school students from across the country to compete with other students who reside in their congressional district. The challenge: to create and exhibit their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Mostofi said he learned about the contest through Facebook, and was encouraged by his robotics mentor and computer science teacher at North, Geoffrey Schmit. His design, a scouting app, was not only the contest winner in the 11th Congressional District, but a helpful resource. “I wrote the scouting app for our FIRST robotics team,” Mostofi said. “The basic principle is that it allowed us to collect crucial data regarding other robots that we are competing against, so that when we are with or against them in a match, we can use the data we collected to create a strategy for that match.” Mostofi said the data included points scored, speed of robot, weight of robot, starting position of robot, and any failures that occurred during the match. Congressman Bill Foster paid a visit to Naperville North on Nov. 11 to personally congratulate him and present him with a certificate of excellence. In addition, his app will be featured on House.gov. “The House App Challenge was judged by three experts who scored each app on presentation, innovation, production quality, and coding and technical skills,” Foster said. “Yasha’s app not only showed off his programming ab… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-to-avoid-costly-shutdown-fund-the-government-for-2015 Foster Votes To Avoid Costly Shutdown, Fund The Government For 2015 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today Congressman Bill Foster voted for the FY 15 Omnibus Appropriations bill. “While there were some provisions in this package that I do not support, I voted for the final bill because we cannot continue to govern from crisis to crisis,” said Foster. “I am pleased that this bill preserves most essential funding for scientific research and development, increases funding to combat Ebola, increases funding for the National Institutes of Health, and preserves funding for Head Start and other essential programs.” The bill includes level funding for the DOE Office of Science at $5.071 billion, 2.7 billion for emergency funding related to the Ebola outbreak, $30.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and 8.6 billion for Head Start. “One provision which I strongly oppose is the change in campaign finance law that will drastically increase the contribution limit to national parties. This is a dangerous step which will only deepen the partisan divide causing gridlock in Washington,” added Foster.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-passes-foster-provision-to-save-argonne-millions House Passes Foster Provision To Save Argonne Millions 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today the House passed a provision, championed by Congressman Bill Foster, that would enable Argonne National Laboratory to save millions of dollars by finally removing on-site nuclear waste.  “This commonsense provision will save taxpayer dollars and allow Argonne to devote more funding to research and development,” said Foster. “Research done at Argonne, and all of our national labs, is critical to maintaining our innovative edge in the global economy.” Today the House passed the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which includes language that would enable Argonne to remove nuclear waste currently being housed on-site. Every year, Argonne spends approximately $3.8 million to maintain and house nuclear waste. The language championed by Foster would instruct the Department of Energy to provide additional funding to sites with small amounts of nuclear waste, like Argonne, to allow them to properly dispose of such waste.  Eliminating this waste would save Argonne $3.8 million every year, allowing them to better use the funds for other priorities, including research and staff. The legislation will now advance to the Senate for a vote.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-urges-colleagues-vote-against-spending-measure REP. GUTIRREZ URGES COLLEAGUES TO VOTE AGAINST SPENDING MEASURE 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy On GOP Approach to Border Security, Rep. Gutiérrez says: “It is an absurd and dangerous stunt.”   Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) called on his fellow Democrats to oppose the funding bill being considered in the House.  The so-called “CROmnibus” that combines a Continuing Resolution (CR) and Omnibus spending bill funds most of the government through September 30, 2015 but only funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 27, 2015.  Keeping DHS funding levels flat for now -- and ambiguous after February -- hampers the agency’s ability to plan, expand, or modernize its activities. Rep. Gutiérrez pointed to four specific reasons why he opposes the bill and is urging his colleagues to vote against it.  1) The Department of Homeland Security is funded at last year’s levels for two and a half months in order to symbolically and cynically stand against immigrants and the President’s executive actions on immigration; 2) CROmnibus cuts Pell Grants 3) It guts important Dodd-Frank financial reforms Rep. Gutiérrez fought for as a Member of the Financial Services Committee; and 4) It cuts multi-employer pension programs. On funding for Homeland Security, Rep. Gutiérrez said: “Republicans are willing to play political games with border security so they can say to the anti-immigration wing of their base that they are being tough on border security.  It is an absurd and dangerous stunt.  When the nation needs responsible leadership, Republicans are undermining homeland security.  They are having a tantrum because the President chose to take targeted actions that help the country by prioritizing the deportation of criminals and leaving American families alone.”  On cuts to Pell Grants, Rep. Gutiérrez said: “When the American economy needs new energy, new leaders, and new ideas, the Republicans want to make it harder for young Americans to attend college.  That is the definition of un-American in my book. And to cut Pell grants for strivers and young leaders while rewarding bankers by chan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=2b83b073-41e6-40c1-8a6d-3afa958d2cfb Restoring Confidence in the Criminal Justice System 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-deutch-continue-efforts-to-end-immigrant-detention-bed-mandate Foster, Deutch Continue Efforts To End Immigrant Detention Bed Mandate 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -- Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) continued efforts to end the costly and inhumane practice of imposing arbitrary immigrant detention requirements by introducing an amendment to strike the detention bed mandate in the FY 15 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The Foster-Deutch amendment would strike language in the appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to have at least 34,000 immigrants in detention at all times. “Mandatory detention comes at a high cost both for taxpayers and families who are torn apart,” said Foster. “Not only is this quota fiscally irresponsible, but it makes it impossible for DHS to make rational decisions about detention based on enforcement priorities and needs. It is time to end this costly and unjust practice.” “Arbitrary quotas that dictate how many people to keep in jail each day have no place in law enforcement,” said Congressman Deutch. “The detention bed mandate forces immigration enforcement officials to focus on filling beds in expensive private detention facilities at the expense of taxpayers and hardworking, decent families.” Immigration detention costs the United States $2 billion a year, which equates to $5.05 million a day, or $159 a day per detainee. ICE has continued to use detention as the primary method for immigrants facing deportation, despite other proven and less costly and more humane methods, like ankle bracelets and supervised release, that cost the federal government anywhere from 70 cents to $17 a day. Moreover, immigration detention is not used to jail immigrants for criminal offenses, but instead is used to detain immigrants with civil charges related to their immigration status. If an immigrant commits a crime, their crimes are prosecuted through the criminal court system and they serve time in jail for their offenses. This amendment would simply strike this language from the FY15 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which wastes taxpayer money and incentivize… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/statement-on-passage-of-government-funding-bill Statement on Passage of Government Funding Bill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement following House passage of H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, which funds the majority of the government through September 30, 2015 consistent with the Ryan-Murray budget agreement. Rep. Hultgren supported the legislation along with the entire Republican delegation of Illinois. “This legislation abides by the Ryan-Murray budget agreement. It lays the groundwork for the new Congress next year to use its full weight to hold the administration accountable and pursue our priorities on tax reform, energy, government transparency and many other areas,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am pleased this bill included provisions from my legislation which makes sure farmers and manufacturers have reliable and affordable access to the financial products they rely on to deal with uncertain events. This fix will help make sure they can purchase necessary products from people and institutions they have relationships with—the people they trust. “I was also glad to see this bill prioritizes the most promising scientific research in areas such as supercomputing to map the brain, and ground-breaking high energy physics carried out at Fermilab and other National Labs. Further, it scales back EPA regulations that are not supported by science, including those targeted at farm ponds and irrigation ditches, and it trims the agency’s budget for the fifth year in a row. “I have consistently opposed the President’s executive actions on immigration which reward and encourage unlawful entry at the expense of those who have patiently waited years in line to lawfully pursue the American Dream and citizenship. This bill addresses his executive overreach by only funding the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, through February. It is imperative the House and Senate act at the beginning of the new Congress to stop President Obama’s executive overreach. The Constitution is clear: it’s Congress who… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-no-for-fy2015-omnibus-appropriations-bill Rush Votes NO for FY2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bobby Rush R000515 rush.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted “NO” tonight on H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015. Rush expressed the following concerns regarding the FY15 Appropriations and Continuing Resolution: The bill funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), informally known as food stamps, at $81.8 billion, which is $332.4 million less than fiscal year 2014. The bill funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the largest discretionary program in the bill, at $6.62 billion, which is $92.8 million less than fiscal year 2014. While the Administration seeks to point out that the reduced SNAP and WIC funding is the result of less people receiving assistance because they are now unemployed and therefore no longer eligible for assistance, Rush is not satisfied that the savings resulting from less enrollees could not have been reallocated in total or in part to sufficiently cover the significantly higher costs of food in FY15 for eligible enrollees. The bill allows trustees of certain multiemployer pension plans to cut the benefits of retirees. Specifically, the legislation permits deep pension cuts to retirees in certain financially-troubled multiemployer plans. While retirees who are age 80 or over, or are receiving a disability pension, are not subject to benefit cuts, retirees ages 75–79 are subject to smaller cuts than retirees under age 75. Additionally, retirees who are harmed cannot challenge the trustees’ actions in court, even if those actions are arbitrary and capricious, or contrary to the interests of plan participants and there is no provision for automatic restoration of lost benefits if a plan’s funding status improves. The bill also includes a provision to repeal important taxpayer protections against reckless bank activity enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. The fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill totals $1.014 trillion in discretionary spending. The bill funds the U… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/shimkus-supports-fy2015-spending-bill Shimkus Supports FY2015 Spending Bill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL John Shimkus S000364 shimkus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R-Illinois-15) today voted to fund most federal government operations through the end of the fiscal year in September 2015. The bipartisan spending agreement includes a number of conservative priorities and better positions the Republican-controlled 114th Congress to confront President Obama’s executive actions on immigration early next year. “This spending agreement builds on a five year streak of budget reductions that have cut the deficit by $165 billion since 2010,” said Shimkus. “To put that into perspective, if Congress can keep these cuts in place, taxpayers will save $2.13 trillion over the next decade. That’s on top of the cuts we’ll have more leverage to make in the next Congress.” Specific cuts in the FY15 appropriations bill include a $345 million cut to the Internal Revenue Service, bringing total IRS funding down to below 2008 levels; a $60 million cut to the Environmental Protection Agency, bringing total EPA funding down $2.2 billion, or 21 percent, since 2010; and a $10 million cut to Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), whose decisions could restrict access to needed care for patients on Medicare. The bill also maintains the ban on federal funding for most abortions and directs the Administration to provide better information about which Obamacare plans provide abortion services. “Despite all the conservative priorities included in this bill,” Shimkus continued, “I recognize that many are frustrated that it doesn’t immediately defund President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. I share those frustrations because I too oppose amnesty, but I would not have voted for this bill today if I didn’t truly believe it gives us the upper hand in the immigration debate come January.” “The reality,” concluded Shimkus, “is that a fully Republican-controlled Congress will be in a much better position to confront the President’s immigration actions next year through stand-alone legislation as well as through appropriations for the Department of Hom… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/foster-kinzinger-amendment-to-save-money-for-taxpayers-in-will-county Foster-Kinzinger Amendment to save Money for Taxpayers in Will County 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015 in the House of Representatives. The bill included a provision crafted by Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Foster, which allows Will County to continue using the Prairie View Landfill through 2041. Located south of Joliet and operated by Waste Management, the Prairie View Landfill accepts waste from Will County homes and businesses as well as debris from the Army’s remediation activities at the Joliet Arsenal. “I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation with our amendment intact and thankful to Congressman Kinzinger and Members of the Armed Services Committee for working with us on this issue,” said Foster. “This will save taxpayers in Will County from having to pay for a new landfill site for 15 additional years and help keep garbage removal fees low.” “This is a great example of what can happen when both sides of the aisle come together to help our constituents,” said Kinzinger. “I’m proud of this legislation that saves money and takes advantage of the resources we already have.” In 1996, President Clinton signed a law that decommissioned the Joliet Arsenal, allowing much of that land to be repurposed for local use. In 1999, Congress enacted a law that put limits on how long a specific parcel of land that had been transferred from the Joliet Arsenal site could be used as a landfill. Because of advances in waste management practices and increased recycling rates in Will County, the landfill is not filling up as quickly as projected. “When Will County Executive Larry Walsh brought this to my attention, I knew there must be something Adam and I could do about it,” said Foster. The National Defense Authorization Act governs defense programs for Fiscal Year 2015. Before it becomes law, it still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-highlights-efforts-of-aurora-faa-workers-on-house-floor Foster Highlights Efforts Of Aurora FAA Workers On House Floor 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the House floor about the efforts of workers to restore service at the Chicago Air-Route-Traffic Control Center in Aurora after the facility was disabled in an act of sabotage. Video of Foster’s speech is available here. Text of Foster’s remarks is below: Thank you Mr. Speaker. It is far too common for Members of Congress to come to the floor of this chamber to weave their narrative of incompetent federal bureaucracies, lazy and unresponsive members of the unionized federal work force, and greedy and irresponsible federal contractors. I rise today to tell a very different story. On September 26, 2014, commercial flights in nearly every airport around this country were delayed or cancelled after the Chicago Air-Route-Traffic Control Center, also known as “Chicago-Center,” in Aurora, Illinois was disabled in an act of sabotage by a disturbed individual. A fire destroyed the communications equipment that processes flight plan data and enables air traffic controllers at the facility to communicate with pilots in the 91,000 square miles of airspace for which they are responsible. This could have led to a tragic loss of life. However, due to the efforts of controllers at Chicago-Center and adjacent air traffic control facilities, all planes in the air when Chicago-Center lost communications were landed safely. Nearly 200 of the controllers at Chicago-Center then traveled to twelve air traffic control towers and terminal radar approach controls throughout the Midwest to help direct air traffic. At the same time, technicians, mechanics, and electricians were working around the clock to replace the damaged equipment and restore the Chicago-Center facilities. In total, they replaced 10 miles of cable, dozens of racks of computers and 835 communications circuits to restore the Center’s voice communications, radar, flight planning and weather capabilities. As a scientist who has installed giant experiments and accelerators on tight time scales, I respect wha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-increase-internet-access-for-low-income Foster Introduces Legislation To Increase Internet Access For Low Income Students 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC—Today, Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act. This legislation would help low-income children compete at a high level with their peers by providing internet access for students living in poverty. Text of the legislation is available here. “In today’s economy, access to the Internet is essential to success. Unfortunately, for many students living in poverty, it’s a luxury that they have limited or no access to,” said Foster. “I’ve introduced this legislation to close the digital divide and ensure that students living in poverty have the tools they need to compete with their peers and work towards a brighter future.” Internet access is expensive, especially for low-income families. Additionally, while students may have access to the Internet in their schools or public libraries, there may be a time limit for usage, if there is a computer available at all.  Students may also have difficulty obtaining transportation home even if their school does provide lab time after school. High school students whose work involves long research projects often need additional time to complete their assignments. A lack of broadband access also makes it difficult for young people to obtain jobs and internships where they can learn the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Presently, families who live in public housing receive assistance for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Broadband Internet access is not included in permitted utilities. This legislation would provide families with students that qualify for free or reduced lunch who live in public housing with broadband Internet access. Families would be required to use the broadband provider in their area at the lowest possible rate. They would also pay for the installation. Neither cable nor satellite television would be covered.  Finally, a protective filter would be included with the service that an adult in the household could regulate.     ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/chicago-challenges-other-cities-register-more-immigration-action Chicago challenges other cities to register more for Immigration Action 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy Chicago challenges other cities to register more for Immigration Action Rep. Luis Gutierrez speech on the House Floor December 10, 2014 As the New York Times said in an editorial last week, there is an immigration crisis looming next year, but it has nothing to do with the border. Rather, it is the huge effort that will be needed to fulfill the President’s executive actions and to get millions of American families out of harm’s way by protecting them from deportation and destruction. Sure, we are celebrating the series of executive actions taken by the President, but we are also rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.  So, I want to talk just a little bit about what we are doing in the City of Chicago and what I am hoping my colleagues here in Congress and my colleagues across the country in community-based organizations, the legal community, and in immigrant and Latino neighborhoods in every state – will help with – getting people ready to sign-up when the window to submit applications opens and the Government’s review of cases begins. This coming Saturday, the 13th at 9:30 in the morning, I will be at the Rebaño Church on the North Side of Chicago and more than 500 people have pre-registered for an orientation.  We will go over what the President’s announcements mean for individual immigrants and their families.  Then, those who have pre-registered will have an opportunity for a one-on-one preliminary evaluation of their eligibility  from people we are calling “family defenders.” We are already scheduling follow-up events this month and into the New Year – we will be ready to accommodate the huge demand for accurate and trustworthy information.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been my consistent, outstanding partner in the effort and we are both committed to making Chicago the model for the rest of the country.  And the advocates, the legal community, the business community, and the public sector are all working together to make that a reality. That’s right, New York!  Listen up, Los Angeles! Get ready Miami, Hous… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-praises-overwhelmingly-bipartisan-passage-of-terrorism-insurance Hultgren Praises Overwhelmingly Bipartisan Passage of Terrorism Insurance Reauthorization 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today praised House passage (417-7) of S. 2244, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), a bill which reauthorizes this key program for six years. Previously, Rep. Hultgren gave a keynote speech at National Journal’s “TRIA Triage” regional policy summit, held at Soldier Field in Chicago, and supported reauthorization in a New York Post op-ed. Rep. Hultgren spoke on the House floor today in favor of the bill’s passage. (Click picture to watch video) Following are Rep. Hultgren’s prepared remarks: Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the TRIA Amendment to Senate Bill 2244 and overall reauthorization, and I’d like to commend Chairman Hensarling and his staff for their hard work throughout this process. TRIA’s reauthorization is not a Wall Street or a big business issue, it’s a conservative issue, and Illinois and American jobs and prosperity are at stake. If TRIA is not authorized, Illinois’ small insurers may be subject to costly ratings downgrades, or have to exit certain insurance markets altogether—leaving customers in the lurch. In the event of an attack, potential targets like Soldier Field or Chicago skyscrapers would be left without protection from massive economic losses. TRIA protects the taxpayers because it sets the terms of how our country will cover losses before, instead of after, a terrorist attack. The Rand Institute has estimated that it protects our taxpayers by as much as $7 billion. TRIA also ensures the continued viability of long-term construction projects. One estimate found that for the first 14 months after the 9/11 attacks, “$15.5 billion of real estate projects in 17 states were stalled or cancelled because of a continuing scarcity of terrorism insurance.” So, this backstop either costs very little if it’s never used, or it saves taxpayers money if it is. Each program deserves continuous oversight and periodic review, and TRIA is no different. I commend Chairman Hensarling for his commitment to examine the program. I believe that this … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-statement-on-passing-of-judy-baar-topinka Hultgren Statement on Passing of Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement on the passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka: “Judy Baar Topinka was a towering figure in Illinois politics during her many years of service, and I was always impressed by her ability to build relationships across the aisle and get the job done. She leaves a lasting legacy of positive change in Illinois,” said Rep. Hultgren. “She helped lead our state through tumultuous times and her leadership will be greatly missed. Christy and I express our deepest sympathies to her son, Joe, her family and her many friends throughout Illinois.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-marks-second-anniversary-of-newtown-shootings Congresswoman Robin Kelly Marks Second Anniversary of Newtown Shootings 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Robin Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov     legacy U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) today urged Congress to honor the memories of the victims of the Newtown school shootings and gun violence nationwide by passing common sense gun reform. Standing with families from Chicago at a press conference marking the second anniversary of the Newtown, CT shootings, Kelly said that no matter where you live gun violence affects us all. “No community is immune to gun violence. Gun violence isn’t an urban issue, it’s an American public health epidemic,” Kelly said. “That’s why I linked my Chicago families of victims of gun violence with Newtown families to work together on gun reform. Ending this epidemic requires all of us coming together to stop the bloodshed.” Kelly added that while she is proud of the work of the Chicago and Newtown families in promoting gun reform, they need help from Congress. She urged her colleagues to address gun reform next year.   “America can strike the right balance between protecting the Second Amendment and promoting public safety by keeping guns out of the wrong hands. And we must strike this balance. American lives hang in this balance,” Kelly said. “It’s time that Congress put saving American lives at the top of the national agenda by passing common sense gun legislation to make our country safer from gun violence.” Earlier this year, Kelly released the 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation’s gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis. The Kelly Report brought together members of Congress, academics and gun reform advocates to examine the root causes and impact of gun violence in America and provide a comprehensive set of legislative and policy recommendations to stop it. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rush.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/statement-of-congressman-bobby-l-rush-on-the-passing-of-illinois Statement of Congressman Bobby L. Rush on the Passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bobby Rush R000515 rush.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement regarding the death of Illinois Comptroller, The Honorable Judy Baar Topinka: “Today is a sad day for Illinois and all those who had the privilege to know Judy. From her service in the General Assembly, her role as Illinois’ first female Treasurer and ultimately her service as Illinois Comptroller, Judy was a fierce and dedicated public servant who always put the interests of Illinois and Illinoisans before her own. “This loss is personal for me and my family as well. We were proud to call Judy a friend and, in my wife Carolyn’s case, boss. “My thoughts and prayers are with Judy’s son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra and all of her family, friends and devoted staff.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-the-death-of-comptroller-judy-baar-topinka Shimkus Statement on the Death of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL John Shimkus S000364 shimkus.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Congressman John Shimkus (R-Illinois-15) released the following statement on the unexpected passing of his friend, Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka: “I was shocked and saddened this morning when I heard my friend Judy passed away. Judy is a legend in Illinois, where her charismatic personality and good nature endeared her to both sides of the aisle. Her decades of service to our state shattered a glass ceiling for women in politics and leave behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to the communities she served. My thoughts and prayers go out to Judy’s family, friends and staff during this difficult time.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399070 Kinzinger Mourns Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Adam Kinzinger K000378 kinzinger.house.gov     legacy Kinzinger Mourns Judy Baar Topinka f t # e Washington, December 10, 2014 Congressman Adam Kinzinger issued the following statement after learning about the sudden death of Illinois state comptroller Judy Baar Topinka:. share: f t Washington, DC- Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) issued the following statement after learning about the sudden death of Illinois state comptroller Judy Baar Topinka: Judy was an amazing public servant and friend - she will be deeply missed, said Kinzinger. In a business where political expediency is the norm, Judy always stuck to her guns and did what she thought was right. She was a great example to so many people for so many years, and Illinois simply won't be the same without her. Topinka was a public servant in the state of Illinois for over 30 years, serving in the Illinois House of Representatives, Senate, and as the Illinois Treasurer and Comptroller. She passed away early Wednesday, December 10 after complications from a stroke. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2444 Rep. Lipinski Issues Statement on the Passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Daniel Lipinski L000563 lipinski.house.gov     legacy Official statement from Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) on the death this morning of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, the first woman in Illinois to serve in two state constitutional offices:  “I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Judy Baar Topinka.  She was a great public servant with unlimited fight in her, not only for issues, but for people she believed in.  Judy knew how to get things done and was willing to do what it takes to get them done.  She was one-of-a-kind and will be dearly missed.  My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, of whom she had many.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-the-passing-of-judy-baar-topinka Quigley Statement on the Passing of Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy CHICAGO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement upon hearing the news of the passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka: Illinois has lost one of its most colorful and dedicated elected leaders. Judy Baar Topinka left everyone she met laughing, her signature sense of humor preceding her. I look back on the times I shared with her, like reading books to children at a Lakeview library and walking together in the Chicago Pride Parade, with fondness and will treasure those memories for a lifetime. Her inclusivity and devotion to her community is inspirational, for she was a force of nature and left her mark on the state she called home her entire life. Her dedication to Illinois' LGBT community, bipartisan efforts and overall leadership for Illinois will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with her son, Joseph, and her many friends. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-alan-jdixon-legacy-to-be-honored-at-scott-air-force-base Durbin: Alan J.Dixon Legacy To Be Honored At Scott Air Force Base 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.14 Durbin: Alan J.Dixon Legacy To Be Honored At Scott Air Force Base [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations Bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives includes a provision to honor the legacy and public service achievements of former U.S. Senator from Illinois Alan J. Dixon by directing the Secretary of the Air Force to designate a facility located on Scott Air Force Base in his honor. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Durbin originally inserted the provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill which was included in the bill that was introduced yesterday. Scott Air Force Base was always one of Alan Dixon's highest priorities both as a United States Senator and member of the Base Closing Commission, Durbin said. It is fitting that Senator Dixon will be honored for his work on behalf of Scott. Shortly after Dixon passed away in July at the age of 86, Durbin paid tribute to his life and legacy on the United States Senate floor. Additionally, the United States Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Durbin and Mark Kirk (R-IL) honoring Dixon. A copy of the resolution is available here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-congress-agrees-to-fund-great-lakes-restoration-initiative-at-300-million- Durbin: Congress Agrees To Fund Great Lakes Restoration Initiative At $300 Million 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.14 Durbin: Congress Agrees To Fund Great Lakes Restoration Initiative At $300 Million Funding included in Omnibus Appropriations bill agreement that now goes to the House and Senate for a vote [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the inclusion of $300 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015 will support ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes including: combating invasive species, particularly Asian Carp; reducing and removing pollution, waste run-off and toxic chemicals; and restoring wetlands and other lakefront assets. The bill, which was filed in the House last night, must now be voted on by both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama. In Illinois, we treasure Lake Michigan from the drinking water it provides to millions of people, to the commerce and tourism it brings to the Chicago area, said Durbin. The federal government, through programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, invested millions of dollars to clean up decade's worth of industrial pollution dumped into the harbor. This summer I celebrated a moment that was decades in the making: the end of the Waukegan Harbor cleanup. Today's bill will provide adequate funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to take on new projects and continue their work protecting the lakes for generations to come. Initially funded with a $475 million appropriation in Fiscal Year 2010, the GLRI received $300 million in both Fiscal Years 2011, 2012 and 2014. Sequestration cut funding for the GLRI to $285 million in Fiscal Year 2013. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Durbin has consistently worked to fully fund the GLRI. The GLRI, an inter-agency effort led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was created in 2009 to support ecological projects in the region. It has invested more than $70… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-passing-of-comptroller-judy-baar-topinka Durbin Statement On The Passing Of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after learning of the death of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. The Illinois political scene lost its Polka Queen last night and I lost a friend. Judy Barr Topinka was one of a kind, said Durbin. In a political world of cocker spaniels she could be a bulldog taking a bite out of both Democrats and right-wing Republicans without missing a beat. She was a blue-collar, immigrants' kid who lit up the room with her quick wit and boundless energy. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=b8e039fc-3624-45cd-b25e-b9ed50e285d7 Dr. Paul Farmer 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/local-agency-outlines-how-policy-of-administration-relief-can-help Local agency outlines how policy of Administration Relief can help immigrants 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy The news regarding President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration reform sent a whirlwind of emotions and charges across the states, but also left questions on what the move really means for undocumented immigrants. Organizers of the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project set up informational meetings days after the announcement, hoping to quell any misinformation. Executive Director Jose Vera and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, during the initial viewing of President Obama’s announcement, warned individuals to seek out qualified agencies or licensed attorneys for information, and advised individuals to learn the facts before taking any action as a means to protect themselves. The group wants to guide undocumented immigrants on how to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous immigration consultants, who will take every opportunity for financial gain. The SSIP held an informational meeting Dec. 3 in Bolingbrook to inform the immigrant community about President Obama’s administrative relief to undocumented immigrants. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Truth Foundation Ministries, a church with many Ghanaian immigrants, in Romeoville. Vera explained that administrative relief is based on prosecutorial discretion—the power to make decisions about an immigrant’s ability to remain in the U.S. without congressional action. “Administrative relief is not a law, but is administrative policy that can be changed or terminated at any time and it does not provide lawful immigration status,” explained Vera, hoping to clarify some information out in the public. “It is not a pathway to legal permanent residency or citizenship. Administrative relief, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can defer deportation (removal) for several years (with possibility of renewal). However, it can grant work authorization, and it can lead to a valid Social Security number.” One of the main points emphasized is that there is no application yet. The government will not start accepting applications until Fe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-testifies-senate-subcommittee-civil-and-human-rights REP. GUTIRREZ TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy “Too many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit…and… potentially dangerous when the profiler has a badge and a gun,” said Rep. Gutiérrez   Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.  The hearing, “The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States (link to streaming video),” also included testimony from Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota on the panel with Rep. Gutiérrez.  A second panel included Dr. Cedric Alexander, President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and Public Safety Director of DeKalb County, Georgia; Wade Henderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; and Laura Murphy, Director of Washington Legislative Office of the ACLU. In Rep. Gutiérrez’ testimony, he discussed racial profiling and the “vicious cycle” that has played out on a national stage where people, especially young people of color, are killed by the police, but the judicial system does not appear to respond adequately.  He said, “Too many have faced profiling, subtle and explicit, annoying, and yes, potentially dangerous when the profiler has a badge and a gun.” The Congressman also commented on newly released Department of Justice guidelines on racial profiling saying “I am disappointed they did not close significant loopholes, especially as they pertain to the Department of Homeland Security… also perplexed and disheartened that the new guidance applies only to federal agents, but exempts local, county, and state law enforcement.” The Congressman’s complete testimony as prepared for delivery follows. Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/testimony-senate-judiciary-committee%E2%80%99s-subcommittee-constitution-civil-rights-and-human-rights Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights “The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States" December 9, 2014 Thank you, Chairman Durbin, for inviting me to testify at this hearing regarding the current state of civil and human rights in the United States, and thank you for advocating for justice and equality.  I have always valued your advice and counsel.  Your leadership on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of this Subcommittee has contributed greatly to our nation and to protecting the civil rights of all of us.  Before I begin, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.  I think we can all agree that the loss of life is a grave tragedy.  As a parent, I especially want to say to the parents, that I am so sorry for your loss. In the wake of the grand jury decisions to not indict the officers involved in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, communities throughout the country have taken to the streets to protest.  Many are deeply dissatisfied with the decisions not to prosecute the police officers in Ferguson and Staten Island and transparently examine their actions and the circumstances that lead to the deaths of two unarmed black men.  The protests also expose an equally disturbing issue—that the killings of Brown and Garner are not isolated incidents. I believe the visceral reaction around the country is because these cases represent the countless young men who are treated unjustly by the police and many question their ability to receive justice through the courts.  These deaths exposed gaps in our criminal justice system, in particular, the grand jury process and the inherent conflict in bringing charges against law enforcement.  Clearly we have more work to do to build trust between communities and law enforcement and our system of justice.  African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system overall.  Racial profiling,… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-and-house-colleagues-send-letter-to-secretary-castro-regarding Quigley and House Colleagues Send Letter to Secretary Castro Regarding the Moving to Work Program 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy CHICAGO Today, Rep. Mike Quigley, joined by Reps. Luis Gutirrez, Bobby Rush, John Yarmuth, Jan Schakowsky and Robin Kelly, sent a letter to HUD Secretary Julian Castro asking for a more open and transparent process in drafting the next Moving to Work (MTW) contract. MTW incentivizes local housing authorities to implement innovative strategies to increase housing choices for low-income families and help residents find employment opportunities that will allow them to move out of public housing. The Chicago Housing Authority and dozens of other public housing authorities currently have MTW contracts. Many residents, public housing advocates, and outside experts have raised concerns about current MTW contracts and proposed changes. Among those issues is the more flexible use of MTW funds, which allows housing authorities to move funds meant to expand public housing options into other accounts that do not directly support housing. The Representatives want to make sure advocates and residents, who have requested a meeting to discuss and weigh in on the parameters of the next round of MTW contracts, are fully engaged in the process. As you undertake the assessment of MTW and prepare to draft language for possible extension of contracts, we urge HUD to take immediate action to create an open, inclusive, and transparent process, wrote the members. We hope that can begin with an initial discussion with advocates to solicit their views and recommendations, so that their experiences and expertise can be included in the process. We also urge you to ensure that there is adequate opportunity for public comment and discussion throughout the process in order to allow input from resident and community advocates on the conditions for MTW extensions and the terms of the Agreements. The full text of the letter is below. Dear Secretary Castro: We are eager to work closely with you to make sure that we do everything possible to provide every American with access to safe, affordable housing. In keeping with that goal, we are writing to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-honor-lane-evans-by-renaming-galesburg-va-clinic-heads-to-president-obama Bill To Honor Lane Evans By Renaming Galesburg VA Clinic Heads To President Obama 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Bill To Honor Lane Evans By Renaming Galesburg VA Clinic Heads To President Obama New Legislation Would Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois? 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed their bill to rename the veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The legislation was passed by the Senate last week and is now headed to President Obama to be signed into law. Evans who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63. From the beginning, Lane Evans was a special friends to veterans not just in his district or in Illinois, but across the United States, said Durbin. By the end of his Congressional career, he had made a name for himself as their strongest champion. Naming the VA Clinic in Galesburg after Lane Evans name is the right thing to do. It will remind every veteran passing through the doorway that Lane Evans had them in his heart, and in his mind, every minute that he was in public service. For more than two decades, Lane Evans dedicated his life to improving care for veterans across Illinois, said Kirk. Renaming this Galesburg clinic in his honor will serve as a reminder to us all that we must continue to care for our servicemen and women in the best ways possible. The dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-bustos-omnibus-approriations-bill-and-national-defense-authorization-act-invest-in-the-future-of-rock-island-arsenal Durbin, Bustos: Omnibus Approriations Bill & National Defense Authorization Act Invest In The Future Of Rock Island Arsenal 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Durbin, Bustos: Omnibus Approriations Bill & National Defense Authorization Act Invest In The Future Of Rock Island Arsenal [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 which was introduced in the House of Representatives today and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which was passed by the House last week include multiple provisions that will help solidify the future of Rock Island Arsenal and ensure its long-term health. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill must now be voted on by both chambers of Congress and the NDAA must be passed by the Senate before each bill can be signed into law by President Obama. The provisions included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act will help provide the kind of thoughtful, engaged approach we need to ensure the long-term health of the Rock Island Arsenal, Durbin said. Time and again, the Arsenal has been there for state, our country, and our men and women in uniform. My colleague in the House of Representatives, Cheri Bustos, and I are committed to making sure that remains the case. The Rock Island Arsenal and its workers not only manufacture equipment that arms and protects our troops, but it is also the engine that drives our region's economy, Bustos said. This critical investment will bolster the Arsenal's competitiveness and help guarantee a steady workload for years to come. I'll continue to partner with Senator Durbin and leaders in our bi-state region to ensure the Arsenal and our local economy remain strong in peacetime as well as wartime. Improving Rock Island Arsenal's Competitiveness: The Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 includes $225 million in funding for Industrial Mobilization Capacity (IMC) to help arsenals keep their work rates competitive. This funding helps Rock Island Arsenal and other arsenals compete more effectively for public-private par… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-davis-bipartisan-legislation-to-honor-james-r-burgess-jr-heads-to-the-presidents-desk Durbin, Kirk, Davis: Bipartisan Legislation To Honor James R. Burgess, Jr. Heads To The President's Desk 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Durbin, Kirk, Davis: Bipartisan Legislation To Honor James R. Burgess, Jr. Heads To The President's Desk [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) today celebrated Congressional approval of their bipartisan legislation to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 302 East Green Street in Champaign, as the James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building. The bill which was passed by the Senate unanimously last night now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Naming a post office in Champaign is a fitting tribute to Mr. Burgess' distinguished record of service, both as part of our nation's military overseas and right here in Central Illinois, Durbin said. I am proud to join my colleagues in completing the effort undertaken by Mr. Burgess' late son, Steve, and family to honor this longtime public servant and trailblazing Illinoisan. James Burgess made history as a leader of the first African-American armored battalion in WWII, and he served our country and the people of Illinois as Champaign County State's Attorney and as a U.S. Attorney, Senator Kirk said. The renamed post office in Champaign will recognize his contributions to central Illinois and honor his life and commitment to public service. Since Mr. Burgess' passing in 1997, constituents in my district and especially his son, Steve, have been looking for a way to commemorate the achievements of his life, said Davis, the chief sponsor of the House bill. When I was first elected two years ago, Steve approached me, seeking my help to honor the life and legacy of his father. It's taken a lot of time and work and while I'm proud that this bill is headed to the president's desk, I have a heavy heart. More than one year ago, Steve Burgess passed away suddenly. Steve worked tirelessly over the years to get this project to the finish line, and it's heartbreaking that he won't be able to see it through to completion. Naming this building after Mr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-release-of-senate-intelligence-committee-report-on-cia-interrogation-practices Durbin Statement On Release Of Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Durbin Statement On Release Of Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)released the following statement on the report by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence detailing the Central Intelligence Agency's interrogation practices following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: In a democracy, where the people govern, this kind of honest report must not be concealed. The interrogation practices detailed in this report are troubling. That our own intelligence agencies refused to disclose the truth even to the highest levels of government is equally disturbing. The report makes it clear that the CIA misled and impeded critical oversight by Congress and even the President of the United States. Moreover, these often brutal interrogation techniques were ineffective and counter-productive. A program claiming to make Americans safer did the opposite, placing more American lives in danger and rallying our enemies. For the safety of our troops and overseas personnel, and for the sake of the rule of law that underpins our Constitution, I hope the release of this historic report will lead to reform consistent with our most basic American values. Durbin is the Chairman of the Senate's Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the CIA and the intelligence community, and Chairman of the Senate's Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights Subcommittee. For more than a decade, Durbin has been highly critical of the CIA's use of abusive interrogation techniques. Ten years ago, Durbin authored the first legislation to prohibit cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of detainees.Durbin's amendment was adopted by Senator John McCain, which subsequently was enacted as the McCain Torture Amendment. Under questioning from Senator Durbin in January 2005, Alberto Gonzales was the first Bush Administration official to publicly acknowledge the Bush Administration's position that the Torture Convention's bar on cruel… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-we-have-more-work-to-do Durbin: "We Have More Work To Do" 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Durbin: "We Have More Work To Do" Senator chairs hearing examining the state of civil rights in America; says Congress can?t let up on push for bipartisan reform legislation [WASHINGTON, D.C.] During his final hearing as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said that, though we have come a long way, there is still a problem with racism in America and we have more work to do. Today's hearing - entitled The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States - examined the status of key civil and human rights issues, including criminal justice reform, voting rights, and police-community relations. As Chairman, Durbin has made an effort to understand the human impact of the issues the Subcommittee debates by hearing directly from the people who are most affected. A video highlighting their testimony can be found at this link. Over the last four years, I have tried to give a platform to voices that are not often heard in the halls of Congress and force this Subcommittee to examine what more needs to be done to protect civil and human rights in our country, said Durbin. Our responsibility in Congress is to focus on legislation, not lamentation. We have taken, and must continue to take, the words of our witnesses and translate them into action. Following enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. Racial disparities persist at many stages of the criminal justice system. Many states have enacted voting laws making it harder for minority and other voters to cast their ballots. And this year's events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued need to reevaluate and refor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durrbin-bustos-continued-funding-for-prison-activation-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill-is-more-good-news-for-jobs-economic-development-in-northern-illinois Durrbin, Bustos: Continued Funding For Prison Activation In Omnibus Appropriations Bill is More Good News For Jobs, Economic Development in Northern Illinois 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Durrbin, Bustos: Continued Funding For Prison Activation In Omnibus Appropriations Bill is More Good News For Jobs, Economic Development in Northern Illinois [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) today announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which was introduced in the House today, includes continued funding for the activation of the Thomson correctional facility in Thomson, Illinois. The bill must now be voted on in both chambers and signed into law by President Obama. Though today's bill does not detail how this funding will be spent, Durbin and Bustos expressed confidence that the funding for the Thomson facility's activation remains a top priority for the Obama Administration. In June, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Durbin is a member, approved $58.7 million in funding to continue the activation of Thomson Prison, indicating strong Congressional support for the prison. The Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill which was passed on a bipartisan vote included $43.7 million for equipment and staffing as well as $15 million in funding for modernizations and repairs at the prison in Thomson, Illinois. A warden has been appointed and hiring has finally begun at Thomson prison. It looks like the long-awaited activation of this prison will finally become a reality. Today's spending bill, expected to be voted on later this week, is further proof of both Congress and the Administration's commitment to opening Thomson Prison as soon as possible, Durbin said. This is another significant investment in the economic future of Northern Illinois that will create good-paying jobs and help relieve overcrowding in our prison system. We have made real progress in moving this project forward, I will continue working with Representative Bustos and the entire Illinois Delegation to see it through to the finish. The opening of Thomson prison will be an economic boon for our regi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summary-defense-portion-of-fy15-omnibus Summary: Defense Portion of FY15 Omnibus 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.14 Summary: Defense Portion of FY15 Omnibus [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The Defense portion of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Omnibus, or Cromnibus in some circles) provides $554.2 billion in base and overseas contingency operation funding, compared to $572 billion enacted in fiscal year 2014 and $554.3 billion in the President's budget request. The base budget appropriation is $490.2 billion with $64 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) of the Departments of Defense and State, compared to $85.2 billion for DoD OCO enacted in 2014. The bill also contains $112 million in emergency funds to respond to the Ebola crisis. In compliance with the earmark moratorium, the bill contains no congressionally directed spending items. The Defense portion of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 emphasizes the following priorities: (1) Supporting our Troops, Veterans, and their Families (2) Investing in Innovation to Maintain our Technological Edge (3) Restoring Readiness and Supporting High Priority Programs (4) Instituting Reforms Supporting our Troops, Veterans and their Families The three million active duty, reserve, and civilian employees are the Department of Defense's most valuable resource. The bill protects investments in, and makes targeted increases for, the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense. Major initiatives include: Funding the 1% pay raise for military and civilian personnel, as requested by the Department and authorized by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Provides $88 million for 1% out-of-pocket costs for the Basic Allowance for Housing. Providing an additional $25 million for continuation and expansion of the Special Victims' Counsel Program to provide victims of sexual assault with legal assistance and support. Congress is committed to addressing this epidemic in the military. With this additional funding, sexual assault prevention funding w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b0309cea-2498-4413-948a-7bb669b33849 Durbin: "We Have More Work To Do" 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=15a50e7c-ae62-4f6d-ad97-eb7fe8efab96 Sen. Cory Booker's (D-NJ) Testimony at the State of Civil and Human Rights Hearing 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=698a626b-1f2a-418e-b720-e12868978f90 U.S. Rep Kieth Ellison Testimony at the State of Civil and Human Rights Hearing 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=a7901d57-341e-4999-b684-73cc6d46b9e3 Perspectives on the State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/pyke-do-tax-breaks-encourage-driving-over-transit Pyke: Do tax breaks encourage driving over transit? 2014-12-08 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Winter 2015. Commuter A nips out of her garage in the suburbs, turns onto I-88 and then crawls along the tollway and the Eisenhower Expressway, eventually arriving at work in the Loop where parking costs about $290 a month. Commuter B drives to her local Metra station, parks, then hops on the UP West Line into Chicago. Her monthly pass and local parking is about $245. Conventional wisdom holds that Commuter B is doing the right thing taking public transit, reducing pollution and traffic. But while Commuter B gets a $130 tax credit toward her fare, Commuter A, who drives to work, receives a $250 credit for parking costs. Given that gas prices are low and Metra fares will rise in 2015, that's a recipe for increased cars and gridlock, some local congressmen think. "You don't want different incentives for driving versus taking mass transit," said congressman Bill Foster, a Naperville Democrat. "It clearly is a problem if you're discouraging people to take public transportation and encouraging them to drive," Democratic congressman Dan Lipinski of Western Springs said. And, if you thought this was just an issue for Democrats, Republican congressman Randy Hultgren of Winfield, whose district includes thousands of Metra and Pace commuters, said, "it doesn't make sense (giving) half the benefit to people taking the train." In 2013, tax credits for the two modes of travel were at par but congressional dysfunction cut the transit credit in half, lawmakers said. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to extend a package of tax breaks. In an only-those-inside-the-Beltway-can-understand maneuver, lawmakers retroactively increased the transit benefit to $245. But for 2015, amounts still remain at $130 and $250. "It's a mess," Lipinski said. Next year, Foster plans to reintroduce a bill seeking to make the transit tax benefit permanent, indexed to inflation and equal to the parking credit. Hultgren intends to "do a better job of explaining this," he said. "It may not sound like a lot of money, but it impacts families." I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=2438 Rep. Lipinski's Bill Renaming Mount Greenwood Post Office for Fallen Firefighter Capt. Herbie Johnson Clears Congress, Sent to President 2014-12-08 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Daniel Lipinski L000563 lipinski.house.gov     legacy The Senate has passed Congressman Dan Lipinski’s (IL-3) bill renaming Chicago’s Mount Greenwood Post Office as the Captain Herbert Johnson Memorial Post Office Building.  Captain Herbert “Herbie” Johnson died on November 2, 2012, at the age of 54, while battling flames in the attic of a two-story home on Chicago’s South Side.  The bill passed the House earlier this year and now awaits the President’s signature.  This morning, Rep. Lipinski was joined by members of Herbie Johnson’s family, local firefighters, and Ald. Matt O’Shea at the Mount Greenwood Post Office, located at 3349 West 111th Street, to celebrate passage of the bill.  “Captain Johnson heroically served area residents for over 32 years, paying the ultimate price while protecting his city’s residents,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “While his duties took him to almost every part of Chicago, his heart belonged to the Southwest Side, especially to the close-knit community of Mount Greenwood.  Herbie’s wife of 28 years, Susan, his two sons, Thomas and Michael, and his daughter, Laurie, as well as all of Herbie’s family, continue to be in my prayers and the prayers of so many other people in the surrounding area who knew him well, not only as a courageous and dedicated public servant, but also as an outgoing and caring neighbor and friend.” Captain Johnson learned public service from his family.  Three of his brothers are Chicago police officers, a sister is a retired Chicago police officer, and another brother is a Chicago firefighter. Over the years, Johnson taught over one thousand recruits as an instructor at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy, and is fondly remembered by those he taught.  After the terrorist attacks on 9-11, he volunteered with the rescue efforts in New York City.  In 2007, he received the state’s highest award for firefighters, the Illinois Medal of Honor, for rescuing several children from a burning apartment. “Naming a postal facility honoring Captain Johnson is not just a tribute to him and his family, but all first res… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-witnesses-for-hearing-on-state-of-civil-and-human-rights-in-the-united-states Durbin Announces Witnesses For Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States 2014-12-08 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.08.14 Durbin Announces Witnesses For Hearing On State of Civil & Human Rights In The United States Tuesday, December 9th at 2:30pm in the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216 [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights , today announced witnesses for his upcoming hearing entitled, The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, and will examine the status of key civil and human rights issues, including police-community relations, criminal justice reform, and voting rights. Panel I The Honorable Cory Booker United States Senator State of New Jersey The Honorable Luis Gutirrez United States Representative State of Illinois, 4th District The Honorable Keith Ellison United States Representative State of Minnesota, 5th District Panel II Dr. Cedric Alexander President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Public Safety Director, DeKalb County DeKalb County, GA Wade Henderson President and CEO The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Washington, DC Laura W. Murphy Director, Washington Legislative Office American Civil Liberties Union Washington, DC WHAT: Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights hearing on The State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States WHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 2:30pm WHERE: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216 Washington, DC 20510 Following enactment of legislation like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan initiatives to protect civil and human rights have continued, including ongoing efforts to reform federal sentencing and restore federal voting rights for ex-offenders. Nonetheless, significant roadblocks remain. This year's events in Ferguson, Missouri have highlighted the continued ne… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-kinzinger-amendment-to-save-money-for-the-taxpayers-in-will Foster-Kinzinger Amendment to Save Money for the Taxpayers in Will County Passes House 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015 in the House of Representatives. The bill included a provision crafted by Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Foster which allows Will County to continue using the Prairie View Landfill through 2041.   Located south of Joliet and operated by Waste Management, the Prairie View Landfill accepts waste from Will County homes and businesses as well as debris from the Army’s remediation activities at the Joliet Arsenal. “I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation with our amendment intact and thankful to Congressman Kinzinger and Members of the Armed Services Committee for working with us on this issue,” said Foster. “This will save taxpayers in Will County from having to pay for a new landfill site for 15 additional years and help keep garbage removal fees low.” “This is a great example of what can happen when both sides of the aisle come together to help our constituents,” said Kinzinger. “I’m proud of this legislation that saves money and takes advantage of the resources we already have.” In 1996, President Clinton signed a law that decommissioned the Joliet Arsenal, allowing much of that land to be repurposed for local use. In 1999, Congress enacted a law that put limits on how long a specific parcel of land that had been transferred from the Joliet Arsenal site could be used as a landfill. Because of advances in waste management practices and increased recycling rates in Will County, the landfill is not filling up as quickly as projected. “When Will County Executive Larry Walsh brought this to my attention, I knew there must be something Adam and I could do about it,” said Foster. The National Defense Authorization Act governs defense programs for Fiscal Year 2015. Before it becomes law, it still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-rules-committee-immigration-%E2%80%9C-republican-majority-planting-its-flag REP. GUTIRREZ TO RULES COMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION: THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IS PLANTING ITS FLAG FIRMLY ON A MYTH 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Luis Gutiérrez G000535 gutierrez.house.gov     legacy As House Prepares To Attack President Obama, Rep. Gutiérrez Discusses “Myth…That The United States Should, Would Or Could Deport 11 Million” Immigrants   Washington, DC – Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) testified before the House Rules Committee this evening as the Committee debated a bill to attack the lawful executive actions President Obama has announced in terms of immigration, deportation and enforcement priorities.  The so-called “Executive Amnesty Protection Act of 2014” is scheduled to come to the floor of the U.S. House as soon as Thursday, but Rep. Gutiérrez suggested the 113th Congress could use its last few hours in a more constructive manner. “Look, if you [Republicans in the House] are serious about the rule of law, then we should have spent yesterday’s Judiciary [Committee] hearing marking-up an immigration reform bill and we should have spent today’s Rules Committee hearing determining which amendments would be in order,” Rep. Gutierrez said.  That is what is going to give us border security.  That is what is going to establish E-Verify in every workplace. A video of the Congressman’s testimony is here:  His remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow below. Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Testimony, before the Rules Committee, as prepared for delivery: This is the second time in the last 3 or 4 months that I have testified before the Rules Committee because the subject of immigrants is being brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Not immigration reform, not expanding border security or making sure people who come to this country come with visas and not smugglers, not E-Verify or temporary worker visas, not making sure every undocumented immigrant is registered with the government. No, what we are s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-acts-to-protect-farmers-private-property-rights-from-epa-overreach Hultgren Acts to Protect Farmers, Private Property Rights from EPA Overreach 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined 90 of his colleagues in sending a letter to the leadership at the House Committee on Appropriations requesting they stop any funding which can be used to change the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA). On March 25, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issued a draft rule to amend the (CWA) redefining “waters of the United States” to give EPA and USACE unprecedented regulatory authority over bodies of water. Their connectivity report, which claimed that all bodies of water, no matter the size, are connected “is in direct contradiction of the Supreme Court decision which clearly upholds the policy that isolated wetlands could not be considered ‘waters of the United States’ for purposes under the CWA,” the letter reads. This move opens up farms and other private property to EPA regulation and intrusion, such as farm ponds, storm drains, and other non-navigable water bodies. “These regulatory changes will have wide ranging effects on everything from construction to agriculture,” the letter says. Earlier this year the House passed H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2015, which included a section prohibiting any funds from being used to “develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce any change” to the definition of waters under the CWA. The letter urges that “the same language be included in any fiscal year 2015 spending measure or any Continuing Resolution the House may consider.” During a previous Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing, Rep. Hultgren took EPA’s Deputy Administrator to task hearing for his wavering and opaque explanation of the Clean Water Rule and how it will affect Illinois 14th District constituents. The rule is meant to clarify jurisdiction but lacks any scientific justification, and the Deputy Administrator’s answer only further confused the issue. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-defense-bill-reducing-administration-cuts-ensuring Hultgren Supports Defense Bill Reducing Administration Cuts, Ensuring National Security Priorities 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported passage (300-119) of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, H.R. 3979, a bicameral agreement to provide for our nation’s defense and the support, protection, and resources our military needs while remaining consistent with previous budget agreements. Rep. Hultgren previously supported the House-passed authorization, H.R. 4435, in May which passed by a vote of 325-98. For a full summary of H.R. 3979, please click here. “Supporting our nation’s military families and ensuring our national defense is essential to a strong and prosperous nation. This fiscally responsible bill works within previously-passed budget constraints while prioritizing resources toward making sure our country is secure—and reducing the cuts to housing benefits proposed by the administration,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am pleased Congress and the President have continued the now 53-year long tradition of providing for our military and national defense with timely defense reauthorization bills.” Highlights of the bill include: Rejecting the Administration’s 5 percent cut to basic allowance for housing (BAH) for a 1 percent reduction. The bill also includes a one-year $3 increase in co-pays for select pharmaceuticals. Building upon efforts to combat sexual assault and eliminating the “good soldier defense,” a consideration of general military character toward the probability of innocence in sexual assault prosecutions. It also provides for consultation of victims for their preference to prosecute offenders by court-martial or through civilian challenges. Helping to reverse the trend of military suicide by including $45.3 million towards behavioral and psychological health programs. Providing authorization for awarding the Purple Heart to members of the armed forces killed or wounded in a domestic attack inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, such as the 2009 attack at Fort Hood. Authorizing the Iraq Train and Equip program for two… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://robinkelly.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-announces-grants-for-arts-programs Congresswoman Kelly Announces Grants for Arts Programs 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Robin Kelly K000385 robinkelly.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Kelly Announces Grants for Arts Programs Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that Governors State University and the South Chicago Art Center each received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). “One grant will expand arts programs for schoolchildren on Chicago’s South Side. The other will bring some of the world’s greatest dancers and choreographers to the south suburbs,” Kelly said.  “I support the arts because they bring beauty into our lives and strengthen our ties as people.” Governors State University’s $10,000 grant will fund a local performance by the Philadelphia Dance Company as well as new dances by a diverse set of international choreographers. “We are honored that the NEA has recognized GSU's commitment to art. All students, no matter what their majors, benefit from integrating the visual and performing arts into their daily lives,” said GSU President Elaine Maimon. Meanwhile, the South Chicago Art Center received $20,000 to provide free art instruction by professional art educators in a variety of mediums during school hours, after-school and on weekends at local community centers, libraries and schools. The programs will target inner-city, low-income youth, in addition to the out-of-school and in-school programs such as Street SmARTs and School SmARTs. “The South Chicago Art Center is thrilled to receive $20,000 to support free arts programming to young people. In addition to the financial support, this grant is also a significant endorsement of the vital work we do every day in the South Chicago neighborhood,” said Sarah Ward, executive director of the South Chicago Art Center. NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, it has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399063 Kinzinger-Foster Amendment to Save Money for the Taxpayers in Will County Passes House 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Adam Kinzinger K000378 kinzinger.house.gov     legacy Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015 in the House of Representatives. The bill included a provision crafted by Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Foster which allows Will County to continue using the Prairie View Landfill through 2041. Located south of Joliet and operated by Waste Management, the Prairie View Landfill accepts waste from Will County homes and businesses as well as debris from the Army's remediation activities at the Joliet Arsenal. I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation with our amendment intact and thankful to Congressman Kinzinger and Members of the Armed Services Committee for working with us on this issue, said Foster. This will save taxpayers in Will County from having to pay for a new landfill site for 15 additional years and help keep garbage removal fees low. This is a great example of what can happen when both sides of the aisle come together to help our constituents, said Kinzinger. I'm proud of this legislation that saves money and takes advantage of the resources we already have. In 1996, President Clinton signed a law that decommissioned the Joliet Arsenal, allowing much of that land to be repurposed for local use. In 1999, Congress enacted a law that put limits on how long a specific parcel of land that had been transferred from the Joliet Arsenal site could be used as a landfill. Because of advances in waste management practices and increased recycling rates in Will County, the landfill is not filling up as quickly as projected. When Will County Executive Larry Walsh brought this to my attention, I knew there must be something Adam and I could do about it, said Foster. The National Defense Authorization Act governs defense programs for Fiscal Year 2015. Before it becomes law, it still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399064 House Passes Kinzinger Resolution Condemning Russian Aggression 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Adam Kinzinger K000378 kinzinger.house.gov     legacy Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today released the following statement after the House approved his legislation, H.Res. 758, a resolution condemning Russia for its policy of political, economic, and military aggression against neighboring countries. The legislation calls on Russia to reverse its illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and remove its military forces and equipment from Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Additionally, H.Res. 758 encourages our NATO allies and US partners in Europe to suspend all military cooperation with Russia. The resolution passed the House 411 votes to 10.The Russian Federation under President Vladimir Putin has resorted to old Cold War tactics of bullying and intimidation, said Congressman Kinzinger. After seeing what has happened in Ukraine, the United States cannot stand by and tolerate this naked aggression. It's important for the House of Representatives to publicly denounce Russian hostilities, and I'm glad that H.Res. 758 has passed with such overwhelming support. In 2009, President Obama announced intentions to reset relations with Russia, including agreements on common interests and the negotiation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Russia responded to this with openly anti-American rhetoric and actions against US allies, and President Vladimir Putin has increasingly established an authoritarian regime throughout the country. In addition to introducing H.Res. 758, earlier this year, Congressman Kinzinger joined a bipartisan effort to sanction Russian arms dealers and authored multiple letters urging President Obama to oppose the sale of French warships to Russia. You can watch Rep. Kinzinger's floor speech on the legislation here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004811/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=dd699741-2cbd-4399-a58e-cb361e09ea22 Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy WASHINGTON—The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously advanced The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX) in the House of Representatives.      “Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe,” Senator Durbin said. “But this is no longer simply a global health and development issue—it’s a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Foreign Relations Committee agreed unanimously today, and I hope the full Senate will quickly pass this legislation before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point.”   "We need to make every dollar of our limited foreign aid resources count by addressing problems where we can have a real impact on people's lives. By focusing our efforts on clean water and sanitation, we can save lives, improve public health and provide stability in vulnerable communities throughout the world," said Senator Corker.    Nearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitation—many living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mortality, and economic growth.   The Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 made access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of the United States Foreign Assistance Program. The Act was named after the late Senator Paul Simon, who … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004815/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b0b89aa8-cc23-4f5d-90e8-565b91bb35c1 Durbin Statement On Illinois Delegation Reception With Governor-Elect Rauner 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today attended an Illinois Congressional Delegation reception with Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner.  A photo of today’s meeting is available HERE.  Earlier today, Durbin met with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.    “When it comes to Illinois, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have always come together to tackle the toughest issues.  I am confident that tradition will continue next year in the new Congress, which will see the introduction of two new member of the Illinois Delegation.  I look forward to working with them and Governor-elect Rauner who joined us for a meeting this afternoon.  We had a good discussion about the issues facing Illinois including jobs, infrastructure and state budget challenges.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004829/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=b92f03c4-2dc6-4a8c-8f1b-f0da2ea799ad Lunch with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Delegation 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy Main Menu Home About Dick Durbin Illinois Info Center Constituent Services Issues and Legislation Legislative Agenda Press Office … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004836/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2867fe6a-4fb0-4441-a0fd-7d855b513819 Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus. Teasley – who was featured in a Chicago Tribune article earlier this week – is part of a growing number of health care workers who are being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in West Africa. She has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.   “I want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year. Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus,” Durbin said.   “When Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some. One doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy. But once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her.  I share that admiration.”   Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.   Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.   Footage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here.   Senator Durbin’s remarks as prepared for delivery are available below:   Statement of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Assistant Majority Leader Chicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia December 4, 2014   The holiday rush is underway and millions of Americans are decorating, shopping, and preparing to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with their loved ones.    I want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year.   Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus.    When Teasley… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004841/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=fb40c347-a716-4843-87c3-b787a31aad03 Chicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004846/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=656aefc0-0e75-4f71-9e69-cfe4325fd93f Nominee to be Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy Main Menu Home About Dick Durbin Illinois Info Center Constituent Services Issues and Legislation Legislative Agenda Press Office … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004903/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8708919c-f148-4a64-a938-c6390005c0cb Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced that the Senate unanimously approved legislation that would name a veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the “Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic.” U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) has led the effort in the House of Representatives to honor the legacy and public service achievements of the former Congressman from Western Illinois. The bipartisan legislation is supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation.   Evans – who represented Illinois’ 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years – was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans’ issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63.   “The best way we can honor the memory of Lane Evans is to continue his work on behalf of America’s veterans,” Durbin said. “Given his lifetime of service, it is a fitting tribute to remember our great champion of veterans by naming the VA medical center in Galesburg, Illinois in Lane Evans’ honor.”   “As a veteran, Lane Evans saw firsthand the need for better community-based care for our nation's servicemen and women,” Kirk said. “Renaming the Galesburg facility in his honor will serve as a fitting tribute to a man who spent more than two decades giving a voice to veterans throughout Illinois and the nation.”   “The dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Bustos. “I applaud the Senate for passing legislation today to name the Galesburg VA Clinic after Lane and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done in the House and signed into law.”   A Rock Island native, Evans joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 17, just two weeks a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-applauds-chicago-nurse-treating-ebola-patients-in-liberia-durbin-holiday-season Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.14 Durbin Applauds Chicago Nurse Treating Ebola Patients In Liberia Durbin Holiday Season [WASHINGTON, D.C.] During a speech on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded Chicago nurse Janet Teasley, who has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia treating patients with the Ebola virus. Teasley who was featured in a Chicago Tribune article earlier this week is part of a growing number of health care workers who are being recruited to help stop the spread of the disease in West Africa. She has been a nurse for 17 years, working in emergency care and infectious disease units, most recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. I want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year. Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday season in Liberia, treating patients with the potentially deadly Ebola virus, Durbin said. When Teasley first told her family and coworkers of her plan, she says she encountered resistance from some. One doctor with whom she works was only half kidding when he told her he thought she was crazy. But once he realized she was serious, that doctor told Teasley he admires her. I share that admiration. Video of Durbin's remarks is available here. Audio of Durbin's remarks is available here. Footage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here. Senator Durbin's remarks as prepared for delivery are available below: Statement of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Assistant Majority Leader Chicago Nurse Cares for Ebola Patients in Liberia December 4, 2014 The holiday rush is underway and millions of Americans are decorating, shopping, and preparing to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with their loved ones. I want to draw attention today to a woman from Illinois who is doing something very different this year. Janet Teasley, a registered nurse from Chicago, has volunteered to spend her holiday … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-corker-water-for-the-world-act-clears-committee Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.14 Durbin-Corker Water For The World Act Clears Committee SFRC unanimously passes bill to improve access to clean drinking water without spending new Money or Creating New Bureaucracy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously advanced The Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation around the world. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bob Corker (R-TN), cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX) in the House of Representatives. Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services sickens and kills thousands of children every day, and leads to poverty across the globe, Senator Durbin said. But this is no longer simply a global health and development issueit's a long-term problem that increasingly threatens our national security. The Foreign Relations Committee agreed unanimously today, and I hope the full Senate will quickly pass this legislation before the crisis reaches a devastating tipping point. "We need to make every dollar of our limited foreign aid resources count by addressing problems where we can have a real impact on people's lives. By focusing our efforts on clean water and sanitation, we can save lives, improve public health and provide stability in vulnerable communities throughout the world," said Senator Corker. Nearly 750 million people around the world lack access to clean, safe water and nearly 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitationmany living on less than $2 a day. Rapid industrialization and population and economic growth continue to put pressure on global water supplies, particularly in developing nations. Water issues are no longer isolated problems, but are increasingly linked to regional tensions, global health, child and maternal mort… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-illinois-delegation-reception-with-governor-elect-rauner Durbin Statement On Illinois Delegation Reception With Governor-Elect Rauner 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today attended an Illinois Congressional Delegation reception with Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner. A photo of today's meeting is available HERE. Earlier today, Durbin met with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. When it comes to Illinois, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have always come together to tackle the toughest issues. I am confident that tradition will continue next year in the new Congress, which will see the introduction of two new member of the Illinois Delegation. I look forward to working with them and Governor-elect Rauner who joined us for a meeting this afternoon. We had a good discussion about the issues facing Illinois including jobs, infrastructure and state budget challenges. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-bipartisan-legislation-to-name-va-clinic-after-lane-evans Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.14 Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation To Name VA Clinic After Lane Evans New Legislation Would Honor the Former Lawmaker from Illinois? 17th Congressional District Who Championed Veterans Issues [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced that the Senate unanimously approved legislation that would name a veterans facility in Galesburg, Illinois the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) has led the effort in the House of Representatives to honor the legacy and public service achievements of the former Congressman from Western Illinois. The bipartisan legislation is supported by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation. Evans who represented Illinois' 17th Congressional District for more than 20 years was known throughout his career in Congress as a champion of veterans' issues and served as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a decade. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Evans passed away last month at the age of 63. The best way we can honor the memory of Lane Evans is to continue his work on behalf of America's veterans, Durbin said. Given his lifetime of service, it is a fitting tribute to remember our great champion of veterans by naming the VA medical center in Galesburg, Illinois in Lane Evans' honor. As a veteran, Lane Evans saw firsthand the need for better community-based care for our nation's servicemen and women, Kirk said. Renaming the Galesburg facility in his honor will serve as a fitting tribute to a man who spent more than two decades giving a voice to veterans throughout Illinois and the nation. The dedication of a VA facility in the heart of the region Lane Evans represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve, said Bustos. I applaud the Senate fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-takano-introduce-legislation-to-establish-national-3d-printing Foster, Takano Introduce Legislation To Establish National 3D Printing Day 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC—Today, Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) and Mark Takano (CA-41) introduced a House resolution to establish the 3rd of December as national 3D Printing Day. Text of the resolution is available here. “Advances in 3D printing are creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and manufactures to develop new products and bring ideas to life.  From bio-technology, to food production, to advanced manufacturing, 3D printing is creating endless opportunities for innovation.  It’s critical that we continue to develop this technology and recognize its importance in the modern economy,” said Foster. “Developments in the 3D printing industry are being led by American entrepreneurs, and we’re just beginning to realize the impact this technology will have on our lives. Soon we’ll see 3D printers in classrooms, at the office and in our homes, completely altering how we interact with the global supply chain. We should promote this technology widely to increase opportunities for innovation,” said Takano. By enabling rapid production of previously impossible, innovative products, 3D printing has the potential to spawn thousands of new businesses in the U.S. and give domestic companies an edge in global markets. The Department of Energy estimates that 3D printing can save 50% of energy use compared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Foster and Takano introduced this resolution to honor innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, that have the potential to jump-start advanced manufacturing in the United States.       ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://foster.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-for-tax-relief-for-working-families-and-businesses Foster Votes For Tax Relief for Working Families and Businesses 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Bill Foster F000454 foster.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted for H.R.5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act, a one-year extension of a number of tax relief provisions that are set to expire. “As a scientist and businessman who started a manufacturing company that provides hundreds of good-paying jobs here in the Midwest, I know firsthand how important it is to provide this relief to working families and small businesses,” said Foster. “I would have preferred a long-term agreement on tax reform, and I was disappointed that this legislation does not include an extension of the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit, which have historically received bipartisan support and are critical for working families. It is, however,  important that we provide this relief for millions of small businesses and individuals as they prepare for the 2014 tax filing season, and I would urge the House Republican Leadership to use this opportunity to begin consideration of a comprehensive tax reform package,” added Foster. H.R.5771 provides a number of tax relief measures for individuals and families, including deductions for teachers’ out-of-pocket classroom expenses, deductions for expenses paid for higher education, the ability for employers to provide transit benefits to their employees tax-free, and keeps mortgage forgiveness of the home a tax-free event.  The bill also extends tax relief to businesses by extending the research and development credit; extending the work opportunity tax credit, which provides tax credits to employers who hire and retain veterans and individuals with significant barriers to employment; and preserves businesses’ ability to deduct certain large costs. H.R.5771 also extends important deductions for ethanol, charitable contributions of food, and state and local sales taxes. Text of the bill can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-acts-to-help-americans-with-disabilities House Acts to Help Americans with Disabilities 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL John Shimkus S000364 shimkus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R-Illinois-15) voted for legislation today that would allow Americans with disabilities to establish tax-free savings accounts to pay for qualified medical, housing, transportation, and job-training expenses. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 passed the House 404-17. “Under current law, people with disabilities are discouraged from saving or seeking gainful employment because doing so puts them at risk of losing means-tested Medicaid and SSI benefits,” explained Shimkus. “By giving individuals with disabilities, and families with disabled children, the tools and the opportunity to play a bigger role in their support needs, the ABLE Act empowers people with disabilities to live and work more independently and improves their quality of life.” If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, states would have the option to establish an ABLE program beginning in 2015 under the new law. An estimated 54 million eligible individuals may then go to their financial institution to establish an ABLE account, modeled after current Section 529 savings accounts commonly used for education expenses. To be eligible for an ABLE account, individuals must: 1) be severely disabled before turning age 26, based on a marked and severe functional limitation; or 2) receive benefits under the SSI or Disability Insurance (DI) programs.  More information on the ABLE Act is available HERE.  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-and-colleagues-introduce-ukraine-freedom-support-act Quigley and Colleagues Introduce Ukraine Freedom Support Act 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Mike Quigley Q000023 quigley.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), along with a group of 10 bipartisan colleagues introduced HR. 5782 the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, the House companion bill to S. 2828, to provide for additional assistance to Ukraine, in the forms of humanitarian, energy and defense, while imposing additional sanctions on the Russian Federation. Ukraine is facing an existential threat from Russian aggression. The people of Ukraine are fighting for democracy and the United States stands behind them in their efforts," said Rep. Quigley. "I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, and continuing to aid the government of Ukraine as it works to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, my colleagues and I have continued to witness Russia' aggression towards Ukraine, which not only disregards Ukraine's right to independence and territorial integrity, but destabilizes all of Europe and in turn, creates a grim national security situation for the United States," saidRep. Kaptur."Unlike other measures, our bill aims to directly assist Ukraine's military to defend her homeland, a right Ukraine is entitled to. Without serious efforts like this one, Russia will continue to push the boundaries of freedom, literally and metaphorically. It's critical we continue to increase pressure on Mr. Putin while deterring future Russian aggression in Ukraine, said Rep. Pascrell. The people of Ukraine have suffered for too long at the hands of pro-Russian separatists, who continue to threaten stability and security in the region. This legislation is an important step towards reaffirming the United States' commitment to helping the people of Ukraine defend themselves and preserve their territorial integrity. The Ukrainian people have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of hostility by Russia, and they should know that these actions to sow chaos, destruction, and instability in Eastern Ukraine and in the wider Eastern Europea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206004917/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1b2cff24-3625-4e2d-871a-7dc221391574 Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 web.archive.org     legacy [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that eliminates the military’s price discount for tobacco products. Durbin authored a similar provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year. Almost one-quarter of U.S. servicemembers smoke, and more than one in three military smokers began doing so after enlisting. The NDAA – the final result of negotiations between the House and Senate Armed Services committees – was filed in the House of Representatives earlier today.   “Smoking rates among servicemembers are 20 percent higher than the rest of America and use of spit tobacco is more than 450 percent higher,” Durbin said. “Discounting tobacco products lures even more servicemen and women into this unhealthy and deadly addiction. Ending this price subsidy is a commonsense reform that will protect the health of our nation’s troops. I look forward to reviewing the Defense Department’s upcoming evaluation of tobacco use in the military, and to working with the Department to tackle this culture of tobacco use head on.”   Studies show that a ten percent increase in cigarette prices reduces consumption by 3 to 5 percent among adults. Yet, tobacco sold at military exchanges is subject to a 5 percent discount compared to prices in the local community, and because of lax enforcement and ill-defined community comparisons, discounts can be as high as 25 percent off or more.  The provision included in the NDAA and the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fully eliminates these price discounts on tobacco products sold on military installations.   In July, Durbin wrote Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging the Department to eliminate the military’s price discount for tobacco products and to act aggressively to reduce the risks tobacco poses to our service members. A c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-provision-to-reduce-risks-of-tobacco-related-illness-among-servicemembers-included-in-defense-authorization-bill Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Durbin Provision To Reduce Risks Of Tobacco Related Illness Among Servicemembers Included in Defense Authorization Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that eliminates the military's price discount for tobacco products. Durbin authored a similar provision in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year. Almost one-quarter of U.S. servicemembers smoke, and more than one in three military smokers began doing so after enlisting. The NDAA the final result of negotiations between the House and Senate Armed Services committees was filed in the House of Representatives earlier today. Smoking rates among servicemembers are 20 percent higher than the rest of America and use of spit tobacco is more than 450 percent higher, Durbin said. Discounting tobacco products lures even more servicemen and women into this unhealthy and deadly addiction. Ending this price subsidy is a commonsense reform that will protect the health of our nation's troops. I look forward to reviewing the Defense Department's upcoming evaluation of tobacco use in the military, and to working with the Department to tackle this culture of tobacco use head on. Studies show that a ten percent increase in cigarette prices reduces consumption by 3 to 5 percent among adults. Yet, tobacco sold at military exchanges is subject to a 5 percent discount compared to prices in the local community, and because of lax enforcement and ill-defined community comparisons, discounts can be as high as 25 percent off or more. The provision included in the NDAA and the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fully eliminates these price discounts on tobacco products sold on military installations. In July, Durbin wrote Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging the Department to eliminate the mi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=cb4e3f59-7916-4bce-adb8-720af88aaa6c Leadership of Greater Chicago 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House IL Richard Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov     legacy Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hultgren.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-calls-for-transportation-committee-hearing-on-nonsensical-faa Hultgren Calls for Transportation Committee Hearing on Nonsensical FAA Hiring Procedures 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House IL Randy Hultgren H001059 hultgren.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today called upon Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to hold a hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent decision to suddenly alter its process for hiring air traffic controllers. These new hiring practices have caused the FAA to pass over the most qualified air traffic controller candidates, such as experienced veterans, and have raised concerns of air travel safety. In light of a lack of transparency at the FAA’s actions, and out of concern for airline passenger safety, Congressman Hultgren has introduced the SAFE TOWERS Act. Learn more about the FAA’s recent hiring changes and the SAFE TOWERS Act here. In his letter to Chairman Shuster, Congressman Hultgren wrote that he believes the American public should have answers and details relating to, among other concerns, the incorporation of a Biographical Questionnaire (BQ), used in the new application process, which: Disqualifies qualified candidates with specialized degrees and military air traffic control experience because of arbitrary multiple choice test questions and responses the FAA deemed ‘wrong.’ Does not require applicants to show IDs on-site, or sit in a secured testing site, raising questions of confidence in the fairness of the application process. Does not allow numerous applicants who have ‘failed’ the BQ to reapply for future air traffic controller positions. Applicants did not receive their score, were not informed what score was needed to pass, were not given the metrics used for scoring the BQ, and were thus left in the dark as to how to prepare themselves to reapply for future openings. Furthermore, an October 2014 report released by the FAA found that the use of BQ data did not adequately contribute to the prediction of air traffic controller success—so why were applicants disqualified under a flawed metric? Unfortunately, correspondence from the FAA has been thin on details about the FAA’s plans for r… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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