url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close,Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “Whether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump’s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans’ jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers—I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to do this past year,” Duckworth said. “While this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans—and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.” Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below. Duckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland. Key Efforts: Duckworth’s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies became one of roughly 30 bills to be signed into law in 2025. Senator Duckworth’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. Fighting to Prevent Healthcare Costs from Skyrocketing: As Republicans time and again voted to gut Medicaid with Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal and did nothing to stop health insurance premiums from skyrocketing, Senator Duckworth fought against these efforts at every turn. She voted against the Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill and voted against all of Republicans’ extreme partisan funding bills. She met with health care leaders throughout Central Illinois, Southern Illinois and the Chicagoland area to discuss how these cuts will impact health care access for all Illinoisans. Trump and Republicans plunged the nation into the longest government shutdown in history to guarantee that out-of-pocket health care costs will skyrocket, refusing to negotiate an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. Duckworth continuously called out Republicans for refusing to help stop health insurance bills from doubling or even tripling for millions of hardworking families, including their own constituents. Then, in December, when Republicans finally had the chance to vote to extend these ACA subsidies, they chose to please Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies rather than serve the tens of millions of Americans who will see their premiums rise—or the four million who will lose coverage entirely. Defending Reproductive Freedom and Expanding Access to IVF: Senator Duckworth has been a strong advocate for reproductive freedom and access to IVF in the face of Republicans’ anti-choice crusade. In June, she introduced the Protect IVF Act to establish a nationwide right to IVF. She has also long pushed to pass her Right to IVF Act—which Senate Republicans blocked not once, but twice last year—that would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees, as well as lower the costs of IVF for middle-class families across the country. This year, Duckworth successfully secured a provision in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF, for servicemembers, reflecting her earlier IVF for Military Families Act. However, Speaker Mike Johnson single-handedly blocked her provision, denying troops the same IVF coverage available to Members of Congress despite broad bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. This is the second time Duckworth secured this provision in an NDAA bill that passed committee, only to have Republicans block her amendment from the final NDAA—despite it being included in the committee-approved version. Protecting Our State from Trump’s Unlawful Domestic Deployment: Senator Duckworth, alongside Governor Pritzker and Senator Durbin, helped lead our state’s effective pushback against the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional and dangerous deployments of National Guard troops into American cities, including Chicago. She singlehandedly secured the first and only Senate hearing on Trump’s domestic deployments, during which top Trump Defense officials admitted to three damning revelations that had never been publicly stated before. In addition to numerous actions, including visiting Naval Station Great Lakes amid threats to deploy the military to Chicago and filing an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit against Trump for his misuse of the U.S. military, Duckworth successfully advanced her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act to finally help rein in Trump’s continued misuse of our military and troops. Pushing Back on DHS’ Invasion on Chicago: In light of Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” Senator Duckworth continued her efforts as an outspoken champion for defending Illinoisans and their First Amendment rights. She condemned DHS’s excessive and aggressive force, including unlawful abductions, deploying tear gas near schools and raiding community shelters. Additionally, she demanded an end to forcing law enforcement to abandon criminal investigations in order to assist ICE and called on ICE and CBP to enforce body-camera requirements in compliance with federal orders. Duckworth and Senator Durbin also visited the grounds of the Broadview ICE processing center in their congressional oversight roles. Supporting Servicemembers and Holding Pete Hegseth Accountable for Putting Them at Needless Risk: As a combat Veteran and member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator Duckworth has condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s lack of experience or qualifications to lead our troops, repeatedly calling on him to resign, especially after reports confirmed he sent highly-sensitive war plans in an unclassified group chat with other Trump Administration officials, putting servicemembers at greater risk and undermining mission effectiveness. She denounced the Trump Administration’s unlawful military strikes and supported a resolution to block illegal use of force in or against Venezuela without congressional approval, while raising concerns about violating the laws of war and endangering our servicemembers and national security. Supporting Our Veterans: After Trump fired more Veterans than any other President in history and imposed illegal pauses in federal funding and slashed Veterans’ care, Senator Duckworth continued her life’s mission of advocating for our brave servicemembers and their families affected by Trump’s recklessness. This year, she introduced legislation to protect the lifesaving Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and restore collective bargaining rights for VA health care professionals. She demanded accountability from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins for the VCL firings. She also introduced her Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees. Duckworth spoke at the “Unite for Veterans” rally on the National Mall, criticizing Trump for using Veterans as political pawns and undermining their care and benefits. She also hosted a Veterans town hall in Crystal Lake to hear directly from Veterans about the impact of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s cuts to federal programs and mass federal worker firings. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-va-abortion-ban-that-denies-millions-of-veterans-the-care-theyve-earned,Duckworth Statement on Trump’s VA Abortion Ban That Denies Millions of Veterans the Care They’ve Earned,2025-12-24,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration quietly implemented a policy banning the VA from providing abortion care to Veterans and their families—including in cases of rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother—despite widespread opposition from advocates and the Veteran community: “Our Veterans risked their lives to safeguard our freedoms. And yet a man who has never served a day in his life is taking away their own freedom to choose what's best for their health. “In cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is at risk, Trump is denying our heroes the care they’ve earned through their service—and it’ll be those living in states with extreme abortion bans who will suffer the most. “Trump implemented this extreme policy during the holiday season, quietly and over the objections of Veterans, thinking we wouldn’t notice. Well, we did. And I will keep fighting to give Veterans and all Americans the health care and reproductive freedom they deserve.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago,"Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago,"Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment Of National Guard Troops To Chicago",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administration-failure-to-release-the-complete-epstein-files,Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Failure To Release The Complete Epstein Files,2025-12-20,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice failed to produce the complete Epstein files yesterday in accordance with federal law: “Yesterday could have been a win for survivors, accountability, and transparency to the public. It wasn’t. After mishandling the Epstein files all year, the Trump Administration is now violating federal law to protect the rich and powerful. “It took an act of Congress to force Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino to even consider providing justice. They had a choice: survivors or Donald Trump. They chose the latter. “Senate Judiciary Democrats will investigate this violation of law and make sure the American people know about it. “The survivors deserve better. It’s clear Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are working for the rich and powerful elites—and not you.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blumenthal-demand-investigation-into-trumps-misuse-of-va-resources-to-help-execute-his-extreme-deportation-campaign,"Duckworth, Blumenthal Demand Investigation into Trump’s Misuse of VA Resources to Help Execute His Extreme Deportation Campaign",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today demanded an independent investigation into the Trump Administration’s decision to divert personnel, equipment and financial resources away from serving our nation’s Veterans and toward developing a database to track non-U.S. citizen employees as part of Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation campaign. After Donald Trump fired 30,000 VA employees and jeopardized timely VA care for our Veterans earlier this year, Duckworth’s letter underscores that aiding immigration enforcement does not support or advance the VA’s sacred mission of caring for our Veterans and their families and only further demoralizes the dedicated VA workforce. “Beyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans’ prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities,” wrote Duckworth. “These actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA’s mission.” Demanding an independent investigation into this latest attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine the mission of the VA, Duckworth wrote: “…we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database’s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA’s congressionally appropriated resources.” Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for improving our Veterans’ and servicemembers’ access to care amid Trump’s ongoing attacks on the VA. In October, she defended disabled Veterans as Senate Republicans shamefully promoted Trump’s dangerous efforts to cut even more of their benefits. In September, she reintroduced legislation that would improve Veterans’ access to contraception and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness for contraceptive products at the VA. A few weeks prior, Duckworth sent a letter to VA Secretary Collins demanding he block ICE from stealing VA resources at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago. Duckworth also joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in reintroducing legislation to help make it easier for our Veterans who struggle with infertility to build their families. After the first VA purge laid off workers with the Veterans Crisis Line—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments. In the aftermath, she introduced the Protect Veteran Jobs Act with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) to reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in Trump’s mass layoffs—an effort Republicans shamefully blocked in March. Full text of the letter is available below and on the Senator’s website: Dear Inspector General Mason: We write to request that you initiate an independent investigation into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) diversion of personnel, equipment and financial resources to develop a database on non-U.S. citizen employees. This non-mission critical activity, regardless of VA’s stated pretext for initiating it, appears to represent VA wasting time, attention and congressionally appropriated funds on activities that support already well-funded Federal agencies’ civil immigration enforcement operations, while doing nothing to improve patient care or benefits administration. VA’s sacred mission is to care for those who have served our country and their families, caregivers and survivors. Beyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans’ prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities. These actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA’s mission. Recent reporting and commentary from VA officials validate and escalate our concerns that these immigration enforcement efforts risk the timely delivery of care and benefits to Veterans. To better understand these recent actions at VA, we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database’s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA’s congressionally appropriated resources. We also request that your investigation recommends corrective actions, as necessary, including policy reforms, disciplinary matters and referrals to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. We respectfully request that your office prioritize this investigation and provide our offices with routine updates, including preliminary findings or recommendations. Thank you for attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-135-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-illinois-students,"Durbin, Duckworth Announce $13.5 Million In Federal Funding To Support Illinois Students",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $13,467,325 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for mental health and literacy support for students in Illinois. “There is a growing mental health and literacy crisis amongst today’s youth that must be addressed,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for programs that build the pipeline of mental health professionals, connect professionals to students, and support literacy research will help Illinois face these concerns head-on. It also demonstrates the importance of the Department of Education as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to dismantle the agency. Senator Duckworth and I will always work to ensure our students have access to resources that help put them on a path toward success.” “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why I’m proud to see this investment support critical mental health programs that help students across Illinois thrive,” said Senator Duckworth. “While this funding will reach our state this time around, it’s cruel that Donald Trump’s cuts to federal services have jeopardized programs that prepare the next generation—hurting the very middle-class families he swore to protect, all while enriching his billionaire buddies. That’s why I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level, alongside Senator Durbin, to safeguard these investments and ensure every student across our state has the chance to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.” The Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Grant Program and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program provide competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and consortia of LEAs to train and increase the number of credentialed mental health services providers providing school-based mental health services to students. The Education Innovation and Research grant provides funding to create, develop, implement, replicate, or scale entrepreneurial, evidence-based, and field-initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students. The Department of Education funding recipients include: Cahlhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin Counties: Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program ($1,246,643) Illinois State Board of Education: School-Based Mental Health Grant Program ($1,743,772) and Mental Health Service Professionals Development Program ($476,910) The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois: Education Innovation and Research ($10,000,000) -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-members-of-illinois-delegation-request-25-million-in-reimbursements-for-mwrds-work-on-the-thornton-reservoir,"Durbin, Duckworth, Members Of Illinois Delegation Request $25 Million In Reimbursements For MWRD’s Work On The Thornton Reservoir",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to include $25 million in construction funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for the work it has completed on the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir. “We are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir,” the lawmakers wrote. In 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir, enabling MWRD to work on the project while being eligible for federal reimbursement. Despite the reservoir being in service since 2015 and providing an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities, the Army Corps still owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements. “Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area,” the lawmakers wrote. “Not only will this flood protection work help communities be more resilient, it also will help boost economic development. Including a $25 million reimbursement in the FY 2026 Army Corps of Engineers’ Work Plan will ensure that MWRD can reinvest in these communities to mitigate flooding and create a strong economic base,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing the necessity of including the reimbursement funds in the FY26 Work Plan to support flood protection projects across the state. “These funds are needed to provide community flood protection for projects currently in design, including projects in Maine Township, Park Ridge, the City of Harvey, Bremen Township, Midlothian, Crestwood, and Oak Lawn. FY 2026 funding would build on the $20 million in the FY 2024 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan; the $7.2 million reimbursement to MWRD in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Construction Spend Plan, Summer 2023 Addendum; and the $12 million in the FY 2022 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, allowing MWRD to focus on completing critical projects, including the Robbins Flood Protection Project,” the lawmakers wrote. “As the Army Corps determines how to best address its flood damage reduction obligations and meet its commitments to its partners, we strongly urge you to include $25 million in Construction funds for the reimbursement owed to MWRD in the FY 2026 Work Plan to help create a better future for our constituents,” the lawmakers concluded their letter. Durbin has previously secured additional reimbursements from the Corps for MWRD’s work on Thornton Reservoir. In Fiscal Year 2022, Durbin secured $12 million in reimbursement funds in the Army Corps’ FY22 Work Plan. The following year, Durbin secured $7.2 million in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Construction Spend Plan for the project. In Fiscal Year 2024, Durbin also secured $20 million in the Army Corps’ work plan for reimbursement. A copy of the letter is available here and below: December 19, 2025 Dear Assistant Secretary Telle: We are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers’ (Army Corps) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir. In 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir. This enabled MWRD to design and construct the Thornton Composite Reservoir project and allowed it to be eligible for federal reimbursement. The reservoir was put into service in 2015 and has provided an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities over the last 10 years, protecting more than 35,000 structures from flooding. Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area. Not only will this flood protection work help communities be more resilient, it also will help boost economic development. Including a $25 million reimbursement in the FY 2026 Army Corps of Engineers’ Work Plan will ensure that MWRD can reinvest in these communities to mitigate flooding and create a strong economic base. These funds are needed to provide community flood protection for projects currently in design, including projects in Maine Township, Park Ridge, the City of Harvey, Bremen Township, Midlothian, Crestwood, and Oak Lawn. FY 2026 funding would build on the $20 million in the FY 2024 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan; the $7.2 million reimbursement to MWRD in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Construction Spend Plan, Summer 2023 Addendum; and the $12 million in the FY 2022 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, allowing MWRD to focus on completing critical projects, including the Robbins Flood Protection Project. As the Army Corps determines how to best address its flood damage reduction obligations and meet its commitments to its partners, we strongly urge you to include $25 million in Construction funds for the reimbursement owed to MWRD in the FY 2026 Work Plan to help create a better future for our constituents. Thank you for your consideration of our important request. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-blumenthal-ross-to-introduce-legislation-to-shine-light-on-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions,"Durbin Joins Blumenthal, Ross To Introduce Legislation To Shine Light On Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) to introduce bicameral legislation establishing transparency in decisions on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, also known as the “shadow docket.” The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. The Supreme Court’s increasing reliance on the shadow docket allows it to make decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court’s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to decide a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work. The Trump Administration has also urged the Supreme Court to decide Trump v. Illinois, a case that will determine the legality of the Trump Administration’s federalization and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, on the shadow docket. The Trump Administration’s emergency application is still pending. “The Supreme Court’s abuse of the shadow docket has allowed justices to hand down major rulings without justification and sets a dangerous precedent under which consequential cases are decided without a clear rationale—even when those cases involve a presidential administration that has shown little regard for the Constitution. This abuse of process must stop,” said Durbin. “The highest court in the land should not issue decisions in the dark. The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act would require justices to explain their decision making in every case, providing the American people with the transparency and accountability they deserve from their government.” “The shadow docket decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, a highly chilling legal landmark, condones racial profiling in Trump’s immigration enforcement. Shockingly, this very significant ruling was issued without any public argument or majority opinion. The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act shines light on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket rulings, like Vazquez Perdomo, and requires the Supreme Court to be accountable and explain its rulings. Americans deserve clarity from the nation’s highest Court—especially as the Court increasingly uses the shadow docket to issue far-reaching consequential decisions. Recent shadow docket decisions demonstrate the dire need for our legislation’s enforceable guidelines that hold the Court accountable,” said Blumenthal. “The conservative majority on the Supreme Court continues to issue harmful, backwards decisions through the shadow docket, often offering no explanation of their reasoning or how the justices voted,” said Ross. “From allowing DOGE to access sensitive data to permitting the illegal mass firings of federal employees, the Supreme Court has used the shadow docket to hand down major decisions that impact millions of Americans’ daily lives. This important legislation will require the Court to operate with the transparency that the American people deserve.” In addition to Durbin and Blumenthal, the Shadow Docket Sunlight Act is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In addition to Ross, the legislation is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Hank Johnson (D-GA). The legislation is endorsed by a number of organizations including the National Women’s Law Center, Fix the Court, People for the American Way, Court Accountability Action, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). The text of the bill can be found here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-whistleblower-disclosure-regarding-uscis-circumventing-court-order,Durbin Statement On Whistleblower Disclosure Regarding USCIS Circumventing Court Order,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding a whistleblower disclosure alleging that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is feigning compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and a court order in a class action lawsuit in order to avoid court oversight. The Nightingale court order simply requires USCIS to comply with existing FOIA law to process immigration case files and report its progress to the court. Yet, according to this whistleblower report, USCIS is trying to avoid court reporting requirements and obligations under FOIA by prematurely closing cases, even when a USCIS FOIA officer has found the case file information and could provide it to the FOIA requester. The disclosure comes after USCIS reported to the court that it had a 99 percent timely completion rate for immigration case file FOIA requests. “Today’s disclosure alleges that the DHS FOIA office wants a district court judge to believe FOIA requests are being processed more efficiently. But in fact, they are being summarily closed to cook the numbers. “The agency’s actions directly conflict with the spirit of the Nightingale lawsuit, which was filed to ensure due process for individuals who only can access their records through FOIA. They also appear to conflict with the Freedom of Information Act, which instructs agencies not to withhold information unless the agency reasonably foresees that the disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption. “New policies that allow the agency to reject FOIA requests reduce transparency and are just one more way that the Trump-Noem DHS is operating with impunity. The information contained in case files is vital as immigrants increasingly are the targets of violent enforcement actions and must dispute false narratives devised by this Administration. USCIS must respond to FOIA requests fully and in a timely fashion.” Records contained in immigration case files only obtainable through FOIA are critical. For example, case files reveal details about immigration enforcement actions against an individual, including a warrant or the absence of a warrant, analysis of U.S. citizenship claims, and details about an arrest. In another example, attorneys representing vulnerable populations, such as unaccompanied minors, must obtain case file information to reconstruct basic facts like entry dates or prior shelter placements to help prepare unaccompanied minor immigrants’ cases. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-her-colleagues-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-reverse-its-termination-of-tps-for-burma,Duckworth Leads Her Colleagues in Demanding the Trump Administration Reverse its Termination of TPS for Burma,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After Donald Trump continued his extreme, anti-immigrant campaign by terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration immediately reverse this harmful, misguided policy and reinstate Burma’s TPS designation. In the letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators highlighted the inconsistencies in the Department of Homeland Security’s rationale for terminating TPS and urged the Administration to stop staking the lives of lawful TPS beneficiaries on the misleading claims of authoritarian leaders and advancing a policy that will force them to return to an active war zone. In addition to Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO). In the letter, the Senators wrote: “Your termination notice ignores the Burmese military’s brutality, often targeted at returnees, and heartlessly requires TPS holders to return to an active war zone. We ask that you stop relying on the claims of authoritarian leaders to justify politically expedient TPS terminations and immediately reverse this decision.” The Senators continued: “We are particularly alarmed that your justification for terminating TPS for Burma embraces the talking points of Burma’s military junta. In your termination notice, you highlight the military State Administration Council’s self-dissolution and revocation of its 2021 state of emergency and the National Defense and Security Council’s plans to hold what you deem “free and fair” elections as signs of major improvement in Burma that guided your decision. However, you fail to acknowledge that, after ending emergency rule in July, military leaders immediately reimposed a state of emergency and martial law in townships in 9 of Burma’s 14 states and regions, admitted that scheduled elections in December 2025 and January 2026 will not be nationwide and passed a law designed to criminalize protests of the electoral process—guaranteeing tight military control over election administration.” Full text of the letter is available below and on the Senator’s website: Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio: We write to express deep concern about the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma. Your termination notice ignores the Burmese military’s brutality, often targeted at returnees, and heartlessly requires TPS holders to return to an active war zone. We ask that you stop relying on the claims of authoritarian leaders to justify politically expedient TPS terminations and immediately reverse this decision. Burma was initially designated for TPS on May 25, 2021, on the basis of extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by a military coup that sparked political and humanitarian crises characterized by state-perpetrated violence against civilians, the arbitrary arrest and detention of demonstrators and the persecution of minority groups such as the Rohingya Muslims. This designation was subsequently extended and redesignated, most recently on May 26, 2024, with DHS citing ongoing violence in 315 of Burma’s 330 townships; the abduction and trafficking of children for use in combat; and dire humanitarian needs stemming from food insecurity, a deteriorating economy and a collapsing healthcare system. Despite these findings, on November 24, 2025, you capriciously terminated TPS for Burma, effective January 26, 2026, asserting that “the situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home.” This characterization belies facts on the ground in Burma, which has been mired by intensified civil war since February 2021 and is reeling from a devastating earthquake in March 2025 that pushed the country’s already strained infrastructure and health system further towards failure. It also appears contrary to the Department of State’s own appraisal of conditions in Burma, including its level “Do Not Travel” advisory for the country that warns “Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” We are particularly alarmed that your justification for terminating TPS for Burma embraces the talking points of Burma’s military junta. In your termination notice, you highlight the military State Administration Council’s self-dissolution and revocation of its 2021 state of emergency and the National Defense and Security Council’s plans to hold what you deem “free and fair” elections as signs of major improvement in Burma that guided your decision. However, you fail to acknowledge that, after ending emergency rule in July, military leaders immediately reimposed a state of emergency and martial law in townships in 9 of Burma’s 14 states and regions, admitted that scheduled elections in December 2025 and January 2026 will not be nationwide and passed a law designed to criminalize protests of the electoral process—guaranteeing tight military control over election administration. Contrary to your claims, these elections are not expected to alleviate the conflict in Burma. Since its 2021 coup, the Burmese military has banned or dissolved 40 political parties, leading international observers to denounce the upcoming elections as a farcical attempt to legitimize military rule. Additionally, humanitarian conditions have worsened this fall, as the military expands airstrikes on civilian sites and intensifies its campaign against Christian and Muslim minorities. For these reasons, numerous international and non-governmental organizations have rebuked your TPS termination and the misleading claims of improvement that buoy it. The United Nations Special Rapporteur responsible for monitoring human rights violations in Burma condemned the termination as “an assault on human rights and human decency based on a cruel fiction that ignores overwhelming evidence of Myanmar’s [Burma’s] spiraling crisis,” adding that, “It is inconceivable that any good-faith review of Myanmar’s situation could conclude that conditions are safe or improving…Attacks on civilians have reached record highs this year as the military burns villages, bombs churches, and jails, tortures, and executes its opponents.” These pervasive acts of violence inhibit safe return, and it is nonsensical and cruel to force 3,969 Burmese nationals and lawful TPS holders in the U.S. back to Burma to face violence—if not targeted persecution, detention and killing—when conditions clearly merit a TPS extension. It is unconscionable that you refuse to interrogate the assertions of Burma’s military junta—leaders of which your own Departments would block from entering the United States due to their gross violations of human rights—because their claims happen to help you justify President Trump’s attacks on our lawful immigration system. Burmese TPS holders are human rights advocates, opposition figures, journalists and others who champion democracy and human rights, which are values that the United States has historically upheld and that enrich American communities. We ask that you immediately reverse your termination of TPS for Burma, and that you immediately cease staking the lives of lawful TPS holders on the promises of dictators and abusive military regimes. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provision-to-rein-in-trumps-misuse-of-the-military-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature,"Duckworth-Led Provision to Rein in Trump’s Misuse of the Military Passes Congress, Awaits President’s Signature",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s servicemembers into American communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, the Senate passed a provision authored and championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) that would rein in Trump’s misuse of the military, help strengthen public trust in the military and ensure servicemembers identify themselves as part of the Armed Forces when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. The Senator’s provision—which is a modified version of her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability (MiLEA) Act—was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that both chambers of Congress have now passed. The provision will ensure that servicemembers identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties. “It is inexcusable that the Trump Administration is intentionally trying to borrow the respected image of the military and make it hard for Americans to tell the difference between abusive federal agents and our professional servicemembers—with DHS agents dressing in camo and wielding military-style weapons,” said Duckworth. “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference that drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. Although the courts have stopped him in city after city, it’s clear Donald Trump wants our professional military to defend his incredibly abusive and unprofessional agents in carrying out his cruel and extreme domestic policies. My provision would provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises—and help build back the public’s trust in the military.” Duckworth has repeatedly criticized Trump and his Administration for repeatedly trying to blur the lines between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, which is eroding public trust in our military. During her questioning at SASC hearing she successfully secured, Duckworth pressed U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Commander General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, about whether the Department was ensuring differentiation between our troops and federal agents. He confirmed that he had not received any guidance or orders from the Administration on making this distinction. However, he assured that he has the authority to direct members under his command to distinguish themselves from ICE. Duckworth successfully secured this hearing in early October—weeks after she led all of her fellow SASC Democrats in calling on SASC Chairman Wicker to hold this hearing, and shortly after she blocked expedited passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in order to secure it. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature,"Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal, Support Illinois Quantum Technology Research and Safeguard Care for Veterans Passes Congress, Awaits President’s Signature",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), successfully secured several important provisions to support Illinoisans, servicemembers, Veterans and our state’s economy that passed Congress this week and are heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Some of the priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include protecting Rock Island Arsenal from any restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plans, supporting research and development at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago and expanding access to vital health care services for our state’s servicemembers, Veterans and military families. “Throughout bipartisan negotiations, I’m proud to have helped lead the charge to secure several important provisions that will support our servicemembers and ensure Illinois’s defense innovation ecosystem and Rock Island Arsenal are as strong as possible,” said Senator Duckworth. “These critical provisions will help benefit our state by protecting operations at Rock Island Arsenal, protecting health care access for our military and Veteran families and supporting groundbreaking quantum computing research in Chicago.” Key Duckworth-led provisions set to be signed into law that will support Illinoisans include: Supporting and Protecting Rock Island Arsenal Operations: By Protecting Jobs: This provision limits funds available to the Secretary of the Army allocated for restructuring Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate the two commands, helping ensure operations and jobs at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected. By Sustaining Workload and Industrial Base: This provision establishes a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals and depots, especially those non-public partners that ensure a workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision would help ensure arsenals and factories, like Rock Island Arsenal, remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base. This is a modified version of Senator Durbin’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act. By Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare. By Improving Predictive Manufacturing Analytics at Army Arsenals: Language urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army’s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies. This work completed by MxD, the nation’s digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, located in Chicago, helps ensure the efficiency and security of the critical manufacturing completed at Rock Island Arsenal and the Army’s other arsenals.? By Expanding Robotic Enhancements for Armaments Manufacturing: Language authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base, further modernizing production at Rock Island Arsenal with technology pioneered by innovators in Chicago.? By Improving the Governance of the Organic Industrial Base: Language directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army’s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military’s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK). ? Safeguarding Veteran Medical Care in North Chicago: This provision, led with Senator Durbin, secures a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). This provision will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area. Protecting Cities Like Chicago from the Trump Administration’s Overreach with the Military: Two provisions improve American civil rights and put guardrails on misuse of the military domestically, including: By Distinguishing Troops from Federal Agents. A modified version of a provision of Senator Duckworth’s Military In Law Enforcement Accountability Act (MiLEAA) requires servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement when operating in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties. By Requiring Mandatory Training to Servicemembers on Rules for Use of Force and Legal Responsibilities During Domestic Deployments. This provision helps ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights. This provision requires DoD to provide legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. Investing in Quantum Technology in Chicago: Language recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC) by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois. Championing Domestic Manufacturing in Belleville: A provision requiring DoD to increase investments in and develop strategies related to enhancing the capacity, technological advancement, and long-term stability of the domestic textile and footwear industrial base, including expand domestic production capacity of textiles or footwear, maximize the use of annual or multi-year contracts for acquisitions to ensure stability and predictability to industry, and assess the resilience of the supply chain for textiles and footwear industries and reduce reliance from foreign manufacturers. This language is a modified version of the Senator’s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war, like those manufactured in Illinois at Belleville’s Belleville Boot Manufacturing Co. Advancing U.S. Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation in Champaign: This provision supports the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security. Encouraging Investment in Nuclear Energy and Domestic Printed Circuit Boards: A provision allowing the Office of Strategic Capital to enter into investments in nuclear fusion and fission energy and directing OSC to explore printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PCB assemblies, to ensure these critical technologies—which Illinois plays a central role in manufacturing and advancing—has sufficient capital investments to scale for warfighting. Protecting Servicemembers from Dangerous PFAS in their Protective Garments: Language requiring the DoD to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible.?Innovative Illinois research and development and manufacturing is leading the way on alternatives that protect servicemembers without relying on toxic chemicals. Supporting Investments in Biomechanical, Physiological and Psychological Research on Injuries. Language that expresses support for investments in biomechanical, physiological, and psychological research to mitigate injury risks and improve physical resilience in combat operations. Designing a New Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base: The bill authorizes $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing’s mission. Renovating General Jones Readiness Center: The bill authorizes $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard. Other key funding for Illinois projects set to be signed into law include: $5 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support forging annex at Rock Island Arsenal. $3.05 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support range control at Marseilles Training Center. $8 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support the Peoria Armory Readiness Center. -30- Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-casten-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-blue-ribbon-schools-after-trump-administration-ends-program,"Durbin, Duckworth, Casten Introduce Resolution Honoring Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools After Trump Administration Ends Program",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The resolution recognizes the 28 Illinois schools who earned a designation as a Blue Ribbon School before the Trump Administration ended the program earlier this year WASHINGTON— After the Trump Administration ended the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) today introduced a resolution to recognize the 28 Illinois schools that were selected to receive the designation of Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education given to public, charter, and private schools for their exemplary education and work to close the achievement gap. “Rather than continue our nation’s tradition of celebrating schools that have dedicated themselves to closing the achievement gap, the Trump Administration has focused its energy on closing the Department of Education at the detriment of our nation’s students and their education. While the Trump Administration will not recognize the hard work of educators, I am proud to celebrate the achievements of Illinois schools who earned the title of being a Blue Ribbon School,” said Durbin. “My resolution with Senator Duckworth and Congressman Casten gives these schools – and the educators, faculty, and staff that run them – the recognition they deserve.” “Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our schools and support our teachers,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to recognize this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois and their efforts to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to ensure that all students—no matter their zip code—have the opportunity to grow and thrive.” “Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools represent the very best of our state’s education system,” said Casten. “Teachers, administrators, and students work tirelessly to earn this distinction, which recognizes a sustained commitment to academic excellence. Although the Trump Administration needlessly ended the program, Congress can and should continue to honor deserving institutions. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Durbin to ensure their achievements receive the recognition they’ve earned.” Created in 1982 by the Reagan Administration, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program was the highest federal recognition a school could receive. The program showcased the best teaching practices of educators and encouraged other schools to model them. Since its inception, the program honored more than 9,000 public, private, charter, and parochial schools nationwide. Joining Durbin, Duckworth, and Casten in introducing the resolution are U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Johnathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09). Full text of the resolution is available here. Illinois schools that were selected for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools designation prior to the discontinuation of the program are: Ascension Catholic School – Oak Park, Illinois Clarendon Hills Middle School – Clarendon Hills, Illinois Glen Oaks Elementary School – Hickory Hills, Illinois Highlands Elementary School – La Grange, Illinois Kennedy Junior High School – Lisle, Illinois Liberty Intermediate School – Bourbonnais, Illinois Lincoln-Way East High School – Frankfort, Illinois Lyons Township High School – La Grange, Illinois Mascoutah Middle School – Mascoutah, Illinois Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy – Chicago, Illinois Pleasantdale Middle School – Burr Ridge, Illinois Prescott Elementary School – Chicago, Illinois Regina Dominican High School – Wilmette, Illinois Sarah Adams Elementary School – Lake Zurich, Illinois St. Anne Catholic School – Barrington, Illinois St. Giles School – Oak Park, Illinois St. John of the Cross Parish School – Western Springs, Illinois St. Matthias School – Chicago, Illinois St. Norbert School – Northbrook, Illinois St. Therese Chinese Catholic School – Chicago, Illinois Sunset Ridge Elementary School – Northfield, Illinois The Academy at St. Joan of Arc – Evanston, Illinois Timothy Christian P–8 – Elmhurst, Illinois Walker Elementary School – Clarendon Hills, Illinois Warren Elementary School – Warren, Illinois Wheaton Academy – West Chicago, Illinois William Fremd High School – Palatine, Illinois Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart – Lake Forest, Illinois -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-submit-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity,"Durbin, Duckworth Submit Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials’ Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Senators notify DOJ they are gathering and preserving additional evidence of violations of Section 242 amid “Operation Midway Blitz” and other unlawful immigration raids across the country WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today referred the unlawful actions of Trump Administration officials and federal law enforcement agents responsible for immigration enforcement in Illinois to Attorney General Pam Bondi for investigation. The Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during “Operation Midway Blitz,” and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity. Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is a federal crime for any person acting “under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom” to “willfully subject[] any person . . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Anyone who willfully violates another person’s Fourth Amendment rights by engaging in warrantless arrests or use of excessive force under color of law may be held liable under Section 242. If this Administration fails to pursue charges, the statute of limitations will permit the next Administration to prosecute officials who acted unlawfully. The Senators wrote, “We write to alert the Department of Justice to potential violations of law by federal immigration agents and senior Administration officials during implementation of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign—and specifically the so-called ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Illinois. This enforcement campaign—defined by use of excessive force and warrantless arrests—has reached multiple states and is intentionally creating fear and havoc in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. As indicated by agency leadership, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in operations in more than 27 cities and looking to expand their interior operations.” The Senators continued, “During ‘Operation Midway Blitz’, federal immigration agents have violated the Fourth Amendment by conducting warrantless arrests and use of excessive force as they violently confront individuals, including U.S. citizens, during immigration enforcement operations. They have shoved Chicagoans, including U.S. citizens, into unmarked vehicles, tased them, punched them, launched pepper balls at them, and tear gassed and shot them.” In the letter, the Senators cite various ways federal agents appear to have violated individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights. Federal agents have repeatedly and unjustifiably arrested individuals without warrants, including incidents in which agents have broken car windows as they executed such arrests. In the first six months of this Administration’s immigration crackdown, there have been at least 50 documented instances of immigration agents breaking car windows, compared to eight public accounts of agents breaking windows in the previous decade. Immigration agents also have engaged in use of excessive force. Federal immigration agents have unnecessarily tackled, punched, and slammed people to the ground with such force that targeted individuals have reported broken bones and needing medical care. Video footage, eyewitness accounts, and multiple reports confirm these incidents of use of excessive force. Federal immigration agents have unnecessarily deployed tear gas and fired pepper balls to intimidate and disperse journalists and peaceful protesters, including clergy and other community members. These chemical agents have sickened people—including children, pregnant women, and the elderly—and have created hazards for motorists. Federal immigration agents also have unjustifiably used tasers to disable individuals during “Operation Midway Blitz.” In one instance, a fearful U.S. citizen tried to prevent an immigration agent from forcibly opening his car door; in response, the agent tased him in the face, requiring him to seek medical treatment at a hospital. Senior Trump Administration officials appear to have sanctioned and even approved the persistent use of warrantless arrests and use of excessive force by federal agents involved in immigration enforcement operations in Illinois. In an October 30 deposition, Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Border Patrol agent responsible for Midway Blitz enforcement operations, praised federal immigration agents’ use of force, stating: “The use of force that I’ve seen has been exemplary—the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission.” He also stated: “If someone strays into a pepper ball, then that’s on them. Don’t protest and don’t trespass.” After departing Illinois in November, Bovino returned to Chicago earlier this week. In the letter, the Senators cite legal challenges where courts have attempted to rein in these unlawful enforcement activities. A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois, for example, issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits federal agents from using pepper balls, chemical agents, or other projectiles at the Broadview Processing Facility or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, absent an imminent threat to federal agents, and also prohibits “hands-on physical force,” such as shoving someone to the ground, tackling or body slamming, restraint techniques such as chokeholds and neck restraints, and the indiscriminate use of chemical agents and projectiles. The judge issued the preliminary injunction, along with a lengthy opinion, after federal agents refused to comply with an initial and expanded temporary injunction in the same case. Incidents in the days that followed the preliminary injunction demonstrate that agents continued to defy the court’s order. The Senators wrote, “As you have previously noted, ‘No one is above the law.’ We agree, and that’s why we urge the Department of Justice to set aside partisan politics and immediately investigate the potential violations of Section 242 outlined above.” The Senators concluded, “Senator Durbin has directed Senate Judiciary Committee minority staff to continue gathering evidence of potential violations of Section 242 and other federal laws, and we will provide this evidence to the Department in due course. Federal law enforcement officers participating in ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ and other unnecessarily aggressive immigration enforcement activities throughout the United States, as well as their leadership directing them to engage in these inappropriate enforcement actions, should be on notice that we are closely monitoring such activities and that they can be held accountable for violating individuals’ constitutional rights.” A copy of the letter is available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-graham-introduce-bill-to-sunset-section-230-immunity-for-tech-companies-protect-americans-online,"Durbin, Graham Introduce Bill To Sunset Section 230 Immunity For Tech Companies, Protect Americans Online",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Sunset Section 230 Act would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act, which would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies and finally hold them accountable for the harms that occur on their platforms. “Children are being exploited and abused because Big Tech consistently prioritizes profits over people. Enough is enough. Sunsetting Section 230 will force Big Tech to come to the table to take ownership over the harms it has wrought. And if Big Tech doesn’t, this bill will open the courtroom to victims of its platforms. Parents have been begging Congress to step in, and it’s time we do so. I’m proud to partner with Senator Graham on this effort, and we will push for it to become law,” said Durbin. “I am extremely pleased that there is such wide and deep bipartisan support for repealing Section 230, which protects social media companies from being sued by the people whose lives they destroy. Giant social media platforms are unregulated, immune from lawsuits and are making billions of dollars in advertising revenue off some of the most unsavory content and criminal activity imaginable. It is past time to allow those who have been harmed by these behemoths to have their day in court,” said Graham. In addition to Durbin and Graham, the bill is sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT). “For nearly 30 years, Section 230 has provided Big Tech cover as they turn a blind eye to heinous crimes committed on their platforms. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I’m glad to join my bipartisan colleagues in this effort to update our nation’s laws, reign in Section 230 and hold Big Tech accountable,” said Grassley. “When Section 230 was enacted 30 years ago it was intended to give small tech companies space to innovate. But today many of these companies are now worth billions and even trillions of dollars yet the law still shields them from accountability from harms that occur on their platforms including child exploitation and illegal fentanyl sales. Parents and victims should be able to hold these companies accountable by suing for damages, the same way they can sue if injured by nearly any other product,” said Klobuchar. “For too long, Big Tech giants have hidden behind the outdated shield of Section 230 to censor conservative voices and silence viewpoints they don't agree with. We must repeal Section 230 to finally hold Big Tech accountable and restore true freedom of speech and fairness online for the American people,” said Blackburn. “Big Tech hides behind Section 230 to dodge accountability while their platforms exploit children and inflict harm on the American people. Mark Zuckerberg and others have spent a decade claiming to support Section 230 reforms in public, while their lobbyists and lawyers fight tooth-and-nail behind the scenes. Our bipartisan measure would force Big Tech to the table with a bold demand: either negotiate sensible reforms now or lose your absolute immunity forever,” said Blumenthal. “As a former prosecutor and the mother of a school aged child I know firsthand the dangers our children face online. We are the first generation of parents having to deal with predators getting to our children under our own roofs through their devices. The old rules — stranger danger, don’t get in the van — aren’t enough to protect them anymore. That is why I am throwing my full support behind the Sunset Section 230 Act, and I urge my colleagues to get off the sidelines and finally do something to protect our kids,” said Moody. “The internet has dramatically transformed since the Communications Decency Act was passed in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, Section 230 has been used by America’s biggest tech giants not as a tool but as a shield, providing immunity from legal consequences when their platforms harm consumers. Our bipartisan bill to sunset Section 230 is an important step forward in a bipartisan effort to hold Big Tech accountable. It will protect children and other vulnerable communities from harm, misinformation, and exploitation,” said Welch. Section 230 was created in 1996, as a part of the Communications Decency Act, to allow then-fledgling social media companies to grow without fear of lawsuits. Those days have long since passed, as these companies are now some of the most powerful in the history of the world. In the digital era, thousands of Americans, many of whom are children, have been targeted by online perpetrators who engage in harassment, bullying, the dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sextortion—a type of online blackmail using nude or sexually explicit images. In certain cases, victims of these crimes are driven to suicide within mere minutes or hours after being abused online, long before their loved ones ever knew they were victimized. Surviving victims and their families are unable to sue the social media companies that criminals use to commit these heinous acts due to protections under Section 230. This bill is endorsed by Less Than 3, Enough Is Enough, Zero Abuse Project, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Institute for Family Studies, American Principles Project, Bull Moose Project, Protect Young Eyes, Concerned Women for America Action, Fairplay for Kids, ParentsSOS, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress Institute, Rights4Girls, and Digital Childhood Alliance. Full text of the bill is available here. Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) also joined forces to re-introduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024—and was reintroduced in the Senate this year. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and produced without the consent of the person depicted. Earlier this year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here. Earlier this month, Durbin and Grassley introduced a bipartisan legislative package to address CSAM. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shaheen-meet-with-polish-embassys-head-of-mission,"Durbin, Shaheen Meet With Polish Embassy’s Head Of Mission",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with the Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy, Bogdan Klich, to discuss Poland’s strong support of Ukraine as Vladimir Putin continues his brutal war. They also discussed Russia’s provocative incursion into Polish airspace, creating a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine that marks the first time NATO planes engaged enemy targets in alliance airspace. “While I support efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine started by Russia, it is also clear that after each such engagement or threatened deadline from President Trump, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine brazenly increased, not decreased,” said Durbin. “As I reiterated to Mr. Klich, we must stand strong together—the United States, Poland, and Ukraine—to push back on Vladimir Putin and ensure any peace agreement is not a sellout to Putin. I also reiterated that Poland is our ally, and I hope the Trump Administration takes the Russian drone incursions to NATO seriously.” “Poland is an invaluable NATO ally, a keystone of our collective defense on the Eastern flank and a steadfast partner in supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” said Shaheen. “In our meeting today, I reiterated my deep reservations about the Trump Administration’s initial so-called ‘peace’ proposal that is willing to accommodate Putin’s demands at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and broader U.S. and European security interests. The United States should follow Poland’s lead and recognize the urgency of the moment—now is the time for a strong, coordinated Allied posture.” In October, Durbin and Shaheen introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Durbin has visited Poland multiple times in recent years, including in February 2022 just days before Russia began its most recent assault on Ukraine. Chicago, Illinois, is home to the largest population of those with Polish ancestry outside of Poland. The Illinois National Guard has a long-standing partnership with Poland that includes training and exchanges. The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which just passed the Senate yesterday, included a Durbin-supported provision prohibiting the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe, including Poland. Photos of the meeting are available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-fbi-deputy-directors-announced-departure,Durbin Statement On FBI Deputy Director’s Announced Departure,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he’s departing his post after less than a year of service: “Dan Bongino was a bad pick from the start. His service was remarkably ineffective, highlighted by his woeful mishandling of the Epstein files and his need for a polygraph exam waiver to be eligible for the job. The men and women who protect our nation at the FBI deserve better than a conspiracy theorist podcaster with an axe to grind. “I encourage Director Patel to return to longstanding tradition and appoint an experienced career FBI agent who is interested in the agency’s ever-important day-to-day work of keeping our nation safe.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-upcoming-epstein-files-deadline,Durbin Statement On Upcoming Epstein Files Deadline,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement as tomorrow marks the statutory deadline for the Trump Administration to release the Epstein files: “This should be a big step towards transparency to the American public about the horrors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. “As the statutory deadline to release the Epstein files approaches, it’s important to center survivors at the forefront. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell committed horrific crimes that put young women through unspeakable trauma. Because of these survivors’ bravery, the American people may soon know a fuller truth. “That said, it’s also important to hold those responsible for the politicization of this case accountable. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino intentionally misled the public before their appointments. Once in office, they let politics serve as their North Star—not justice. Stunt press conferences, binders with no new information, false proclamations on TV, and shoddy searches for the President’s name are shameful distractions from meaningful efforts to seek justice for survivors. “It took an act of Congress to get to this point. I will be looking closely for: appropriate redactions of victim’s identifying information, faulty redactions shielding those who caused harm from accountability, and any sense that the Administration is covering up for the wealthy and powerful. “Survivors and the public deserve transparency and accountability—no matter who it implicates.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-tillis-conaway-maloy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-and-improve-enforcement-of-illegal-tobacco-products,"Durbin, Tillis, Conaway, Maloy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen And Improve Enforcement Of Illegal Tobacco Products",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In 2024, DOJ and FDA established a task force to crack down on illegally sold vape products after Durbin urged the agencies to enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products to children WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with U.S. Representative Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ-03) and U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), today introduced new bicameral and bipartisan legislation to crack down on illegal vape products that are targeted to children. The Strengthening Task Force Operations to Prevent Illicit Vaping Act (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act) would strengthen a federal multi-agency task force, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to coordinate enforcement, information sharing, and strategy to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes. In 2024, FDA and DOJ established this task force after Durbin repeatedly called on the agencies to better enforce federal laws against the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products. Durbin secured $2 million for the task force in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies. This funding will support the task force’s efforts to bring all criminal and civil tools to bear against the illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes from China and other foreign countries. “If we hope to prevent the next generation of children from getting hooked on nicotine, we must enforce our existing laws and finally crack down on the illegal e-cigarette products that are flooding stores nationwide,” Durbin said. “My bipartisan legislation, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act, would cement DOJ and FDA’s task force dedicated to preventing the unlawful sale of these unauthorized vape products.” “The flood of illegal and unregulated e-cigarettes, particularly from China, undermines public health, skirts federal law, and disadvantages businesses that play by the rules,” said Tillis. “The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens coordination among federal agencies to crack down on these illicit products, protect kids from unauthorized nicotine devices, and ensure our laws are enforced as Congress intended.” “The rise of illegally imported and unregulated e-cigarettes is a growing threat to public health, legitimate businesses, and the integrity of our enforcement system,” said Conaway. “As a physician, I understand the urgency of protecting Americans from illegal and dangerous tobacco products. The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens federal task forces on the front lines, equipping them with the tools and coordination necessary to disrupt illegal vaping networks. This bill takes a responsible, enforcement-focused approach to safeguarding communities and ensuring a lawful, transparent marketplace.” “There are clear laws on the books governing tobacco and vaping products, but those laws only matter if they’re enforced,” said Maloy. “The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens enforcement by improving coordination across agencies so illegal operators can’t take advantage of gaps in the system.” “The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids strongly supports the legislation introduced by Sen. Durbin and Sen. Tillis to help ensure the federal government is taking comprehensive enforcement action against the many illegal e-cigarette products that are currently on the market. We commend their efforts to prevent illegal e-cigarettes from being imported, distributed and sold in the United States and to hold bad actors accountable for endangering the health of our kids,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Durbin has criticized FDA for its continued lack of urgency as millions of children have begun using addictive e-cigarettes. For years, FDA has failed to regulate e-cigarettes, falling years behind court-ordered and congressional mandated deadlines to review applications from vaping companies, and refusing to enforce the law and take action against companies marketing illegal vaping products to children. Under the Tobacco Control Act (TCA), e-cigarette companies are required to obtain authorization from FDA prior to entering the market, which the agency has neglected to properly enforce. In an effort to strengthen coordination and facilitate enforcement against the sale of unauthorized vaping products, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act would formally codify the existing multi-agency task force to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. Further, the bill would direct the task force to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for reducing the number of unauthorized e-cigarettes on the market. The task force would be comprised of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as representatives from FDA; DOJ; Customs and Border Protection (CBP); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPS); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and other federal agencies as appropriate. The task force would be directed to meet on an annual basis and submit a report to Congress detailing authorities, actions taken, and recommendations for additional criminal or civil authorities needed to address the public health threat of the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Text of the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act can be found here. In 2023, Durbin’s office examined FDA’s public data files to identify e-cigarette manufacturers who have received both marketing denial orders and warning letters yet continue to sell unauthorized products, in order to assess FDA’s effectiveness in taking enforcement action against some of the most flagrantly defiant examples. Durbin’s office found at least 22 vaping products that appeared to be sold online by the manufacturer in violation of the law and in defiance of repeated enforcement actions by FDA. In addition to those products sold online by the manufacturer, several other such products remained available for purchase from third-party retailers, including one of the most popular e-cigarettes among children, Breeze Smoke. Durbin’s investigation also found that FDA had only issued “closeout letters” to 10 percent of the 685 tobacco warning letters it has issued since January 1, 2021. A closeout letter indicates that FDA has verified that corrective action has taken place to address the violations contained in the warning letter. Durbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco, particularly since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to restaurants, office buildings, trains, and much more. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-durbin-announces-criminal-referral-to-doj-regarding-trump-officials-unconstitutional-immigration-enforcement-activity,"On Senate Floor, Durbin Announces Criminal Referral To DOJ Regarding Trump Officials’ Unconstitutional Immigration Enforcement Activity",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: Today, I am putting those participating in “Operation Midway Blitz” on notice; you will be held accountable for unlawful actions WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced he, along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), have submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding the unlawful actions of senior Administration officials and federal immigration agents in “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Trump Administration repeatedly appears to have violated the constitutional rights of individuals in Illinois during “Operation Midway Blitz,” and the officials responsible for these violations are acting with impunity. Durbin said, “Earlier this year, the Trump Administration began a calculated show of political theater and force designed to spread fear and terror in Illinois communities. Masked federal agents pepper sprayed, punched, body slammed, and even shot individuals, including U.S. citizens, during violent immigration enforcement actions… They deployed tear gas canisters against clergy, broke into apartments, and zip-tied children.” Durbin continued, “President Trump has not gone after ‘the worst of the worst,’ as he promised—instead, he has brought some of the worst, most unprofessional, and most poorly trained federal law enforcement officers and agents into our city. Because of his so-called ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ children are afraid to go to school, businesses are closing, and families are being torn apart. Yet the Trump Administration has shown no regret. They are reveling in the fear and chaos they have created. Just look at Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino.” On Tuesday, Bovino returned to Chicago after leaving last month to bring his campaign of fear to North Carolina and New Orleans. As soon as he arrived back in Chicago, Bovino went to the picket line of Local 705 Teamsters at Mauser Packaging Solutions. Durbin said, “Bovino brought federal agents to the line to intimidate and interrogate these workers. He laughed in their faces as they demanded better working conditions. In court testimony, Mr. Bovino has praised federal agents’ use of excessive force as ‘exemplary,’ even after multiple U.S. citizens were hospitalized following their encounters with his federal agents.” Durbin continued, “When addressing federal agents prior to a confrontation with peaceful protesters, Mr. Bovino stated ‘If someone strays into a pepper ball, then that’s on them.’ Bovino has teargassed peaceful crowds, encouraged his agents to fire pepper balls at protestors, and threatened to go ‘even harder on the streets,’ when federal judges dare to order him to follow the law. But Mr. Bovino is not alone in his cruelty. Many Trump Administration officials have been posting and gloating about these clear violations of individuals’ constitutional rights.” Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is a federal crime for any person acting “under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom” to “willfully subject[] any person . . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Anyone who willfully violates another person’s Fourth Amendment rights by engaging in warrantless arrests or use of excessive force under color of law may be held liable under Section 242. If this Administration fails to pursue charges, the statute of limitations will permit the next Administration to prosecute officials who acted unlawfully. Durbin noted that while the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. United States may have immunized President Trump personally from prosecution, it provided no such protection for his lackeys. Durbin said, “The Trump Administration officials responsible for the use of excessive force or unlawful detentions may face criminal consequences for their role in ‘Midway Blitz.’ That is why today my colleague Senator Duckworth and I have submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding the unlawful actions of senior Administration officials and federal immigration agents in ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’” Durbin noted a Border Patrol agent shot a Chicago woman multiple times. Body-camera video reportedly shows the agent threatening the woman, prior to shooting her. Afterwards, he bragged in text messages to other agents about shooting the woman, writing, “5 shots, 7 holes.” Durbin said, “As Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have directed my staff to continue gathering evidence of potential violations of Section 242, and we will provide this evidence to the Justice Department in due course.” In addition to Durbin’s and Duckworth’s actions, Illinois elected officials are hard at work documenting the crimes committed by federal agents. The Mayor of Evanston has opened an investigation after federal agents pinned down a man and struck him in the head. The Village of Broadview is conducting criminal investigations related to ICE’s use of tear gas and rubber bullets against first responders and peaceful protestors. Tomorrow, the Illinois Accountability Commission will hold its first public hearing, which will examine the widespread use of chemical agents during “Midway Blitz.” Durbin said, “There will come a time when the people responsible for the assaults, tear gassing, and unjust detention during these lawless immigration enforcement actions will face real accountability. These officials swore an oath when they began their service to preserve and protect the Constitution. But in their roles as federal law enforcement officials, there is ample evidence that they have violated the very rights they promised to defend.” Durbin concluded, “Today, I am putting those participating in ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ on notice. You can continue to terrorize people. You can ignore the rulings of our courts, our laws, and our Constitution. You can hide behind your masks. You can ignore the due process requirements of the Constitution. But the day will come when justice will be served. The day will come when you will be held accountable. The day will come when this pitiful display of meanness and intolerance will become one of the saddest chapters of our nation’s history. And you will be held accountable.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-press-for-hearing-on-legality-of-trumps-extrajudicial-killings-in-caribbean-sea,Senate Judiciary Democrats Press For Hearing On Legality Of Trump’s Extrajudicial Killings In Caribbean Sea,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin, SJC Dems to Grassley: “These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in urging Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to hold a hearing on the Trump Administration’s executions of alleged drug traffickers via military strikes on boats at sea, which have killed at least 95 people so far in 25 separate strikes. The Committee has jurisdiction over extrajudicial killings, murder, war crimes, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which authored a classified memo providing cover for these killings. In a letter to Grassley, the Senators highlighted the shocking conduct by the Trump Administration, writing: “Since September, the Trump Administration has summarily executed at least 95 people in 25 known strikes on alleged drug smugglers in vessels at sea. This is not a time to mince words. These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law. The Administration’s claims that the people it is killing are guilty of crimes, affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or ‘combatants’ in a nonexistent armed conflict, do not render these extrajudicial killings any less unlawful. This Committee must address the serious concerns that these strikes may violate U.S. criminal laws, and that Department of Justice attorneys who gave President Trump and Secretary Hegseth legal cover to summarily execute suspected criminals have violated their ethical obligations.” The Senators then made their request, writing: “We respectfully request that you immediately convene a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to ensure that those who authorized these extrajudicial killings are held to account.” The Senators denounced state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings, writing: “There is not, nor can there be, any justification for state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings. Summary executions have no place in a constitutional democracy operating under the rule of law, no matter how heinous the accusations a government makes against someone. Nor can governments fabricate an armed conflict or falsely label people ‘combatants’ to kill them.” U.S. officials and Members of Congress from both parties have long condemned extrajudicial killings, including of alleged drug traffickers, when committed by other nations, including then-Senator Marco Rubio in 2020 and 2024 and State Departments under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. The Senators condemned the Trump Administration’s weak approach to drug trafficking, including pardoning two drug kingpins, writing: “Make no mistake, drug trafficking is a terrible crime. And it must be addressed with robust, effective, and lawful measures, including interdicting vessels transporting such drugs, prosecuting violators to the full extent of the law, and supporting the needs of impacted families and communities. Instead of intensifying such efforts, President Trump has weakened them.” Since President Trump returned to office, his Administration has diverted thousands of agents from critical drug enforcement missions, shuttered a critical task force, terminated hundreds of grants for state and local law enforcement, and slashed drug trafficking programs, which all has culminated in the lowest level of federal drug prosecutions in decades. The Senators concluded by reiterating their request for a hearing, writing: “The American people want real solutions to crime and the drug epidemic—not extrajudicial killings committed in their name. In accordance with the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, I urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on this outrage.” In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). For a PDF of the letter to Chairman Grassley, click here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-trumps-escalating-misuse-of-our-military-against-americans-duckworth-votes-to-block-final-passage-of-defense-authorization-bill-for-the-first-time-in-her-career,"Amid Trump’s Escalating Misuse of Our Military Against Americans, Duckworth Votes to Block Final Passage of Defense Authorization Bill for the First Time in Her Career",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Citing her deep concern over Donald Trump’s continuing—and escalating—abuse of our nation’s nonpartisan military and servicemembers by unconstitutionally deploying them into American cities including Chicago to intimidate Americans in their own communities, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the first time in her career. Duckworth has supported every NDAA since she was first elected to Congress in 2012. “Each year, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to forge a bipartisan Defense Authorization bill that supports our military and protects our national security. This year’s NDAA, however, authorizes DoD funding that Donald Trump has misused—and that he continues misusing—to deploy our troops into American cities in an effort that neither protects our national security nor makes our communities safer. And it is because I love our military so much, and respect our troops so deeply, that I had no choice but to vote against this authorization. “The power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law—not in one man’s judgment about what constitutes disorder.?I will never vote to enable a wannabe tinpot dictator to use the authorities or money Congress allocates to our Armed Forces in an un-American campaign—especially when that campaign abuses our servicemembers and disrespects their sacrifices by ordering them to intimidate Americans in their own communities rather than defend our nation against its adversaries.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-pushes-for-long-term-funding-certainty-for-air-traffic-control-system-modernization-project-and-calls-on-faa-to-invest-in-both-technology-and-training,Duckworth Pushes for Long-Term Funding Certainty for Air Traffic Control System Modernization Project and Calls on FAA to Invest in Both Technology and Training,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At today’s U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (CST) Aviation Subcommittee hearing, Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reiterated the urgent need to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system, expressing support for providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an additional $20 billion to ensure long-term funding certainty, while calling on the FAA to prioritize phase one investments on the systems and infrastructure that is guaranteed to deliver long-term value. Video of the Senator’s opening remarks are available on her YouTube. “If we want any chance of success at ATC modernization, we simply cannot afford to deny FAA the certainty of long-term funding—$12.5 billion is a meaningful downpayment, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Duckworth. “Over the past several decades, the FAA has neglected the capabilities and capacity of the ATC system’s most important asset—its people. The bottom line is that successfully building a ‘Brand New’ ATC system will require rebuilding a depleted and demoralized workforce.” In addition to upgrading radars and replacing telecom equipment, Duckworth urged FAA Administrator Brian Bedford to invest a portion of the modernization project’s existing $12.5 billion downpayment toward enhancing the FAA’s workforce infrastructure to enhance its capabilities and capacity to hire, train and retain more desperately needed air traffic controllers and FAA technicians. Specifically, Duckworth expressed support for the FAA using modernization funds to procure ATC training equipment to entice far more academic institutions to join the FAA’s Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative and pushed Administrator Bedford to invest in additional FAA Academies in population centers across the country. Duckworth also stressed her concerns over the FAA’s self-imposed 2028 deadline to complete the latest massive ATC modernization project, and she pressed FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on how he plans to ensure standards aren’t compromised for the sake of speed—especially after Donald Trump slashed the FAA workforce in his indiscriminate mass firings. Video of the Senator’s questioning are available on her YouTube. “I am concerned by the focus on meeting an arbitrary, unrealistic three-year timeline,” continued Duckworth. “Without stringent oversight, such an environment is at high risk for less stringent quality control, malfunctioning systems and inadequate time to train controllers on new technology. We cannot afford to cut corners when it comes to our aviation system. The American people need us to be sure we have worked out issues before we entrust their lives to any new system or technologies.” Duckworth has long been a leading voice in the push to strengthen our air traffic control system and workforce. Earlier this month, after the Trump Administration cruelly provided only four percent of the ATC and technician workforce with $10,000 bonuses—despite all of them working without pay during the Republican-led government shutdown—Duckworth demanded Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to award those bonuses to every single ATC and technician. For years, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public. Last year, Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization that was signed into law to extend the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-highlights-the-senates-responsibility-to-hold-the-executive-branch-accountable-amid-president-trumps-abuses-of-powers,Durbin Highlights The Senate’s Responsibility To Hold The Executive Branch Accountable Amid President Trump’s Abuses Of Powers,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During Durbin’s opening statement in a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, he also condemned President Trump’s attempts to undermine the Senate blue slip tradition WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing highlighted the Senate’s responsibility to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees; called out President Trump’s cruel immigration tactics, as well as his unlawful and un-American actions; and commented on the longstanding bipartisan Senate tradition, the blue slip. Durbin also condemned Secretary Hegseth’s refusal during a classified briefing yesterday to share with all Senators the full, unedited video of the September 2nd lethal strikes on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors. Today’s hearing is on the nominations of Daniel Edward Burrows, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy (OLP); Megan Blair Benton, to the U.S District Court for the Western District of Missouri; Brian Charles Lea, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee; and Justin Ross Olson, to the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Key Quotes: “The Senate, as part of the legislative branch, must provide advice and consent on presidential nominees. It is a responsibility that goes back to our nation’s founding…To ensure the president could not become a despot like King George III, our Founders designed a system of checks and balances [that] separated the federal government’s powers among its three branches.” “The Senate’s role in providing advice and consent on presidential nominees is one critical check on the executive branch. Today’s hearing is a step in that process. And it has never been more important that the Senate exercise this role—because the President is determined to push the bounds of his power at every opportunity.” “Across the country, immigration agents are racially profiling and arresting American citizens—even veterans. At a spotlight forum last week, I spoke about how one Chicagoan—a U.S. citizen on her way to work—was physically assaulted, arrested, and detained for several hours after ICE agents crashed into her car and pointed their weapons at her… [This] is not conduct that we can or should tolerate in the United States.” “But the Trump Administration’s unlawful and un-American actions are not limited to our own shores or our fellow citizens. The President has ordered extrajudicial killings of at least 95 people off the coast of Venezuela. Yesterday, our self-styled ‘Secretary of War’ essentially told Senators to ‘go to hell’ when we asked to see videos of the episode where two stranded victims may have been executed in violation of international, legal standards.” “The Trump Administration alleges that these individuals are ‘narco-terrorists.’ Drug trafficking is a serious crime and should be prosecuted. But that is not what is happening here. Instead, President Trump is engaging in the summary executions of criminal suspects. That is a violation of law—in both peacetime and wartime.” “Today’s hearing is part of our effort to fulfill our obligation. But we must also conduct oversight and hold accountable a President who too often ignores the limits of power… We are now about to finish this calendar year with the Department of Homeland Security spurning every effort made to bring and hold her [Secretary Noem] accountable for what’s happening [in regard to immigration raids across the country].” “In closing, I want to note that multiple nominees on today’s panel are here because of this Committee’s longstanding, bipartisan tradition of requiring blue slips from Senators supporting district court nominees from their states.” “Just this week, the President falsely claimed, ‘if you have one Democrat in a state, it is not possible to appoint because of blue slips.’ In fact, this year the Committee has reported—and the Senate has confirmed—numerous judicial and U.S. Attorney nominees from blue states with the support of Democratic Senators.” “[Blue slips] simply require that President Trump do what every other President before him has done—work with home-state Senators to identify well-qualified nominees who will follow the law. Blue slips remain a critical part of this body’s advice and consent [responsibility] even when they frustrate the party in power. I want to thank Chairman Grassley for continuing to follow this practice.” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-secures-key-provisions-to-support-rock-island-arsenal-defense-manufacturing-in-illinois-in-national-defense-authorization-act,"Durbin Secures Key Provisions To Support Rock Island Arsenal, Defense Manufacturing In Illinois In National Defense Authorization Act",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The FY26 NDAA, which passed the Senate today and now heads to the President’s desk, includes a number of Durbin-led measures & authorizations for military construction projects in Illinois WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today highlighted the critical provisions he secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by the Senate today and now heads to the President’s desk for signature. The bill includes significant support for Rock Island Arsenal, provides security aid to Ukraine, and authorizes $113 million in military construction funds for Illinois. “The NDAA is a strong, bipartisan show of support for our national defense and to our men and women in uniform. The bill, which has earned the support of both chambers of Congress, includes my provisions to ensure that Rock Island Arsenal remains central to our nation’s effort to modernize the military and strengthens security cooperation with our allies around the world,” said Durbin. Durbin-led measures included in the FY26 NDAA are: Rock Island Arsenal: Authorizes a new pilot program modeled after Durbin’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act to give contracting preference to public-private partnerships between industry and Army arsenals such as at Rock Island. This provision will help ensure Rock Island Arsenal remains active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment, and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base. Restricts the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about its proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping to ensure operations and protect jobs at Rock Island Arsenal from unnecessary cuts. Authorizes the Army to expand robotic munitions manufacturing capabilities at government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, which will help boost workload for facilities such as the Quad City Cartridge Case Facility. Oversight Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to notify Congress on immigration enforcement support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to include the use of military aircraft for deportation flights, the use of DoD bases for detention, and other support to improve congressional and public oversight amid the Trump Administration’s increased use of the military for immigration operations. Enhances oversight of the use of service members to support domestic law enforcement, including increased legal training for all service members on rules of engagement and appropriate public identification of service members providing support on U.S. soil. Requires a congressional notification if the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers them to another position before the end of their term to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration’s actions. Limits funding for the consolidation of geographic combatant commands to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration’s actions. PFAS Requires DoD to develop a plan to procure chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear personnel protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals. Government Contracts Supports APEX Accelerators, including in Illinois, which help small businesses be more competitive for DoD and other government contracts. Foreign Relations Codifies Durbin’s Baltic Security Initiative, particularly timely amid reports that the Pentagon was seeking to eliminate such security assistance programs. Durbin created this program in Fiscal Year 2021 to strengthen U.S. security cooperation with the Baltics amid an increase of Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Condemns Russia’s illegal abduction of Ukrainian children. Prohibits funds to recognize sovereign Ukrainian territory forcibly seized by Russia. Extends and increases the authorization for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative from $300 million to $400 million and authorizes continued intelligence sharing for Ukraine. Prohibits the reduction of U.S. Armed Forces stationed and equipment in Europe, over concerns that President Trump may remove U.S. troops from Germany, Poland, or the Baltics. Strengthens the trilateral AUKUS security pact. Quantum Accelerates quantum research efforts across the Department of Defense, which will support work at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago. Veterans’ Health Reauthorizes for another year the Treasury account to provide for the operations of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Impact Aid Authorizes $80 million for Impact Aid programs to provide financial assistance to school districts that support military families in compensation for the lost local tax base imposed upon by a neighboring military installation. Military Construction Authorizes Military Construction funds for the following projects in Illinois: $50 million for construction of a new Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal; $5 million in planning and design funds to house the expanding forging capability at the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center; $5 million in planning and design funds for the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago for the Army Guard; $3.05 million in planning and design funds for an operations and maintenance facility in Marseilles for the Army Guard; $8 million in planning and design funds for a new Readiness Center in Peoria for the Army Guard; $6 million in planning and design funds for a new aircraft hangar at Scott Air Force Base for the Air Guard; and $36 million in maintenance support at Fort Sheridan. Law Enforcement and Survivor Support Includes four bills that were unanimously reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee during National Police Week in May: The PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 Reauthorization, which reauthorizes and modernizes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program; The Improving Police CARE Act, which establishes baseline standards for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Byrne JAG program; The Chief Herbert D. Proffit Act of 2025, which expands Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria; and The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which expands access to federal support through the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program for first responders and their families. Supreme Court Security Authorizes the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to protect retired or former Supreme Court justices and their immediate families if they determine there is a need. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-jack-smiths-closed-door-house-testimony,Durbin Statement On Jack Smith’s Closed Door House Testimony,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Jack Smith’s closed-door testimony to the House Judiciary Committee today: “If Senate Republicans and the Attorney General are truly committed to transparency, they’ll allow Jack Smith to testify publicly under oath, as he’s offered. They also must release the unredacted Volume II of his report and any materials not already produced related to Volumes I and II. But they refuse. “Mr. Smith is the only person with direct knowledge of decisions and actions taken under his leadership as Special Counsel. If Republicans have so many questions, a transparent means of answering is necessary. Anything less than public testimony under oath is unacceptable.” On October 30, Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats called on Chairman Grassley to allow Former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify publicly before the Committee. In their letter, the Senators also urged Grassley to request the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) release Volume II of the unredacted “Final Report of the Special Counsel’s Investigations and Prosecutions,” which was submitted to then-Attorney General (AG) Merrick Garland in January 2025. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-help-introduce-no-check-no-sale-bill-to-close-the-charleston-loophole,"Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce “No Check, No Sale” Bill to Close the Charleston Loophole",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"In 2024, nearly 3,000 firearms were sold to people who legally shouldn’t have access to firearms because dealers were not required to wait for completed background checks [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) with 23 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to close a current loophole that allows firearm sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a firearm. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of firearm sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. “It’s just common sense that if you can’t pass a background check, you shouldn’t be able to purchase a firearm—and the vast majority of Americans agree,” said Duckworth. “This legislation will help us close this senseless loophole and help keep weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them. Enough is enough.” “We have seen the tragic consequences when guns end up in the hands of prohibited buyers because a background check was not able to be completed in time. The Background Check Completion Act would finally ensure that no one will be able to purchase a firearm from a gun dealer without first passing a background check,” said Durbin. “It’s long past time that we fixed this loophole.” When a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a firearm. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, firearm dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a firearm. The Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for every buyer who purchases a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer. Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Blumenthal, the Background Check Completion Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Brady, Sandy Hook Promise and Newtown Action Alliance. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-celebrates-seventh-anniversary-of-the-first-step-act-in-speech-on-senate-floor,Durbin Celebrates Seventh Anniversary Of The First Step Act In Speech On Senate Floor,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA)—bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to re-enter society successfully. The First Step Act was signed into law by President Trump in December 2018, and was championed by Durbin and U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Lee (R-UT). “This December marks the seventh anniversary of the passage of the First Step Act—the most significant reform to our criminal justice system in a generation. That victory was born out of years of bipartisan negotiations led by myself and my colleagues, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The end result was—and continues to be—life-changing for the people who were impacted. The First Step Act delivered much-needed reforms to our outdated sentencing laws and provided opportunities for incarcerated Americans to safely reenter their communities. Those reforms have reduced populations in overcrowded prisons, reunited families, and revitalized the communities these men and women reenter as productive neighbors. And the evidence backs that up.” Durbin noted that the reforms made by the First Step Act have been tremendously successful. Of more than 40,000 people released under the law through January 2024, just under 10 percent have been rearrested compared to the Bureau of Prisons’ overall recidivism rate of about 45 percent. Durbin went on to share the story of Eugenia Jennings from Alton, Illinois, who sadly experienced the injustice of our antiquated sentencing laws firsthand. Eugenia was terribly abused as a child, and by age 15, she was addicted to crack cocaine. At age 23, then a mother of three, Eugenia was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for selling less than 14 grams of the drug. “In prison, she was a model for others. She took all the courses available to her, overcame her addiction, and talked to students about the dangers of drug addiction. Sadly, while she was incarcerated, she developed leukemia. I asked President Barack Obama, my former colleague in the Senate, to commute Eugenia’s sentence, and he did just that… Eugenia was released just in time to see her oldest daughter graduate from high school. I cannot tell you the joy in her voice when she told me that. She passed away two years later, but her story has lived on—and served as a driving force behind my efforts to reform our federal drug sentencing laws. Eugenia’s story led me to meet more individuals whose lives were forever altered by unfair sentencing laws—including Matthew Charles.” Durbin then shared the story of Matthew Charles who, like Eugenia, also had a difficult childhood, enduring both physical and verbal abuse. He joined the Army at age 18, but found himself still filled with anger and hurt—eventually turning to what he has called “wayward living” and selling drugs. Matthew received a state conviction and then a federal conviction. Because he had a prior conviction when he ended up in federal court, and because he had been selling crack rather than powder cocaine, Matthew received a 35-year sentence. “While in prison, he worked as a GED tutor and a law library clerk, in addition to mentoring younger people. He helped other incarcerated individuals who could not read to understand their letters and court documents, and he drafted filings for them. In 21 years in prison, Matthew did not receive a single disciplinary infraction. After Matthew’s conviction and sentence, Congress passed a law I wrote, called the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine offenses. But the law was not retroactive,” Durbin said. “When Eugenia and Matthew were sentenced, the hands of their sentencing judges were tied—because Congress severely limited a judge’s discretion to impose an individualized sentence and instead mandated overly-harsh one-size-fits-all penalties. The First Step Act took one giant step toward correcting that unfair system. Among other reforms, it made the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Matthew Charles was one of the first people released from prison after the First Step Act became law.” Durbin then spoke about a package of bipartisan bills he introduced this week with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to expand on the progress of the FSA. Durbin and Grassley reintroduced the First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act. They also introduced new legislation to extend the FSA’s annual reporting requirement by five years. “But, as the name of the First Step Act suggests, it is just that—one first step. There is more to be done. To make our justice system fairer and our communities safer, we must continue reforming our sentencing laws in a smart way,” Durbin said. Durbin concluded, “The First Step Act’s passage was a glimmer of bipartisanship in a political arena… and its success shows what we can accomplish on behalf of the American people when we put aside our differences and come to the table with reasonable approaches. We need evidence-backed solutions to reduce crime and make our communities safer. So, as we celebrate this anniversary, I will continue to work with my colleagues to reform outdated sentencing laws. Let’s rekindle that spirit of bipartisanship and get something done in the Senate… Together, we can reduce crime, improve our justice system, and make our communities safer.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. Durbin has long championed efforts to address inequities in our criminal justice system. Durbin was also the lead sponsor of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, bipartisan legislation signed into law by then-President Obama that reduced the unjust sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and eliminated the mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grassley-introduce-criminal-justice-reform-bills,"Durbin, Grassley Introduce Criminal Justice Reform Bills",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, Durbin and Grassley are working to continue to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer, including introducing new legislation to extend the First Step Act’s annual reporting requirement by five years WASHINGTON – Around the seventh anniversary of the First Step Act (FSA), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced four pieces of criminal justice reform legislation to further implement the FSA and advance its goals. Durbin and Grassley were the lead sponsors of the landmark First Step Act, which is bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. It was signed into law in December 2018. Durbin and Grassley reintroduced the First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act. They also introduced new legislation to extend the FSA’s annual reporting requirement by five years. “Seven years ago, Congress came together to pass the most important criminal justice reform law in a generation. But as its name suggests, it was just the first step,” Durbin said. “In order to keep making our justice system fairer and our communities safer, we must continue reforming our antiquated and outdated sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to reenter society successfully. I appreciate Senator Grassley’s partnership in this important endeavor.” “Criminals must face just penalties, and our nation’s criminal justice system should seek to prevent recidivism,” Grassley said. “I’m committed to advancing efforts that will help reduce crime, improve our nation’s justice system and safeguard American communities.” First Step Implementation Act The bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2025 aims to further implement the FSA and advance its goals. The First Step Implementation Act would further the goals of the FSA by: Allowing courts to apply the FSA sentencing reform provisions to reduce sentences imposed prior to the enactment of the FSA; Broadening the safety valve provision to allow courts to sentence below a mandatory minimum for nonviolent controlled substance offenses, if the court finds the defendant’s criminal history over-represents the seriousness of the defendant’s criminal record and the likelihood of recidivism; Allowing courts to reduce sentences imposed on juvenile offenders who have served more than 20 years; Providing for the sealing or expungement of records of nonviolent juvenile offenses; and, Requiring the Attorney General to establish procedures ensuring that only accurate criminal records are shared for employment-related purposes. The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Human Rights for Kids, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Tzedek Association, Prison Fellowship, Prison Fellowship Ministries, R Street Institute, and Right On Crime. Bill text is available here. Safer Detention Act The bipartisan Safer Detention Act of 2025 would reauthorize and reform the now-expired Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, clarify applicability of compassionate release from federal prisons, and implement other reforms, including: Clarifying that the percentage of time served required for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program should be calculated based on an inmate’s sentence, including reductions for good conduct time credits; Expanding the eligibility criteria for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program to include nonviolent offenders who have served at least 50 percent of their terms of imprisonment; Clarifying that elderly nonviolent D.C. Code offenders in BOP custody are eligible for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program and that federal prisoners sentenced before November 1, 1987 are eligible for compassionate release; and, Subjecting elderly home detention eligibility decisions to judicial review (based on the First Step Act’s compassionate release provision). The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Prison Fellowship, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Right on Crime, Sentencing Project, and Tzedek Association. Bill text is available here. Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act The bipartisan Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act of 2025 would end the unjust practice of judges increasing sentences based on conduct for which a defendant has been acquitted by a jury. Our criminal justice system rests on the Fifth and Sixth Amendment guarantees of due process and the right to a jury trial for the criminally accused. These principles require the government to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. Under the Constitution, defendants may be convicted only for conduct proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, at sentencing, courts may enhance sentences if they find, by the lower preponderance of the evidence standard, that a defendant committed other crimes. The difference in those standards of proof means that a sentencing court can effectively nullify a jury’s verdict by considering acquitted conduct. The Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act would end this practice by: Amending 18 U.S.C. § 3661 to preclude a court of the United States from considering, except for purposes of mitigating a sentence, acquitted conduct at sentencing, and Defining “acquitted conduct” to include acts for which a person was criminally charged and adjudicated not guilty after trial in a Federal, State, Tribal, or Juvenile court, or acts underlying a criminal charge or juvenile information dismissed upon a motion for acquittal. The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center, CPAC, Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Human Rights for Kids, Innocence Project, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, R Street Institute, Right on Crime, Tzedek Association, and Sentencing Project. Bill text is available here. FSA Reporting Extension Act The bipartisan FSA Reporting Extension Act would extend the FSA’s annual reporting requirement by five years. The FSA requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress on the FSA’s implementation and impact for five consecutive years starting two years after implementation. This information is crucial for Congressional oversight of the continued implementation and operation of the FSA. This simple legislation extends this reporting for the next five years. Bill text is available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-at-spotlight-forum-raising-alarm-about-president-trumps-crusade-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education,Durbin Speaks At Spotlight Forum Raising Alarm About President Trump’s Crusade To Dismantle The Department Of Education,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators.” The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), focused on the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for the nation’s students, families, and schools. “The creation of the Department of Education, in my mind, was an effort to take Brown v. Board of Education to a new level. Once we established equality of opportunity in the law, we looked around and said, ‘This isn’t even close to being equal. We’re going to have to focus resources and expertise into improving schools to get rid of the disparities.’ Now comes the Trump Administration, which says we don’t need it [ED] anymore. They’ll parcel out the functions of the Department of Education,” Durbin said. Durbin then asked Ms. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, about her thoughts on the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle ED. “Ms. Weingarten, I noticed that you’re not only a professional teacher but also went to law school. So with that combination of education and law that I just made, would you like to comment on that?” Durbin asked. Ms. Weingarten replied that the initial destruction of ED by the Trump Administration is a direct challenge to the constitutional standard that all children in the United States, regardless of race and immigration status and including students with disabilities, deserve equal opportunity. Video of Durbin’s remarks are available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks are available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-plan-to-eliminate-more-than-35000-va-health-care-positions,"Duckworth Statement on Trump’s Plan to Eliminate More Than 35,000 VA Health Care Positions",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement in reaction to the Trump Administration’s reported plan to eliminate more than 35,000 VA health care positions this month—on top of the almost 30,000 employees cut from the VA workforce earlier this year: “Trump has already fired more Veterans than any other President in history. And now, by cruelly planning to eliminate tens of thousands of VA health care positions in addition to the indiscriminate cuts he made to the VA workforce earlier this year, Trump is proving once again that he couldn’t care less about those actually brave enough to wear the uniform of this great nation. Not only is Trump guaranteeing that our VA won’t have the number of staff needed to handle the influx of new claims, but he is also ensuring that our Veterans will wait even longer to get treated—if they can get treatment at all. “In his first year in office, Trump’s track record easily makes his Administration the most anti-Veteran Administration our country has ever seen. He continues to make it clear that once our troops have completed their service to our country and hang up their uniform, Trump will not keep his promise to ensure these heroes have the support, care and benefits they’ve earned. “It’s downright insulting, un-American and the ultimate betrayal.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-antisemitic-attack-at-bondi-beach-as-hanukkah-begins-violent-shooting-at-brown-university,"Durbin Condemns Antisemitic Attack At Bondi Beach As Hanukkah Begins, Violent Shooting At Brown University",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “As we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders—who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia as Hanukkah begins, as well as the shooting at Brown University. “In Skokie, Illinois, just a few miles north of Chicago, is America’s second largest Holocaust Museum. Those who visit see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their families. And there is one lesson that every visitor takes away: All who walk through its doors learn the importance of tolerance—the need to choose love over hate. I have been reflecting on this lesson in the wake of two awful acts of violence that took place this past weekend,” said Durbin. “On Sunday night in Australia, as hundreds of people gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, two men opened fire on the crowd. The attendees at Bondi Beach were targeted simply for one reason: they were Jewish. They were out to celebrate their faith. At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured. I am offering my prayers for the victims and their families. I am thankful for the heroic actions of both first responders and civilians to end the gunmen’s rampage. This act of horrific violence is a grim reminder that we cannot stop combatting antisemitism. This tragedy occurred just hours after Brown University here in the United States experienced its own mass shooting.” continued Durbin. Durbin then offered acknowledgment and support to two men who exhibited tremendous bravery at these horrific events. “In the aftermath of these two tragedies, I am in awe of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by those caught up in these attacks. One of them, Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the shooters at Bondi Beach, saving countless lives. He is now undergoing surgery, and I wish him a swift and full recovery. Another, Spencer Yang, after being shot in the leg, continued to help one of his fellow students at Brown hide from the gunman. To Spencer, too, I wish full and swift recovery. Ahmed, Spencer, and countless others should never be put in these unimaginable situations. And yet, their selfless acts in the face of such violence are the ultimate demonstrations of love—a willingness to risk their own lives to save a stranger,” said Durbin. “As we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders—who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate,” Durbin concluded. Video of Durbin’s speech on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s speech on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s speech on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-cuts-to-nih-medical-research-in-speech-on-the-senate-floor,"Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Cuts To NIH, Medical Research In Speech On The Senate Floor",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the Trump Administration’s dangerous cuts to medical research. In his remarks, Durbin stressed that the President’s decision to cut medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will set back medical advancement by decades by disrupting research into cancer, brain diseases, mental health, drug development, and more. Durbin began his speech by recalling his first time meeting Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of NIH, who urged him to steadily increase NIH’s budget year over year. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual, real five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $48 billion today. However, President Trump continues to target NIH by cancelling hundreds of grant awards, firing or forcing out thousands of scientists, and freezing billions of dollars in research funding—which jeopardizes new breakthroughs that provide hope for patients. “Ten years ago, I met with Dr. Francis Collins, then-Director of the National Institutes of Health, the world’s premier biomedical research agency. I admired his work so much I asked what I could do to help. He said, ‘if you could provide a five percent increase to NIH’s medical research budget year after year, we’ll light up the scoreboard,’” Durbin said. “With the help of colleagues on both sides of the aisle—[including] Republican Senators Roy Blunt, Lamar Alexander, and Democratic Senator Patty Murray—we increased NIH funding from $30 billion to $48 billion over those next ten years. [That was a] 60 percent increase in research; a 60 percent increase in cures, hope, and breakthroughs. But what took us 10 years to build, President Donald Trump has all but dismantled in less than 11 months.” Durbin then emphasized the consequences of these dangerous cuts. This year, the President and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) instituted a new set of rules at NIH that have resulted in 3,500 fewer grants going to researchers. “Recent reporting from the New York Times shed light on the dire consequences of President Trump’s medical research cuts…Funding for mental health was reduced by 31 percent, brain diseases by 26 percent, cancer research by 19 percent. All of these reductions are in real areas of opportunity, which we are walking away from under Trump. This is a fundamental blow to how America supports medical research, and it has real implications for the progress we’ve made,” Durbin said. While the Trump Administration has sought to formalize these funding cuts, the Senate Appropriations Committee has pushed back by including an increase in funding for NIH in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). “I am pleased the Senate Appropriations Committee, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump’s proposed cuts and actually provided an increase for next year [FY26]. But if the Administration ignores Congress’ wish and continues to upend research funding, it could create irreparable harm,” Durbin said. Relaying his own experience as a once-uninsured father of a newborn with a severe heart condition, Durbin spoke about the hope that medical research provides for families facing a serious diagnosis. “As the father of a child born with a severe medical condition, I know personally that families across this country depend on the hope and promise that research holds. Cures and treatments come from the National Institutes of Health, which funded the research behind 99 percent of the new drugs approved by FDA in the last decade,” Durbin continued. “So, when Donald Trump handicaps NIH’s work, he is telling patients: your cure can wait.” Durbin concluded his remarks by reminding his Senate colleagues that research institutions in both red and blue states will be harmed by the Trump Administration’s crusade to cut funding for medical advancements. “Our universities—not just in blue states, but great research institutions in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma—will be unable to pursue more cures. Our hospitals—already scaling back operations thanks to budget cuts in the President’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—will be forced to diminish services even more. The scientists and doctors of tomorrow may decide to forgo the profession entirely or bring their talents to other countries,” Durbin said. “As we fight to protect health care for millions of Americans, let us also not forget to fight for the research that fuels that care. We cannot stand for this assault on medical research funding… It’s a matter of finding cures and drugs that will help people all around the world. That has defined America for decades. We cannot let the Trump Administration kill off medical research,” Durbin concluded his speech. This year, Durbin has twice asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution he introduced with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as 21 other Senators, that would pledge support for NIH. The resolution simply said that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirmed that the NIH workforce is essential to sustaining medical progress. The first UC request was blocked by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and the second was blocked by U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Durbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical research. His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-congressional-republicans-let-us-come-together-and-give-american-families-the-gift-of-health-coverage-for-christmas,Durbin To Congressional Republicans: Let Us Come Together And Give American Families The Gift Of Health Coverage For Christmas,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On the Senate floor and following Senate Republicans rejecting the Democratic ACA proposal last week, Durbin continues to push his Republican colleagues to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats on a solution to address the looming health care crisis WASHINGTON – As open enrollment for 2026 individual market health insurance plans is underway and Americans across the country are facing astronomic increases in their monthly premiums for next year, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor about the health care affordability crisis, caused by congressional Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Last Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats’ proposal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits. “In 17 days, 22 million Americans will be asked to pay double or triple for their health insurance premiums. Rural hospitals will be facing closure. Small businesses won’t be able to cover expenses. And more than four million Americans will lose their insurance if we fail to do anything in Congress,” Durbin said. Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits last week, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. “Last Thursday, Senate Democrats put forward a bill to prevent this catastrophe. Our bill would have provided a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which 22 million Americans rely on to help them pay their insurance premiums. These credits expire at the end of this year, but too many Senate Republicans voted against extending them. They instead rushed to vote on a partisan proposal that would upend the Affordable Care Act and the American health care system, less than a month before the insurance premiums spike. Their bill was introduced last week, [was] not debated in committee, and no member had a chance to amend it. I say this to my friends on the other side of the aisle: You are in the majority… You have the power to go through a serious process to reform health care,” Durbin said. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that Congress must swiftly address the rising cost of health care to ensure that Americans are not priced out of their insurance. He spoke about a constituent working at a diner in Chicago who relies on the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits to afford her insurance, but she is worried that she will not be able to afford her insurance come January. “Each additional day we delay an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits, more Americans forgo their health insurance because it’s too darn expensive. Time is running out,” said Durbin. “I recently spoke to a waitress at Lou Mitchell’s restaurant in Chicago. She is personally worried that she will not be able to afford her health care next year without the enhanced premium tax credits… This waitress does not care about who is winning the political fight in Washington; she cares about whether her and her family can pay for their doctors’ appointments and medications. I want to go back to that restaurant soon and tell my friend that the Senate did something to help her. We can help her, so long as we act on a bipartisan basis.” Durbin concluded, “If you don’t like our proposal for a clean, three-year extension, then counter with a reasonable offer. Show that there is a beating heart that cares to address the real problems Americans face. Let us come together and give American families the gift of health coverage they can afford for Christmas.” These tax credits lower health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. Due to Republicans voting against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-release-gao-report-recommending-expansion-of-fdas-personnel-and-authority-to-oversee-medical-device-recalls,"Durbin, Blumenthal Release GAO Report Recommending Expansion Of FDA’s Personnel And Authority To Oversee Medical Device Recalls",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report in December 2023 after reporting uncovered Philips Respironics’ failure to recall faulty machines despite the company’s knowledge that patients could be harmed by the medical devices WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) newly-completed report on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of medical device recalls. In December 2023, Durbin and Blumenthal requested the report from GAO following the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s and ProPublica’s reporting on Philips Respironics’ failure to submit timely and comprehensive adverse event reports, or recall faulty CPAP machines for more than a decade, despite the company’s knowledge that patients could be experiencing severe health consequences from using the medical devices. The report, which is entitled “Medical Device Recalls: HHS and FDA Should Address Limitations In Oversight of Recall Process,” lays out how FDA’s lack of legal authority jeopardizes patients’ safety. GAO reports that “FDA does not have the legal authority to require the manufacturer to implement FDA’s recommendations.” For example, there have been instances in which the agency wanted a medical device manufacturer to inform patients about a recall, but the manufacturer believed communicating with the providers about the recalled device was sufficient. This issue leaves some patients with medical devices—including implanted ones—uninformed and at risk of significant health consequences. Further, the report underscored the damaging impact of insufficient FDA staffing. GAO reports that FDA has insufficient staff to oversee medical device recalls, forcing FDA to forgo critical recall activities like conducting in-person recall audit checks. Despite these shortages, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired 3,500 FDA workers earlier this year, including personnel who worked to oversee medical devices. “This report sounds the alarm on the shortcomings of how our government handles medical device recalls, detailing the harms caused by drastic staffing cuts to HHS and how weak enforcement authority has made it even more difficult for FDA to carry out critical oversight activities,” said Durbin. “Now that we have a blueprint for improving medical device recall procedures, we must act. That begins with implementing GAO’s recommendations and passing my legislation, the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act, to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, health care professionals, and patients about the medical devices that Americans rely on. HHS and FDA also must take GAO’s recommendations to heart and implement them right away.” “GAO’s report makes clear: FDA needs additional resources and staff to adequately protect Americans from unsafe medical devices. After FDA left patients vulnerable to defective Philips Respironics ventilators, I am glad GAO heeded our call for a thorough review into how these faulty devices reached consumers. Current and future staffing cuts at FDA will only further undermine the agency’s ability to protect people from unnecessary harm. GAO’s report must inform an effective response that protects the public and bolsters FDA’s oversight,” said Blumenthal. Main takeaways from GAO’s report include: Insufficient Staffing at FDA. Even before HHS fired 3,500 FDA employees earlier this year, the agency did not have sufficient staff to conduct necessary medical device recall oversight activities. As a result, FDA will often forgo reviewing manufacturer Recall Status Reports or conducting in-person recall audit checks. FDA currently does not have sufficient resources or staffing to efficiently process the volume of medical device recalls, which is more than three times higher than the number of pharmaceutical recalls. In the report, GAO recommends that HHS develop a new workforce strategy to support efforts to conduct oversight on medical device recalls. Lack of Legal Authority. FDA does not have the legal authority to require manufacturers to implement FDA’s recommendations during a medical device recall. For instance, some manufacturers believed that communicating about a recall with only health care providers, and not directly reaching out to patients, was sufficient. This lack of authority puts patients at risk because they may not have received the proper details about a recall of their medical device. In the report, GAO recommends that HHS work with FDA to assess additional legislative authorities to oversee medical device recalls. A copy of the final report can be found here. Addressing some of the concerns laid out in GAO’s report, Durbin reintroduced the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act earlier this week. The legislation would require FDA to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and further instructs hospitals and health care professionals to share that information with patients. FDA oversees the regulation of almost 200,000 medical devices in the U.S., from contact lenses and contraceptive devices to prosthetics and pacemakers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 32 million Americans have an implanted medical device, and countless others use them throughout their lives. These devices improve and save lives. However, medical devices that are recalled for safety issues or manufacturing defects can cause severe harm to patients. Medical device manufacturers communicate recall information to FDA and health care professionals through letter and email. This extends the amount of time it takes FDA to review recall information, determine a recall classification, and communicate the recall to the public. It also extends the amount of time it takes hospital coordinators to track and pull recalled medical devices from inventories. As a result, patients are often the last informed about a recall—if ever. According to Consumer Reports, most Americans are not aware of recalls for their products, including medical devices. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-out-republican-vote-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums,Durbin Calls Out Republican Vote To Raise Health Insurance Premiums,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a press conference at Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation’s (SIHF) Cahokia Heights Health Center following Senate Republicans’ vote yesterday to raise health insurance premiums for tens of millions of Americans. Senate Republicans voted against the Democratic legislation to extend the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, meaning Illinoisans who purchase marketplace health plans will see an average 78 percent increase in their monthly ACA premium expenses next year. Families in St. Clair and Madison Counties, which Cahokia Heights Health Center serves, will see an average $1,500 per year increase and a $1,700 per year increase, respectively. “Because congressional Republicans refused to extend the expiring tax credits, 160,000 Illinoisans are expected to lose health care coverage,” said Durbin. “Our health care providers, like the ones here at Cahokia Heights Health Center, know all too well how devastating this will be. If Republicans don’t get serious about negotiating with Democrats to extend these tax credits, our nation’s affordability crisis is going to get worse on January 1, and families will suffer.” “The premium spikes to the ACA will impact the coverage of over 5,000 individuals we presently care for at SIHF Healthcare locations across southern Illinois. This in return will increase uncompensated care and place financial risk to our communities served,” said Larry McCulley, CEO of SIHF Healthcare. Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/15/2025/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on,Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Today, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Today’s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could’ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should’ve been a no-brainer.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secured-hearing-on-domestic-deployments-exposes-three-damning-revelations-from-top-trump-defense-officials,Duckworth-Secured Hearing on Domestic Deployments Exposes Three Damning Revelations from Top Trump Defense Officials,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"In first Senate hearing on Trump’s illegal deployments, Duckworth warned that Trump’s continued misuse of the military in our communities risks making Americans fear, rather than respect, our troops [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At this morning’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) exposed three damning revelations from top leaders at the Department of Defense (DoD) and she underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump’s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. During her questioning of top Trump Defense officials, the Administration refused to rule out the possibility that the mission would expand beyond protecting federal property and personnel, the possibility that troops could be deployed for law enforcement functions or the possibility that the DoD would fail to provide legal protection for servicemembers who try to protect civilians from abusive federal agents. The Senator also slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them—something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Duckworth’s full opening remarks, initial questioning and closing questioning can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. In her opening statement at the hearing, Duckworth said: “Military service involves risks. And our servicemembers accept those risks knowingly... selflessly. So we better be damn sure that the mission is the right one...that it is clear and effective...and that it serves our national security. If we stand by while this Administration pursues another irresponsible, open-ended campaign with no defined mission, no clear authorities, no set timeline and no transparent end state, we fail our troops. We fail their families. And we fail the American people. “The power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law—not in one man's judgment about what constitutes disorder.” Duckworth explained that by forcing our troops to defend Trump’s abusive federal law enforcement agents who repeatedly used excessive force against American civilians, he is forcing our heroes to make impossible decisions between upholding the Constitution by protecting peaceful protestors and executing the President’s questionable orders. “For the past two months, Illinoisans have seen DHS federal agents abusing our communities—and President Trump wanted to put our troops in the middle,” continued Duckworth. “In the face of violent federal agents repeatedly using excessive force, Trump is forcing our servicemembers to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters—or execute questionable orders from the President. I fear the day when Americans stop thanking our troops for their service because they’re afraid of them.” During her questioning, the Defense Department's Acting General Counsel, Charles Young, refused to commit to providing legal representation for servicemembers who intervene to stop a civilian from being wrongfully harmed by a federal agent. Duckworth underscored that law enforcement agents have a legal duty to intervene to prevent a fellow officer from using excessive force—while uniformed servicemembers have no comparable obligations, nor accompanying legal protection if they decide to intervene against a federal agent to protect a civilian. They do so at their own risk. Duckworth continued: “The courts have stopped Trump so far—finding again and again that there is no legal reason for what Trump is doing. But in his ideal world, Trump wants our professional military to defend unprofessional and abusive federal law enforcement agents. It is not ICE agents who are being attacked. It is ICE agents who were tear-gassing toddlers... Pointing loaded weapons at unarmed bystanders... Hauling preschool teachers from daycare in front of kids... And rappelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings in the dead of night to rip families from their beds and detain them for hours—just to admit later that they have no basis to file any charges. That is the terror that is happening in Chicago.” Duckworth also criticized Trump and his Administration for repeatedly trying to blur the lines between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, which is eroding public trust in our military. During her questioning, Duckworth pressed U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Commander General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, about whether the Department was ensuring differentiation between our troops and federal agents. He confirmed that he had not received any guidance or orders from the Administration on making this distinction. However, he assured that he has the authority to direct members under his command to distinguish themselves from ICE. In this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, a Duckworth-led provision was included that would require servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to deploy our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties. Duckworth successfully secured this hearing in early October—weeks after she led all of her fellow SASC Democrats in calling on SASC Chairman Wicker to hold this hearing, and shortly after she blocked expedited passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in order to secure it. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-senate-republicans-after-they-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on,Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans After They Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Today, my Republican colleagues had a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans now own the healthcare crisis to come. Millions of middle-class Americans will soon feel the pain caused by this vote in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Today’s vote was Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We could’ve stopped millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but Republicans chose to do nothing. This should’ve been a no-brainer.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-trump-is-forcing-our-servicemembers-to-make-a-horrible-choice,Duckworth: Trump is Forcing Our Servicemembers to Make a Horrible Choice,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At this morning’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) underscored the devastating toll Donald Trump’s domestic military deployments are having on American servicemembers and citizens alike in Illinois and across the country. The Senator slammed Trump for manufacturing circumstances where reasonable civilians could end up fearing the same troops they once counted on to protect them—something that neither makes America safer nor more secure. Video of the Senator’s questioning can be found on her YouTube. Key Quotes: “For the past two months, Illinoisans have seen DHS federal agents abusing our communities, and President Trump wanted to put our troops in the middle. He wants our military to protect agents who were tear-gassing toddlers, pointing loaded weapons at unarmed bystanders, hauling preschool teachers from daycare in front of kids and propelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings in the dead of night to rip families from their beds and detain them for hours—just to admit later that they have no basis to file any charges.” “What are our troops supposed to do if they witness an agent throw a child to the ground? Do they intervene and pull the agent off the kid? Do they stand by and do nothing? Trump is forcing them to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters, or execute orders from the President…Our troops could be dragged into court and would be on their own to plead their case to a jury, all because their Commander in Chief put them in an unprecedented situation that they don’t regularly train for. And if that servicemember decides not to intervene, what will Americans think when they see someone in uniform—who they were taught serves to protect them—standing by as a child is harmed by one of Trump’s abusive DHS agents?” “I fear the day when Americans stop thanking our troops for their service because they’re afraid of them. We know that this Administration is trying to borrow the respected image of the military. Across the country, we’ve seen DHS agents dressing in camo and wielding military-style weapons. They are making it hard for Americans to tell the difference between abusive federal agents and professional troops. If we fail to draw a bright line between our highly trained troops and lawless federal agents, I fear our public’s trust in our military may never recover.” -30- Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-capito-introduce-bipartisan-rise-from-trauma-act-to-address-childhood-trauma,"Durbin, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Rise From Trauma Act To Address Childhood Trauma",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The legislation would expand support for children who have experienced trauma and address the cycle of violence and addiction WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase support for children who have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, including witnessing community violence, parental addiction, or abuse. The Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act dramatically increases funding for community-based efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma, and it expands training and workforce development efforts to support health care, education, social services, first responders, and community leaders to foster resilience and deliver services to heal the impact of trauma. U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07) and Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) plan to re-introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Portions of the Senators’ legislation were recently signed into law by President Trump through the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act, which will extend and increase funding for: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data collection activities on ACEs; an interagency task force to establish best practices on addressing trauma; and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Child Traumatic Stress Network to develop and deliver mental health services in communities. Since Durbin, Capito, Duckworth, and Murkowski began working on child trauma issues together, among other provisions, they have increased appropriations for SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network from $47 million to $99 million today. In Illinois, this is supporting research and services at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Sinai Health, University of Chicago, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Chicago. “While we work to effectively address the root causes of violence and addiction in our communities, we must also focus on the ripple effect that exposure to violence and traumatic experiences has on our children and their future,” said Durbin. “Unaddressed trauma can harm mental and physical health, life expectancy, school success, and employment. Our bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act invests in our communities and our workforce to support children and families facing trauma so they can heal their emotional scars and build a brighter future.” “I am proud to once again address the impact of trauma on children by helping to introduce the RISE from Trauma Act. This legislation builds on the work we have done over the past several years and reflects the needs I continue to hear from West Virginians across the state,” Capito said. “By aiming to increase resources for our communities and taking steps to educate and expand our workforce, this legislation will help to prevent future substance abuse and violence, provide assistance and hope to our most vulnerable, and empower our next generation.” Nationwide, nearly 35 million children have had at least one traumatic experience, and nearly two-thirds of children have been exposed to violence. A recent study found that nearly 60 percent of the youngest children in Chicago lived in neighborhoods that accounted for 91 percent of homicides. Far too many children carry the emotional weight of community violence and other traumatic experiences, such as the daily stress of abuse or neglect at home, a parent battling addiction, or an incarceration or a deportation of a loved one. Trauma can create stress on the developing brain and force children into constant “survival mode”, impacting the way they process fear or form healthy relationships. Decades of research, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have established the link between a child’s exposure to trauma, its effect on neurological and behavioral development, and long-term negative outcomes. In fact, studies show that individuals who have experienced six or more ACEs have a 20-year shorter average life expectancy, and those who have experienced four or more ACEs are ten times more likely to use illicit narcotics and 12 times more likely to attempt suicide. Yet only a small fraction of the children in need of support to address trauma receive such care. The RISE from Trauma Act builds upon the conclusions published in a 2019 GAO report requested by Durbin and Rep. Davis and calls for increased resources and trauma-informed workforce for communities to support children who have experienced trauma. The RISE from Trauma Act would expand the trauma-informed workforce in schools, health care settings, social services, first responders, and the justice system, and increase resources for communities to address the impact of trauma. Specifically, the bill: Creates a new, $600 million HHS grant program to fund community-based coalitions that coordinate stakeholders and deliver targeted local services to address trauma; Creates a new HHS grant program to support hospital-based trauma interventions, such as for patients that suffer violent injuries, to address mental health needs, prevent re-injury, and improve long-term outcomes; Increases funding for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program, in order to recruit more mental health clinicians—including from under-represented populations—to serve in schools; Enhances federal training programs at HHS, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education to provide more tools for early childhood clinicians, teachers, school leaders, first responders, and community leaders; and Reauthorizes four critical federal programs that Durbin and Capito helped to pass in 2018: the Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the CDC’s ACEs Data Collection program, and SAMHSA’s Trauma Support in Schools grant program. The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics, Futures Without Violence, Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of School Psychologists, National Head Start Association, Big Brother Big Sisters of America, YWCA, Trust for America's Health, National PTA, American Psychological Association Services, and Zero to Three. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-president-trumps-racist-comments-towards-immigrants-in-senate-judiciary-committee-executive-meeting,Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Racist Comments Towards Immigrants In Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Meeting,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During his opening remarks, Durbin again called on DHS Secretary Noem to testify in front of the Committee, urged Chairman Grassley to consider a subpoena if she refuses to appear WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting condemning the Trump Administration’s failing immigration enforcement tactics and the diversion of necessary resources away from drug trafficking, gun violence, and other threats that put our nation’s security at risk—all while pardoning drug kingpins, including former Honduras President, Juan Orlando Hernández. Durbin also again called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to testify in front of the Committee. Durbin also spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Key Quotes “Consider President Trump’s extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers… Since September, the Administration has carried out at least 22 attacks, killing at least 87 people. The President and Secretary Hegseth allege they are killing ‘narco-terrorists’—but the Administration refused to provide any evidence of an imminent threat justifying lethal force. If these are actually drug traffickers, law enforcement should stop the boats, confiscate and destroy the drugs, and prosecute the traffickers. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has tried to provide legal cover for these summary executions in a deeply flawed legal opinion, which it refuses to make public to the American people.” “At the same time, President Trump has pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former President of Honduras who was convicted of orchestrating a massive conspiracy to flood our country with illegal narcotics… This follows the President’s pardon of another drug kingpin, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. He created the largest online black market for illegal drugs in our nation’s history.” “Meanwhile, President Trump is targeting communities that didn’t vote for him, like Chicago. Instead of arresting dangerous murderers, rapists, and terrorists, as promised, the Trump Administration is rounding up tens of thousands of immigrants with no criminal history. In Illinois, a mere two and a half percent of immigrants arrested by ICE between September 8 and October 15 had been convicted of a violent crime. Sixty-six percent of the people detained and deported had no criminal history whatsoever.” “The President is making no secret about his true motivation. I will never forget my 2018 meeting in the Oval Office when the President rejected a bipartisan immigration deal because he didn’t want any more immigrants from ‘s***hole countries.’ There were some questions [about whether] he actually said that for years. He not only said it, he bragged about it at a rally in Pennsylvania… Two Republican Senators claimed I was lying when I confirmed [the comments]. Now, President Trump isn’t hiding his true feelings… This is racism, plain and simple.” “I want to thank Chairman Grassley for committing to bring Secretary Noem before the Committee before the end of the year. Unfortunately, Secretary Noem has stiff-armed the Committee, refusing to commit to a hearing date. Mr. Chairman, you have the power to issue a subpoena. It will be bipartisan. It is time for Secretary Noem to end her galivanting across this country and come before this Committee and be held accountable by the American people.” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations. Durbin then spoke against the nomination of Darin Smith, nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming. Mr. Smith has no criminal or federal court experience; nor has he ever tried a case to verdict, judgment, or final decision. Mr. Smith could not list one significant litigated matter on his Questionnaire submitted to the Committee. “Seemingly, Mr. Smith’s only qualification is his loyalty to right-wing MAGA orthodoxy. He was on the Capitol grounds on January 6. As my colleagues remember, a violent mob assaulted police officers, destroyed government property, and attempted to thwart our democratic process. Mr. Smith baselessly claimed that the hundreds of Capitol Police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’” “Without evidence, he claimed that rioters who breached the Capitol were victims of entrapment. Mr. Smith has stood by his radical and dangerous claim that Vice President Pence should not have certified the results of the 2020 election because there were ‘imperfections’ in the process.’ Mr. Smith also falsely claimed that the FBI agents who interviewed him regarding his presence at the Capitol were sent by former Representative Liz Cheney and ‘her goons’ after he demanded that she be censured by the Wyoming Republican Party.” “I am also troubled by Mr. Smith’s stunning lack of judgment. He baselessly accused Vice President Harris of being a murderer and refused to retract this slanderous comment. He attacked Republican Senators for finding credible the sexual assault allegations made by multiple women against Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore and claimed—again without evidence—that the allegations were ‘probably false.’” “I urge my colleagues that there must be some standard of qualification. To give this kind of power to an individual that has no background, none whatsoever when it comes to criminal or federal court experience, there’s no excuse—please vote no.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the nomination of Mr. Smith is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-republicans-voting-to-raise-health-insurance-premiums-for-tens-of-millions-of-americans,Durbin Statement On Republicans Voting To Raise Health Insurance Premiums For Tens Of Millions Of Americans,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected Senate Democrats’ proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to ensure millions of Americans could continue to afford their health care plans in 2026: “Need I remind my Republicans colleagues that their votes have real consequences for the people of this country? “Shame on Republicans for, once again, voting to push millions of their own constituents off their health care. Senate Republicans’ vote today was the latest action in their 15 year crusade to demolish the Affordable Care Act despite the law putting affordable, quality health care within reach for tens of millions of Americans. “I want to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make the Affordable Care Act better. But we need buy-in from congressional Republicans to move forward. I hope that my Republican colleagues, after today’s failed vote to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, will finally understand the urgency of this health care crisis and make a real effort to protect Americans’ health care.” Shortly before the Senate held its vote on extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, Durbin spoke on the floor about protecting Americans’ health care coverage. In his remarks, he underscored that Congress must swiftly address the rising cost of health care to ensure that Americans are not priced out of their insurance. He spoke about a constituent working at a diner in Chicago who relies on the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits to afford her insurance, but she is worried that she will not be able to afford her insurance come January 1. “I met a waitress at a Chicago Loop restaurant during breakfast last Sunday. She’s 63 years old, and she spent her life as a waitress. It’s taken its toll on her physically. She was in tears as she described to me about what is going to happen to her if we fail to act the right way on this legislation. She’s going to see her health care bill more than double - $300 or $400 more per month. She doesn’t know how she can do it [pay for her insurance], and I don’t either. That’s what we have to address first,” Durbin said. “The question today is whether the Senate will extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits... If we fail to extend these tax credits, that waitress and 22 million Americans will begin to pay double or triple for their insurance in three weeks, including 500,000 people living in Illinois. More than four million Americans will not be able to afford their insurance at these high rates and will be forced to forgo health coverage for next year,” Durbin said. “Senate Democrats have sounded the alarm bell about the need to prevent this catastrophe. We have told the stories of our constituents who called our offices crying because they are afraid that they will not be able to afford their health care next year. We have shared reports from the farmers, small businesses owners, and rural hospitals who rely on these tax credits,” Durbin said. “Every Senate Democrat is united behind a plan just to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits and ensure continued access to quality, affordable health coverage. Republicans are not united behind any plan. They haven’t been for 15 years… You’re [Senate Republicans] in the majority. We need 13 of you today to join us and show the bravery that Senator McCain did in that early morning hour [when he voted to save the ACA],” Durbin concluded his remarks. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. To combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA’s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million this year. Despite millions of Americans relying on these tax credits, congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires. Congressional Democrats have been pushing to make quality health care more accessible for millions of Americans for more than 15 years. The ACA, championed by Democrats, changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. by expanding and ensuring coverage. Prior to the passage of the legislation in 2010, insurance companies routinely denied patients coverage if they had pre-existing conditions, preventing millions of Americans from securing an affordable health care plan. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-cruz-cantwell-moran-criticize-widening-of-military-aircraft-safety-loophole-in-2026-ndaa,"Duckworth, Cruz, Cantwell, Moran Criticize Widening of Military Aircraft Safety Loophole in 2026 NDAA",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined fellow U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) leaders Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in issuing a joint statement criticizing the inclusion of a provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) widening a loophole for military helicopters that threatens the safety of the flying public. Almost a year after the fatal crash near DCA, the Senators—who are working to close that loophole completely with their bipartisan ROTOR Act—join with the Families of Flight 5342 and the Lilley family in voicing serious concern that the NDAA, as written, would make American skies less safe. “Almost a year after 67 lives were lost when a military helicopter hit American Airlines flight 5342 over the Potomac River, the NDAA fails to make the skies safer. As drafted, the NDAA protects the status quo, allowng military aircraft to keep flying in DC airspace under different rules and with outdated transmission requirements,” said the Senators. “This comes as Pentagon data shows a spike in military aircraft accidents since 2020. The families of the victims deserve accountability. The NDAA should be stripped of this new loophole and instead include the ROTOR Act -- a bipartisan bill that closes the dangerous exemption that allows military aircraft to operate in domestic skies without communicating their position. We must act decisively to prevent future tragedies,” the Senators said. The Families of Flight 5342 issued a statement in solidarity with the Senators: ""Over the past year the Families of Flight 5342 have united to push for meaningful aviation safety reforms so that no other families suffer the same devastating loss. While we appreciate congressional attention to rotary-wing operations in the National Defense Authorization Act, Section 373 does not resolve the visibility and coordination failures that contributed to the tragedy. As written, it leaves the status quo largely unchanged. Section 373 applies only to training missions — even though military helicopters in the National Capital Region fly a wide range of missions that routinely place them near commercial aircraft. It focuses narrowly on TCAS-compatible alerts rather than true visibility and broadcast requirements, and it preserves broad national-security exceptions similar to those in place at the time of the Flight 5342 collision. These gaps mean the provision does not meaningfully mitigate the risks that proved fatal for our loved ones. We urge Congress to strengthen Section 373 by requiring real, enforceable visibility standards for all military aircraft operating near civilian traffic. And we continue to call for swift passage of the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which provides the comprehensive, nationwide reforms needed to ensure that a tragedy like Flight 5342 never happens again."" Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son, Sam, was the First Officer of Flight 5342 also issued a statement: “As it is currently drafted, the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act has several unsatisfactory provisions related to aviation safety. As such we call on members to reject this language. At a minimum language should become law as soon as possible to require ADS-B out. The national security waivers allowed by this draft are also deeply concerning. As has been highlighted by public statements of several Members of Congress and Administration officials, the national security waivers that have been abused by operators in the DC area are problematic and subject to abuse. This bill addresses that with a “window dressing” fix that will continue to allow for the setting aside of requirements with nothing more than a cursory risk assessment. Safety that depends on exemptions cannot be the foundation of a secure airspace system. The flying public and all those that utilize our airspace deserve better than what this bill provides. The January 29 midair accident that took 67 souls, including our son AA5342 First Officer Sam Lilley, showed us exactly what is at stake. Congress now has a choice: strengthen this provision and protect the traveling public or leave in place the same vulnerabilities that have already cost too many people their lives.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-urges-senate-republicans-not-to-pass-up-last-chance-to-save-the-aca-tax-credits-that-millions-depend-on,Duckworth Urges Senate Republicans Not to Pass Up Last Chance to Save the ACA Tax Credits That Millions Depend On,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit enhancements that millions of Americans depend on to afford health insurance: “Tomorrow, my Republican colleagues will have a simple choice: vote yes with Democrats to help us stop health care premiums from skyrocketing or vote no and abandon their own constituents, who could be priced out of health insurance altogether.” “After forcing Americans through the longest shutdown in our nation's history to avoid dealing with this, Republicans can’t run away from the healthcare crisis they created any longer. If they vote no, millions of middle-class Americans will feel the pain in their own wallets—with the highest insurance premium spikes set to hit people in red states the hardest.” “Tomorrow’s vote will be Republicans' last chance to do right by families and help extend the ACA tax credits before they expire. We can stop millions of families from the pain of paying thousands of dollars extra per month for health insurance—or losing their health care completely, but only if Republicans finally get off the sidelines and vote to help us. This should be a no-brainer.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-the-senates-aca-tax-credit-vote-durbin-joins-spotlight-forum-highlighting-the-importance-of-the-aca,"Ahead Of The Senate’s ACA Tax Credit Vote, Durbin Joins Spotlight Forum Highlighting The Importance Of The ACA",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During his remarks, Durbin highlighted how the ACA addressed addiction treatment and mental health services WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum hosted by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) focused on the need to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the Senate’s vote tomorrow on the Democratic proposal for a clean three-year extension of the ACA tax credits. These tax credits have put health care within reach for Americans by lowering health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. If Republicans vote against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage next year, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple. Durbin began his remarks by reflecting on his own family’s experience of being uninsured when his newborn daughter was in need of critical care. “Many members are motivated and inspired by their own personal experiences. This is one for me. I was a student at Georgetown Law School when I got married… and God sent us a baby. She was a beautiful little girl with a serious medical condition, and I had no health insurance… What was next was to go to the old Children’s Hospital here in Washington and to sit in the charity ward for people who couldn’t afford to pay and didn’t have any insurance… I’ll never forget that moment and that has inspired me to be part of this conversation [on health care] for a long time,” said Durbin. Durbin then commented on the ACA including provisions to address mental health and addiction. “It made so much sense we included it and thank God we did. As we faced the opioid crisis, many lives [were] saved by the fact there was paid-for counseling available through the ACA,” said Durbin. He asked Susan Stearns, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire, about the importance of including addiction treatment and mental health treatment in the ACA. “Tell me a little about your experience with your family with this [in regard to the ACA including provisions to address addiction and mental health resources],” Durbin asked. Ms. Stearns replied that her father lived with an alcohol use disorder. She continued to say, “without the ACA including Medicaid expansion and subsidies for the marketplace plan, we would not have turned the tide [on the opioid epidemic] as we seemingly have at this point. Lives are literally being saved.” She continued to say that we will backslide if we allow these ACA tax credits to expire. During his remarks, Durbin emphasized that we can work in a bipartisan way to address the Republicans’ concerns with the ACA, but we must immediately address the tax credits—as millions of people will see their premiums skyrocket come January 1. Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here. To combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA’s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million this year. Despite millions of Americans relying on these tax credits, congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires Congressional Democrats have been pushing to make quality health care more accessible for millions of Americans for more than 15 years. The ACA, championed by Democrats, changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. by expanding coverage options. Prior to the passage of the legislation in 2010, insurance companies routinely denied patients coverage if they had pre-existing conditions, preventing millions of Americans from securing an affordable health care plan. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-surge-in-ice-hiring-durbin-remarks-on-low-standards-of-ice-recruits-who-have-failed-drug-tests-have-pending-criminal-charges-and-more,"Amid Surge In ICE Hiring, Durbin Remarks On Low Standards Of ICE Recruits Who Have Failed Drug Tests, Have Pending Criminal Charges, And More",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin again denounced President Trump’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” and called on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the President’s cruel mass deportation scheme WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today denounced the low hiring standards of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits amid a surge in hiring. The Trump Administration announced their goal of onboarding 10,000 new agents by the end of the year—which would double the number of deportation officers, from roughly 6,000 to 16,000. Durbin also spoke out on the Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has been used as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as immigration officials have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme. Durbin began by denouncing the Trump Administration’s false narrative that federal agents are only going after the “worst of the worst” during these aggressive immigration raids. “Of more than 600 immigrants recently arrested, do you know how many of them had significant criminal history? Sixteen—16 out of more than 600. Nationwide, ICE arrested nearly 75,000 people with no criminal history between January 20 and October [15]. Federal immigration agents have arrested and detained: a mother on her way to visit her 15-day-old baby in the NICU; a teacher at a preschool in front of her young students; [and] day laborers, vendors, construction workers, and cooks simply trying to make a living and support their families. Immigration agents arrested and detained at least 40 U.S. citizens in Illinois alone between late August and early November. Does that sound like we’re getting rid of ‘the worst of the worst’? People with no criminal history,” Durbin said. Durbin continued his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the Trump Administration’s cruel campaign against immigrants. “I have urged my Republican colleagues… to consider the possibility that these raids could come to a city they represent, and they would be faced with the same reality. Would they call out these abuses of power? Well, I regret to inform them that that time has come. After wreaking havoc in Illinois, Border Patrol official Greg Bovino and his traveling circus have hit the road and descended on more communities, including in red states. Last month, in Charlotte, North Carolina, a video posted to social media showed a U.S. citizen construction worker being swarmed by federal agents while in his vehicle,” Durbin continued. “The man said the agents ‘didn’t believe I was an American citizen’ and ‘wanted to know where I was born.’ He was released only after agents verified his citizenship.” In another incident in Marrero, Louisiana, a viral video showed a silver, unmarked SUV pulling up to a woman and two masked agents exiting to chase her. She repeatedly yelled that she was a U.S. citizen and to “leave [her] alone” before making it to her property. Other states, including Florida and Texas, have also witnessed increased federal immigration enforcement operations. Durbin then proceeded to talk about the Trump Administration’s increase in hiring ICE recruits. Durbin continued, “The Trump Administration should be working to improve screening, hiring, and training of recruits before unleashing them onto the streets of America. Instead, they have lowered requirements—including [by] loosening the age restrictions for prospective agents and shortening the training period from 13 weeks to a mere six weeks... Recent reporting suggests that these new, lowered hiring standards have resulted in ICE recruits who have: barely been able to read or write; failed drug tests; displayed tattoos associated with gangs and white supremacists; failed to meet basic physical fitness requirements; and even have pending criminal charges.” Durbin concluded, “These are the people that President Trump is attempting to release onto our streets to restore ‘law and order.’ With these lower standards, these troubling incidents I described are definitely going to increase. Given all of this, I ask my Republican colleagues: if you think we need to keep an eye on the federal government, why don’t we start here? Will any of you rebuke this lawlessness and cruelty? What will it take for you to finally do so? We ought to be united in calling out these abuses. Secretary Noem wants to play dress up in her camo wardrobe, demanding government jets to tour her battleground states… [and] arrest ordinary people who are working hard on tough jobs. I believe [this] is an attempt to change basic Constitutional principles. We have to stand up and speak out. Is this what America is really all about?” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delauro-introduce-the-federal-food-administration-act,"Durbin, Delauro Introduce The Federal Food Administration Act",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) reintroduced the Federal Food Administration Act, legislation that would streamline our food safety system by consolidating the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food oversight responsibilities into a single agency dedicated to keeping the foods Americans eat safe. “The sad reality is that FDA has failed to protect Americans from preventable foodborne illnesses and death. In recent years, FDA has failed to protect babies from bacterial infections in their infant formula and lead-tainted applesauce pouches,” said Durbin. “This is why Congresswoman DeLauro and I are introducing legislation to create a Federal Food Administration. With the Federal Food Administration Act, we hope our nation will have greater success in protecting the foods in our kids’ lunch boxes and on our dining room tables.” “We need a single food safety agency to ensure the food Americans eat is safe,” said DeLauro. “Currently, food safety oversight is scattered across multiple agencies with the bulk of the responsibility falling to the Food and Drug Administration – where food safety has often been treated like a second-class citizen. This legislation would put one agency clearly in charge with the singular mission of protecting our food supply with the resources, staff, and focus to achieve that goal. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin in this effort, because Americans deserve peace of mind that the government is keeping companies accountable with clear, consistent safety standards.” FDA regulates approximately 80 percent of our food supply. Consumers and companies depend on FDA to perform its regulatory role effectively. Yet, despite increased authorities included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the creation of the Human Foods Program at FDA, the agency has failed to make significant inroads in reducing rates of foodborne illness and death in the U.S. About one in six Americans—or 48 million people—get sick from a foodborne illness each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 128,000 Americans also are hospitalized and 3,000 Americans die of foodborne diseases each year. The Federal Food Administration Act would establish a Federal Food Administration under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by incorporating the existing food programs within FDA into this separate agency: the Human Foods Program, Center for Veterinary Medicine, and the Office of Inspections and Investigations. This food safety agency, with a Senate-confirmed Commissioner, will strengthen oversight of the food supply, improve the health and well-being of Americans, and ensure companies that cut corners on food safety are properly held accountable. Joining Durbin and DeLauro as original cosponsors of this legislation are U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51). The legislation is endorsed by Consumer Reports, Consumer Federation of America, Environmental Working Group, and STOP Foodborne Illness. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-schakowsky-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-medical-device-recall-process,"Durbin, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation To Improve The Medical Device Recall Process",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would bolster communication between medical device manufacturers, hospitals and health care professionals, and patients WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today reintroduced legislation to improve the medical device recall process in order to protect patients. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications to streamline communication between device manufacturers, FDA, hospitals, and health care professionals. It also would require manufacturers to include in recall notices information about how the recall could affect patients with medical devices and instruct hospitals and health care professionals to provide that information to patients. The legislation was inspired by Illinois constituents who had shared their personal stories about medical harms and other concerns related to recalled devices. “Millions of Americans rely on a medical device to stay healthy. But if their medical device is recalled, patients have the right to know as soon as possible so that they can understand the risks and consult with their health care provider,” Durbin said. “The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act is an obvious solution to ensure that medical device manufacturers, FDA, and health providers can quickly share up-to-date information with patients.” “Americans deserve to know that the medical devices they depend on for their health and wellbeing are safe and effective,” said Schakowsky. “That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Dick Durbin on the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act. Our bill ensures that all medical device recall information is sent to the Food and Drug Administration electronically, rather than through physical mail, so providers and patients can receive critical updates faster. With more than 1,000 recalls issued each year affecting millions of devices, timely communication saves lives. This important legislation makes sure patients get the information they need when they need it.” Specifically, the Medical Device Recall Improvement Act would: Require FDA to establish an electronic format for medical device recall notifications; Require medical device manufacturers to use the electronic format to contact FDA and hospitals and health providers; and Require medical device manufacturers to include information in recall notifications about the risks of the recalled device, and instruct hospitals and health providers to distribute the information to patients. FDA oversees the regulation of almost 200,000 medical devices in the U.S., from contact lenses and contraceptive devices to prosthetics and pacemakers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 32 million Americans have an implanted medical device, and countless others use them throughout their lives. These devices improve and save lives. However, medical devices that are recalled for safety issues or manufacturing defects can cause severe harm to patients. Medical device manufacturers communicate recall information to FDA and health care professionals through letter and email. This extends the amount of time it takes FDA to review recall information, determine a recall classification, and communicate the recall to the public. It also extends the amount of time it takes hospital coordinators to track and pull recalled medical devices from inventories. As a result, patients are often the last informed about a recall—if ever. According to Consumer Reports, most Americans are not aware of recalls for their products, including medical devices. In December 2023, Durbin sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) calling on the agency to update its 2011 report entitled “Medical Devices: FDA Should Enhance Its Oversight of Recalls” by conducting a review of FDA’s oversight of medical device recalls. The letter followed the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s and ProPublica’s reporting on Philips Respironics’ failure to submit timely and comprehensive adverse event reporters or recall faulty CPAP machines for more than a decade, despite the company’s knowledge that patients could be experiencing severe health consequences form using the medical devices. The Medical Device Recall Improvement Act has earned endorsements from Public Citizen; National Center for Health Research; Device Events; and UCSF Team for High Value Care. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-trumps-2018-racist-reference-to-s-hole-countries-was-an-embarrassment,Durbin: Trump’s 2018 Racist Reference To “S-Hole” Countries Was An Embarrassment,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After nearly eight years, Trump admitted to using the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Black immigrants during a meeting in the Oval Office, confirming Durbin’s statement from that time WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about President Donald Trump finally admitting that he used the slur “shithole countries” to denigrate Haiti and African nations during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that Durbin attended. Trump admitted to this comment during his rally in Pennsylvania last night. Following the 2018 meeting, Durbin was criticized by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and then-Senator David Perdue (R-GA), as well as President Trump himself, for corroborating media reports of Trump’s “shithole countries” comment, with Trump claiming Durbin “totally misrepresented” what he had said. “The meeting was historic… The President spoke at length about his views on immigration. The conversation declined at some point to a level I’d never expected to witness in my life. The President started saying things about immigrants in ways I thought had never been said before in the White House,” Durbin said. “He used terminology, which I will not repeat on the Senate floor, but he referred to a phrase of ‘s-hole’ nations. I was shocked to hear it. I heard him refer to several countries in this fashion. And I thought to myself, how have we reached a point where we discuss immigration in such crude and vulgar terms. After I left the White House, it leaked out what the President had said, and the White House denied it. They said it didn’t happen. I said it did, they said I’m lying to the point where two of my Republican Senate colleagues went on television several days later and said that I lied when the President made those statements. Well yesterday at his rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump admitted that he used the slur that I referred to earlier to disparage Haiti and African nations during that 2018 meeting with lawmakers, bragging about a comment that sparked global outrage during his first term.” Durbin continued, “For [nearly eight] years, I have lived with the shadow of people saying that I misled the American people as to what the President said. Yesterday, he admitted what he said… We have to get beyond crudity and vulgarity and what we’ve seen in the extreme in the last several months when it comes to immigration.” Durbin concluded, “We are a nation of immigrants, and I’m proud of that fact… The reference in 2018 was an embarrassment—an embarrassment to the White House, to the Oval Office, and to the presidency. I’m glad that the President has finally admitted what happened on that day.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-push-back-against-fbi-doj-investigation-threats-into-six-members-of-congress,"Senate Judiciary Democrats Push Back Against FBI, DOJ Investigation Threats Into Six Members Of Congress",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FBI political leadership is reportedly pressuring the Washington Field Office to open a seditious conspiracy investigation into Senators Kelly and Slotkin, Representatives Goodlander, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in pushing back against the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) attempt to use the threat of investigation to harass and intimidate U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), as well as U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-01), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06)—after the Members of Congress reiterated current law when they released a video telling active members of the Armed Forces not to obey unlawful or illegal orders. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, the Senators began by characterizing the threats of investigation as retributive, writing: “We write with grave concern that the Trump Administration is weaponizing the FBI against federal lawmakers who merely restated current law. This abuse of federal law enforcement authority as an instrument of retribution against the President’s political opponents is a threat to the constitutional freedoms of all Americans.” The Senators then reiterated current law, which aligns with the Democratic Members of Congress’s message to military members, writing: “As you know, the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires servicemembers to follow ‘lawful government order[s] or regulation[s],’ and the Manual for Courts-Martial explicitly states that the ‘inference [of lawfulness] does not apply to a patently illegal order.’ With regard to violations of the law of war, the Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual also states that ‘each member of the armed services has a duty to refuse to comply with clearly illegal orders to commit violations of the law of war.’ Indeed, servicemembers may be prosecuted for carrying out a patently unlawful order to commit a war crime. Nothing these Members of Congress said in this video is unlawful—they were simply restating existing law.” The Senators then expressed concern over conflicting reports of political retribution against these Members of Congress by Director Patel’s FBI, writing: “Despite no predicate whatsoever, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) political leadership is reportedly pressuring the Washington Field Office to open a seditious conspiracy investigation into the six federal lawmakers for these lawful statements. This contradicts Director Patel’s public promise that the question of ‘is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation or is there not’ would be ‘made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.’ This is particularly alarming because President Trump himself has publicly claimed that the lawmakers’ lawful statements are ‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.’ The President also shared a different post that read: ‘HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.’” The Senators concluded with a condemnation of the Trump Administration’s treatment of these Members of Congress and our nation’s military members, before making a series of information requests, writing: “It is facially unconstitutional to prosecute protected speech, whether that speech is by the American people or their representatives in Congress, and it is absurd to contend that statements reiterating the law alone are a predicate for a seditious conspiracy investigation. President Trump has repeatedly weaponized the federal law enforcement against American citizens as part of his increasingly desperate attempts to distract from the lawlessness, corruption, and incompetence of his Administration. This country deserves federal law enforcement that uphold the law, not use the threat of prosecution to chill speech—particularly speech urging government officials and members of the Armed Forces to comply with the law. The Department of Justice’s resources would be better spent ensuring that the Department of Defense is following the law as it conducts military action.” In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Click herefor a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-congress-to-pass-his-bill-combatting-online-child-sexual-abuse-material,Durbin Calls On Congress To Pass His Bill Combatting Online Child Sexual Abuse Material,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On the Senate floor, Durbin asked for unanimous consent to pass his bipartisan STOP CSAM Act alongside Sen. Hawley, before Sen. Wyden objected WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked for unanimous consent (UC) for the Senate to pass his bipartisan STOP CSAM Act alongside the bill’s cosponsor U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). “I come to the floor today to ask the Senate to pass the STOP CSAM Act, bipartisan legislation that would finally open the courthouse doors to survivors of child exploitation and their families. Too many parents feel a pit in their stomachs every time their child logs onto a phone, tablet, or video game console. They know that the internet has become a hunting ground for predators,” began Durbin. Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee learned more about the horrors facing our children online at a committee hearing featuring a victim impact family. “Three years ago, 17-year-old James Woods, an honor student and accomplished track athlete from the state of Ohio, died by suicide after being targeted by predators on Instagram. We asked his mother today how long this relationship online lasted. Start to finish, which was the end of her son’s life, was 19 hours. They tricked James into sending them sexually explicit photos and they threatened to ruin his life if he did not pay them. His tormentors sent him 200 messages in 19 hours, encouraging him to end his life, which he ultimately did,” shared Durbin. In 2014, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, or NCMEC, received 1.1 million CyberTips of child sexual abuse material, also known as CSAM. By 2023—less than 10 years later—the number of CyberTips had exploded to 36 million. “As I have learned more about the horrors of online child sexual exploitation, I have made it my mission to try to put an end to it. That’s why I have worked with survivors, prosecutors, law enforcement, victim advocates, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to write a bill that responds with the urgency that this situation demands. That bill is the STOP CSAM Act,” said Durbin. “I would like to thank Senator Hawley for being the lead sponsor on this bill, who voted unanimously with the Judiciary Committee who voted unanimously to advance this bill out of Committee earlier this year. And I want to recognize the extraordinary survivors and advocates who have fought to make this legislation possible. Unfortunately, due to Big Tech’s deep pockets, it has not been easy to pass a law to finally hold the tech industry accountable for the harms they cause… So, when the STOP CSAM Act didn’t pass the full Senate last year, Senator Hawley and I were determined to bring it up this year. Because Big Tech has failed to keep kids safe online, it is imperative that Congress do something,” continued Durbin. Hawley then spoke, and Durbin made the unanimous consent request. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) objected. The STOP CSAM Act will crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims of child sexual exploitation to sue companies that promoted or facilitated the exploitation, or that host or store CSAM or make it available. It will also support victims and increase transparency for online platforms by, among other things: Expanding protections for child victims and witnesses in federal court; Facilitating restitution for victims of child exploitation, human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes of violence; Strengthening CyberTipline reporting requirements; and Requiring large tech companies to submit annual reports describing their efforts to promote a culture of safety for children on their platform. The Senators announced the legislation's reintroduction in February ahead of their joint hearing highlighting witnesses impacted by CSAM, including survivors, advocates, and law enforcement experts. They originally introduced the legislation last Congress and garnered the votes to unanimously advance it through the Senate Judiciary Committee. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. Earlier today, Durbin joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to hold violent criminals accountable and combat the disturbing rise in online child exploitation. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024—and was reintroduced in the Senate this year. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and produced without the consent of the person depicted. Earlier this year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-in-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-protecting-kids-online,Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Judiciary Committee Hearing On Protecting Kids Online,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During his opening statement, Durbin commented on his STOP CSAM Act, legislation that would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material online WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered opening remarks in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Protecting Our Children Online Against the Evolving Offender.” During his opening, Durbin highlighted his STOP CSAM Act, bipartisan legislation that would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host this material, among other things. The Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced this legislation earlier this year. In 2021, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a total of 139 CyberTips involving financially-motivated sextortion. In the first six months of 2025 alone, there have already been 23,593 financial-sextortion CyberTips. Another disturbing trend is a rise in offenders who do not just view or trade images of abuse, but direct real-time torture, encourage escalating violence, and groom children to produce CSAM and self-harm videos of themselves and others. NCMEC has identified this behavior as “sadistic online exploitation.” In the first six months of 2025, NCMEC received 1,093 sadistic exploitation reports—double the number from the same period in 2024. Key Quotes: “Let’s have a sense of urgency about what we are setting out to do. I have worked with Senator Hawley and many others—survivors, law enforcement, [and] advocates—to put together the STOP CSAM Act. The bill takes a comprehensive approach to stemming the tide of online child exploitation.” “I have repeatedly said that we must bring the same urgency to protecting kids in the virtual world that we do in the real world. But the landscape of online child exploitation has changed dramatically by the day. Two trends in particular demand our immediate attention: financially-motivated sextortion and sadistic online exploitation. What was once rare is now an epidemic.” “NCMEC has identified more than 36 young men in the United States who have died by suicide after being sextorted. We are joined today by one of those families. Mrs. [Tamia] Woods, thank you for being here. She lost her son James at 17-years-old after he was targeted. She is here in a courageous capacity—transforming unbearable loss into a call for action.” “This is an unsuitable systemic failure, and what are we going to do about it? We are going to have a hearing, we are going to call witnesses, we are going to lament the situation. What are we going to do about it? Is there going to be a bill in the new session? To say that we are so overwhelmed with legislation on the floor [and] we don't have time [to address CSAM] is a joke… We have more than enough time to do it right. This Committee has a history of tackling tough issues. Mr. Chairman, it is up to you and me and Senators on both sides of the aisle to make it happen.” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations. Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and being produced without the consent of the person depicted. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grassley-introduce-landmark-legislative-package-to-protect-kids-online,"Durbin, Grassley Introduce Landmark Legislative Package To Protect Kids Online",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The three bills target lax sentencing laws, violent online criminal networks, and child sextortion WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced three bipartisan bills to hold violent criminals accountable and combat the disturbing rise in online child exploitation. The Committee is convening a hearing on child safety online today. The Sentencing Accountability for Exploitation Act (SAFE Act), Ending Coercion of Children and Harm Online Act (ECCHO Act) and Stop Sextortion Act would each address concerning developments in online child abuse by revamping federal sentencing laws, targeting online criminal networks and cracking down on offenders who use child sex abuse material (CSAM) to extort and coerce children. “Because of modern technology, child predators from anywhere in the world can target American kids online. As technology has evolved, so have online child exploiters. Today, offenders are engaging in sadistic online exploitation and coercing kids to take their own lives. Big Tech continues to fail our most vulnerable because they refuse to incorporate safety-by-design measures into their platforms or make meaningful efforts to detect the increasingly violent and depraved sexual exploitation of children on their services. I’m proud to join Senator Grassley in introducing three bills aimed at curbing these horrific crimes online, in addition to continuing to work on advancing other critical reforms like my STOP CSAM Act. Congress has spent enough time investigating tech platforms’ failures; it’s now time that we deliver for the American people,” said Durbin. “Changes in technology have created new opportunities for criminals to harass, exploit, intimidate and harm American children. These horrific crimes – often committed by violent online groups who take advantage of our nation’s outdated laws – have gone unchecked for far too long. Congress must stand up for American families and finally address the online rot that is hurting children nationwide. I’m proud to introduce these bills to protect children from online abuse, hold dangerous criminals accountable and secure much needed justice for victims and their families,” said Grassley. The Sentencing Accountability for Exploitation Act (SAFE Act): The SAFE Act would repeal outdated sentencing laws and require the U.S. Sentencing Commission to develop a new CSAM sentencing guideline that accounts for modern indicators of especially dangerous conduct. Some of these indicators – or aggravating factors – include: (1) if the offender participated in an online group dedicated to CSAM, (2) the length of time an offender was involved in CSAM, (3) the offenders’ use of software or technology to conceal their identity, (4) the offenders’ use of multiple platforms to engage in CSAM and (5) the number of victims. The current CSAM sentencing guideline doesn’t consider modern aggravating factors, allowing some of the most nefarious child abusers to skate by with lesser sentences. However, because much of the current guideline was created through decades-old legislation, the Sentencing Commission is prohibited from updating the guideline without congressional action. Read bill text here. The Ending Coercion of Children and Harm Online Act (ECCHO Act): The ECCHO Act would create a new crime that prohibits individuals from coercing children into physically harming themselves, others or animals. The bill creates a penalty of up to life in prison if the offense involves the actual or attempted suicide by the victim or the death of another person, as well as a 30-year maximum penalty for harmful conduct that does not involve a death. The U.S. has seen a recent and disturbing rise in online criminal networks – like Network 764 – that use synchronized group chats to coerce emotionally vulnerable children into engaging in abusive and degrading conduct. This conduct may include self-mutilation, online or in-person sexual acts, animal cruelty, acts of random violence, suicide and murder. Existing laws do not adequately address this extreme behavior, as there is no law that explicitly prohibits the coercion of children to hurt themselves or others. Read bill text here. The Stop Sextortion Act: The Stop Sextortion Act would target offenders that threaten to distribute CSAM to intimidate, extort or coerce children. The bill would increase the maximum penalty for these types of offenses from five to 10 years. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a significant increase in offenders who threaten to distribute CSAM to extort and coerce children – through both financially-motivated sextortion (FMS) and sadistic online exploitation (SOE). In the case of FMS, criminals trick children into sharing sexually explicit images and threaten to release those images if the victim doesn’t pay a ransom. Criminals who engage in SOE also trick children into sharing CSAM but threaten to release the images to compel victims to hurt themselves or others. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), in 2024 the number of reports concerning FMS increased by over 33%, and the number of reports concerning SOE increased by more than 200%. As of May 2025, FMS schemes have driven 40 American children to take their own lives. Read bill text here. Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) also joined forces to re-introduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024—and was reintroduced in the Senate this year. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and produced without the consent of the person depicted. Earlier this year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-at-spotlight-forum-examining-the-trump-administrations-aggressive-tactics-in-pursuing-its-mass-deportation-scheme,Durbin Speaks At Spotlight Forum Examining The Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics In Pursuing Its Mass Deportation Scheme,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin introduced Chicagoan Dayanne Figueroa, a U.S. citizen who was brutally arrested and detained without due process, during the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today participated in a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Our Values at Stake: DHS Overreach and Violations of U.S. Citizen Rights.” The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), provided a public platform for five U.S. citizens, including Dayanne Figueroa of Chicago, to share their story of being arbitrarily arrested and detained by federal immigration agents as part of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation scheme. Today’s forum was a powerful response to the Trump Administration’s false narrative that federal agents are only going after the “worst of the worst” during these aggressive immigration raids. Detailed reporting across the country has shown that federal agents have arrested or detained more than 170 U.S. citizens, and during the first half of the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” 70 percent of the nearly 1,900 people detained by immigration agents did not have serious criminal convictions or pending charges. At the beginning of the forum, Durbin introduced Ms. Figueroa, detailing her brutal arrest and detention after agents sideswiped her car and then violently pulled her from her vehicle. She was aggressively forced to the ground by federal agents and detained for several hours without medical care or the ability to contact her family or legal representation. Ms. Figueroa, who had recently had kidney surgery, was injured and bleeding from the aggressive arrest, and after being released from immigration detention, her mother rushed her to a nearby hospital. Last month, Durbin shared Ms. Figueroa’s story on the Senate floor. “Ms. Figueroa experienced one of the most egregious examples of federal immigration agents’ unacceptable aggression and use of excessive force during ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Chicago. We all saw it on video, every single second of it. There is no question about what happened to you. You’re [Ms. Figueroa] an American citizen, the mother of a five-year-old boy. You took him to school in the morning, grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to work. It sounds like the American dream, but it turned into a nightmare. You work in a law firm in Chicago, and you hope someday to go to law school yourself… You didn’t make it to work that morning. In a video that made national news, and I reported on it on the floor of the Senate, Dayanne faced masked immigration enforcement agents. You can see them driving their car into her car, and then pointing their firearms at her, pulling her out of the car, and violently arresting her,” Durbin said during his introduction of Ms. Figueroa. “Thank you for being here today and for helping us shine a spotlight on this terrible day in your life. What should have been lawful and targeted enforcement actions has become an enforcement agency sweeping up any person who happens to look Hispanic. I watched the videotape of your violent arrest, and I can’t imagine what you experienced. Though you begged for information, the agents who arrested you refused to identify themselves and barred you from contacting your family or a lawyer. I understand that your family was frantically searching, trying to find you after they heard about what happened. The only way they found you is because they tracked your cellphone to a Broadview ICE facility—not because any law enforcement agency contacted your family or gave any help to locate you,” Durbin said. “No family should ever have to experience that kind of terror… Thanks for coming forward to tell your story. I’m honored to be representing you in the Senate,” Durbin concluded his introduction of Ms. Figueroa. Video of Durbin introducing Ms. Figueroa is available here. Audio of Durbin introducing Ms. Figueroa is available here. Ms. Figueroa and other panelists then delivered opening remarks, sharing their experiences of federal agents disregarding evidence and statements that they were U.S. citizens. The panelists emphasized the cruel and arguably unlawful treatment they faced during their arrest and detainment. “My name is Dayanne Figueroa. I am a proud first-generation Mexican American, a Criminal Justice major, a single mother, and a future law student. What happened to me almost exactly two months ago, on October 10, 2025, was not law enforcement. It was violence, blatant racial profiling, and a shocking abuse of federal authority,” Ms. Figueroa said. “I was never arrested. I was never charged. I was never given an explanation or an apology. But the damage is done, and it continues. I suffered severe bruising, nerve damage, a broken tooth, and aggravated injuries to my leg and wrists. My surgically repaired kidney became swollen and inflamed. And emotionally, I developed PTSD, panic attacks, and severe anxiety. I swear I’ve been kidnapped in my nightmares every single night since,” she said. “This was not just an ‘incident.’ It was a violation of my physical being, my rights, my dignity, and my humanity.” Video of Ms. Figueroa’s testimony is available here. Audio of Ms. Figueroa’s testimony is available here. Ms. Figueroa’s testimony, as prepared for delivery, is available here. In response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin has taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS and Secretary Noem under the direction of President Trump. Durbin’s actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” can be found here. Earlier this month, Durbin also sent an oversight letter to DHS to push back on the Trump Administration’s false narrative that it does not arrest U.S. citizens. The letter, which requested a response by December 16, demanded answers about the total number of U.S. citizens arrested during immigration enforcement activity during the Trump Administration; the agencies responsible for the arrests; the length of detention following the arrests; audio or video footage of the arrests; agency directives governing encounters and arrests involving U.S. citizens; and policies regarding the maintenance of citizen arrest data. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-durbin-questions-witnesses-on-addressing-csam-and-protecting-children-online,"In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing, Durbin Questions Witnesses On Addressing CSAM & Protecting Children Online",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin’s STOP CSAM Act would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material online WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned witnesses in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Protecting Our Children Online Against the Evolving Offender.” Durbin first questioned Jessica Smolar, a former federal prosecutor who investigated and prosecuted child exploitation offenses, about the current child exploitation sentencing guidelines and whether those current guidelines are deficient in assessing the evolving child sexual offender. “What you tell us [in Ms. Smolar’s testimony] is [that] less than 30 percent of nonproduction child pornography defendants were sentenced within the recommended guidelines, reflecting broad judicial dissatisfaction at 70 percent, and inconsistent sentencing nationwide. You say, ‘as federal prosecutors, my colleagues and I often considered plea offers to binding sentences to avoid the application of the insufficient sentencing guidelines and disparities.’ Tell me a little more, what are you talking about here?” Durbin asked. Ms. Smolar responded in cases when ‘you are talking about possession of CSAM, where there is no mandatory minimum sentence—often times, my colleagues and I, not just in the Western District of Pennsylvania but nationwide, would see sentences that we felt were insufficient.’ She continued to state she believes that sentences for “people who are collecting that type of material [CSAM] should be significant in order to protect victims and to deter others from collecting it. So, it's important that the sentencing guidelines are useful.” “I understand part of the problem was a numeric issue. Initially, so many instances of objects that a person had led to a certain sentencing guideline. Now that they are being collected in video form [or] different technology form—that counting numbers doesn't really tell the story, is that your impression?” Durbin asked. Ms. Smolar responded that it doesn’t tell the story. She continued to say the sentencing guidelines follow numbers and “math;” but it is not about “math,” it is about “real offenders.” She continued to say the sentencing guidelines don’t necessarily take into account whether there are multiple platforms used against children, how severe the images are, and how many victims there are. She stated, “that is not necessarily encompassed by the sentencing guidelines right now, so legislation is needed to address offender risk.” Durbin then asked Lauren Coffren, Executive Director for the Exploited Children’s Division at NCMEC, about the scope of this exploitation. “I was interested in the Chairman’s question that you responded to—sometimes the scope of this exploitation is chaos, it’s not financial. Tell me a little more about that. What is the value of this perpetrator wasting all of these hours, leading to the self-harm of a young person or worse?” Durbin asked. Ms. Coffren responded that the groups going after children online are “are fueled and motivated by [having] clout and notoriety for the impact of their actions. This means it extends much more beyond CSAM. It is how can they use children to harm themselves or others, and then harm the community, as well... Child sexual exploitation has actually been hijacked as one methodology for a larger way of trying to be able to use children against the community.” Durbin then questioned Tamia Woods, who lost her 17-year-old son James to suicide after being financially-sextorted online. “Ms. Woods, how long do you think your son was being exploited before he finally lost his life?” Durbin asked. Ms. Woods responded, “It was 19 and a half hours. He received 200 messages in 19 and a half hours with what we believe were four different people attacking him at one time.” Durbin asked, “Do you have any idea where the source of these attacks was?” Ms. Woods responded, “His murderers were in the Ivory Coast. Of course, we are told we are never going to receive justice for James.” Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here. Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here. Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations. Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee. Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) also joined forces to re-introduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor. In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024—and was reintroduced in the Senate this year. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and produced without the consent of the person depicted. Earlier this year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-floor-speech-durbin-calls-on-republicans-to-protect-health-care-coverage-for-their-constituents-ahead-of-this-weeks-vote-to-extend-aca-tax-credits,"In Senate Floor Speech, Durbin Calls On Republicans To Protect Health Care Coverage For Their Constituents Ahead Of This Week’s Vote To Extend ACA Tax Credits",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate’s anticipated vote to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits this week. These tax credits have put health care within reach for Americans by lowering health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. Durbin received a commitment from Republican Leader John Thune to put a bill on the Senate floor in December to address the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. If Republicans vote against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage next year, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple. Durbin began his speech with his own family’s experience of being uninsured when his newborn daughter was in need of critical care. “The issue of quality, affordable health insurance is personal to me. I know what it feels like to be a new dad with a beautiful baby girl with a serious medical condition. I was a student in law school at Georgetown [University], here in Washington, D.C. God gave us this beautiful little girl, but I didn’t have health insurance as a law student. We ended up in the charity ward of Children’s National Hospital waiting for our name to be called to be introduced to the doctor who would do his best to help my daughter… I have never felt so helpless as I did in that moment,” Durbin began. “As lawmakers, I believe that our job is to help make life a little bit better for the people we represent, and this week that means tackling the issue of quality, affordable health insurance,” Durbin said. Durbin then shared the story of a Chicago waitress who relies on ACA tax credits to make her health care plan affordable. “Yesterday, when my wife and I went to Lou Mitchell’s for breakfast before church, I had a conversation with another person there on their staff, a waitress. She’s a manager as well. And she’s been working at this job for years. She’s 63 years old. Her husband just qualified for Medicare, and she felt relieved that that worry about his health insurance would be taken care of. She then found out that the Medicare Advantage program that she would be having him sign up for runs $200 a month. Her original premiums, she’s paying for health insurance premiums for him and for her, is $279 a month. So right off the bat, she faced an increase over her base premium that she’s been paying for some time. But she had the good fortune, at least up until now, to have a tax credit to help pay for those premiums. Then she got the notice from her health insurance company that the cost of her insurance, even with her husband not covered on the same policy [because he’s on Medicare], is going to virtually double,” Durbin said. “Hardworking woman, 63 years old, whose health insurance is going to more than double each month. She doesn’t make a fortune as a waitress.” “We have a chance this week to change it. And that’s what I told her. If we can get a bipartisan group to agree to just extend these credits, we’re going to be able to bring your premiums down to be more affordable… it won’t double or triple, which is likely to happen otherwise. I think about her as I stand on the floor of the Senate and think about the tears in her eyes as she talked to me about what her life is going to be like if we fail. We can’t fail. We have an obligation to her,” Durbin said. Durbin reminded his colleagues that congressional Democrats have been pushing to make quality health care more accessible for millions of Americans for more than 15 years. The ACA, championed by Democrats, changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. by expanding coverage options. Prior to the passage of the legislation in 2010, insurance companies routinely denied patients coverage if they had pre-existing conditions, preventing millions of Americans from securing an affordable health care plan. “Prior to the ACA, we must remember that insurance companies could deny coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions… If someone had, for example, a history of diabetes, heart disease, or even a past pregnancy, insurance companies used to be able to exclude those services from your plan or charge you an amount that you couldn’t afford. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are no longer allowed to discriminate against patients with pre-existing conditions,” Durbin said. “We required, in that law, that health insurance plans cover comprehensive benefits, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, and even mental health and addiction treatment. And we allowed children to stay on parents’ health insurance until young men and women reach the age of 26.” “What was the result? It worked… We achieved the lowest number of uninsured Americans in our country’s history. Millions more Americans suddenly had the peace of mind of quality health care,” Durbin continued. “Why do they [congressional Republicans] want to reverse this?” To combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA’s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million this year. Despite millions of Americans relying on these tax credits, congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires. “This summer, congressional Republicans eliminated $1 trillion in spending from Medicaid. This will take health care away from 11 million Americans and threaten rural and inner-city hospitals. In also refusing to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans may see their health premiums double on average,” Durbin continued. Durbin underscored that Illinoisans across the state will see a spike in monthly premiums costs. “In Jackson County, Southern Illinois – small towns, rural areas – residents there, on average, will see their monthly premiums go from $122 a month to $458. That’s a difference of $330 a month, a 274 percent increase. Crawford County in downstate Illinois? Monthly premiums are expected to rise from $170 a month to $517 – a 204 percent increase,” Durbin said. Durbin then spoke about Democrats’ straight-forward proposal – a three-year extension for these tax credits – to prevent this looming health care crisis, instigated by Republicans’ inaction. “This week, Senate Democrats are going to put forward a proposal to extend the health insurance premium tax credits for three years. Some Republicans say that’s too long. Well, come back with an amendment for two years or one year or something! Show that there is a beating heart there that actually cares to solve a problem, a problem that affects a waitress in a restaurant in downtown Chicago,” Durbin said. “Now we’ve come at a moment where on January 1, the world is going to change for millions of Americans if we do nothing. I want to work with Republicans on this bill. I want to make the Affordable Care Act better. We’ve got to take care of the immediate crisis before January 1. If Republicans, 13 brave Republicans, will step up and say, ‘we want to extend the tax credits,’ there’s going to be a an opportunity for us to sit down and say, ‘what do we need to consider doing to make the Affordable Care Act better?’” Durbin said. Durbin concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that Congress can extend the ACA tax credits to ensure that his constituents, including the waitress at Lou Mitchell’s, can afford their health care. “I want to go back to that restaurant, maybe not next Sunday but after Christmas, and tell my friend that we heard her. We did something about it, and we’re going to give her a helping hand at a time when she has nowhere else to turn. She’s working hard every single day and has done that all of her life. All she’s asked us to do is give her a fighting chance to have health insurance for her family. Isn’t it really incumbent upon us to meet that responsibility?” Durbin concluded his speech. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-calls-out-trump-and-speaker-johnson-for-ripping-ivf-coverage-for-military-families-away-after-bipartisan-majorities-passed-them,Duckworth Calls Out Trump and Speaker Johnson for Ripping IVF Coverage for Military Families Away After Bipartisan Majorities Passed Them,2025-12-07,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"This is the second year in a row Republicans worked behind closed doors to strip the Senator’s IVF provision in the NDAA [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement calling out Donald Trump—who promised to provide IVF coverage for all Americans—for doing nothing to stop Speaker Mike Johnson from single-handedly killing her provision in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to provide our nation’s brave servicemembers with the same access to IVF coverage that Members of Congress have, despite wide bipartisan majorities voting to include IVF coverage for troops in both the House and the Senate: “Republicans repeatedly make promises to the public that they support IVF, but their extreme actions tell a different story from their lip service during election years. Time and again when given the chance to make IVF available and affordable, they cave to far right extremists who see families and their doctors as murderers. And for the second year in a row, our servicemembers are paying the price of that extremism. “Trump claimed on the campaign trail that he’d make IVF free for all Americans, creepily declaring himself the ‘father of IVF.’ Well, he proved he’s a deadbeat dad by not only failing to make IVF free for anyone but standing by as Speaker Johnson undermined one of his key campaign promises and stripped coverage from servicemembers behind closed doors that both the House and Senate approved. Shame on them. “Worse yet, it is deeply hypocritical that Mike Johnson worked to deprive our heroes and their families of the same access to IVF coverage that Members of Congress enjoy. While Trump and Republicans routinely let down the American people and fail to deliver on their claims to truly support IVF, I will never stop fighting to protect IVF for all Americans who depend on it to start or grow their families. Our work continues.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/08/2025/duckworth-hosts-town-hall-in-carbondale,Duckworth Hosts Town Hall in Carbondale,2025-12-06,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[CARBONDALE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted a town hall meeting in Carbondale to answer constituents’ questions and hear their concerns directly. During today’s town hall meeting, constituents asked her about the profound negative impacts Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” and will have on Southern Illinois, the impending health insurance cost increases facing middle-class Americans if Republicans continue refusing to act and how the Trump Administration has put our servicemembers at risk and left our Veterans behind. Today’s town hall was moderated by Jackson County Board member Tamiko Mueller. Photos of the Senator’s town hall are available on her website. “Families are on the brink of a health care crisis caused by Republicans who keep voting to help their billionaire buddies instead of the American people,” Duckworth said. “Thanks to Republicans’ so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that will force rural hospitals to shut down, nursing homes to close and thousands of Illinoisans to lose coverage—and their refusal to extend ACA credits and keep health care costs down for millions of Americans—Illinoisans are understandably upset, scared and angry. The most patriotic thing you can do is show up and speak truth to power—that’s democracy at work.” Duckworth has hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford and throughout Chicagoland. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-announces-senate-hearing-on-trumps-military-deployments-to-american-cities,Duckworth Announces Senate Hearing on Trump’s Military Deployments to American Cities,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) will hold a hearing next Thursday, December 11, to receive sworn testimony directly from the Trump Administration’s Department of Defense (DoD) on Trump’s unlawful and unconstitutional domestic deployments of American military troops to intimidate Americans in their own communities. “Across the United States, Donald Trump has illegally deployed our nation’s servicemembers into American cities under unclear and false pretexts and despite the costs to our military and civil rights. The American people and our troops deserve answers. “I’m proud to have secured this hearing, which will finally provide the American people an opportunity to hear just how unjustifiable these domestic deployments have been—along with the costs they’ve had on our communities, our civil rights and our servicemembers who selflessly volunteered to protect Americans only to find themselves cruelly forced to turn against them. “While we never should have had to wait this long, I appreciate Chairman Wicker and Leader Thune working with me to hold this hearing so the members of this committee can carry out our constitutional authority and conduct this important oversight over this Administration’s egregious abuse of our military. I look forward to asking tough questions of the Trump Administration, holding them accountable and seeking the answers our country deserves.” Duckworth successfully secured this hearing in early October—weeks after she led all of her fellow SASC Democrats in calling on SASC Chairman Wicker to hold this hearing, and shortly after she blocked expedited passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) until said hearing was secured. The details of this hearing are as follows: -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-discusses-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-on-agriculture-with-southern-illinois-farmers,Duckworth Discusses Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Agriculture with Southern Illinois Farmers,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[DU QUOIN, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Southern Illinois farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss how Trump’s erratic trade wars have affected their livelihood and the agriculture industry across the region as well as her efforts to push back on Trump’s lawlessness at the federal level while supporting our state’s agriculture industry and our farmers. Photos from the roundtable can be found on the Senator’s website. “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers and agriculture industry is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, yet these farmers are taking hit after hit under this administration. I will continue to do everything I can to support our farmers and agricultural producers across the state at the federal level.” Illinois’ agriculture industry exports $13.7 billion in goods annually and is already feeling the damaging effects of the Trump Administration’s tariffs—from falling commodity prices to import plans that put the future of Illinois farms at risk. As the nation’s top soybean producer, Illinois is seeing farmers face losses of $100–$200 per acre as prices fall below break-even levels. Additionally, the Trump Administration’s proposal to import tariff-free beef from Argentina threatens 10,713 beef farms across our state and approximately 333,000 head of cattle by lowering prices and jeopardizing the stability of Illinois beef producers. Duckworth met with Josh Maschhoff, President of IL Pork Association; Josh St. Peters, President of IL Beef Association; Gerald Kuberski, President of Washington County Farm Bureau; Patrick Scates, President of the Scates Group Intermodal River Terminal, LLC; Joe Heard, Location Manager of Southern FS in Macedonia; Donnie Sneed of Sneed Farms; Ed Wielbacher and Brent Donovan of Kaskaskia Regional Port District; Dr. Karla Gage, Professor of College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Dale Haudrich of the Illinois Corn Association. In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels. As a founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Caucus, she has been a strong advocate for expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by utilizing the biofuels and agricultural sectors. To help increase the availability of E15 biofuels, Duckworth helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Earlier this year she helped introduced the Farm to Fly Act to help accelerate the production and development of SAF. As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois pork, biofuels and agriculture industries across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-celebrates-final-introduction-of-the-dream-act-with-local-immigration-advocates,Durbin Celebrates Final Introduction Of The Dream Act With Local Immigration Advocates,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001; this week marks his final introduction of the legislation before the end of his congressional career CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined The Resurrection Project and other Chicago immigration advocacy groups to celebrate the introduction the bipartisan Dream Act of 2025, which would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. However, under current law there is often no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential. “For more than three months, Chicago has endured President Trump’s ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ – a cruel campaign that has swept up innocent citizens, legal residents, and immigrants who pose absolutely no threat to public safety,” said Durbin. “I am grateful for the community organizations that have stepped up in the face of violence, and I hope that today’s celebration of the Dream Act provides a tiny bright spot in an otherwise dark year. I first introduced this bill 24 years ago, and over those years I’ve met hundreds of amazing young men and women—Dreamers—who are American in every sense of the word except on paper. But because DACA hangs by a thread in the courts, and many are not covered by DACA, they live each day in fear of deportation. This is a matter of simple American fairness and justice. To the Dreamers here in Chicago and across our country who have been with me in this fight: I promise to do everything in my power to fight for you and your future every day.” “For more than a century, Dominican University has served the children of immigrants, welcoming and supporting students whose families came to this country seeking opportunity. We continue to stand firm in this legacy today as we accompany Dreamers from across the nation in their pursuit of education and vocation. Their success not only enriches our community and strengthens our campus environment but also contributes to local economic growth and development, filling roles of critical need,” said Glena Temple, Ph.D., President, Dominican University. “Dreamers are law-abiding, tax-paying contributors who are essential to the strength of our economy and communities. Their work generates billions in tax revenue and supports businesses across the country. Removing these essential workers would not only disrupt our workplaces and neighborhoods but also undermine America’s global competitiveness. We urge Congress to seize this opportunity to deliver lasting solutions that secure our workforce and offer stability to our communities,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of American Business Immigration Coalition. “The Resurrection Project applauds the bipartisan reintroduction of the Dream Act of 2025. Dreamers enrich the social and economic fabric of this nation. For over two decades, champions like Senator Durbin have lifted our voices when others tried to silence them. Immigrants are under attack, and we can't afford to wait any longer. Congress must seize this moment and pass the Dream Act once and for all,” said Ere Rendon, Vice President of Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project. The Dream Act of 2025, introduced with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they: Came to the U.S. as children and are without lawful status; Graduate from high school or obtain a GED; Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military; Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee; Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate Floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-casten-mcclellan-introduce-legislation-to-mitigate-negative-impacts-of-natural-gas-pipelines,"Duckworth, Durbin, Casten, McClellan Introduce Legislation to Mitigate Negative Impacts of Natural Gas Pipelines",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), both members of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) introduced the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act of 2025, legislation to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to assess and mitigate the impacts that natural gas pipelines approved by FERC under the Natural Gas Act (NGA) will have on climate change and Environmental Justice communities. “As extreme weather events become more frequent, we can’t afford to ignore the climate crisis and the harm it’s inflicting on families across our country,” said Duckworth. “Every American deserves to breathe clean air, drink safe water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land, and we have a responsibility to confront the environmental injustices that far too often fall on low-income communities and communities of color. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation that would curb the climate impact of natural gas pipelines and better protect the vulnerable families who live near them.” “Across the country, we are seeing rising temperatures and more frequent natural disasters—a clear sign that we are facing a serious climate crisis. If we hope to mitigate this crisis and protect our most vulnerable communities, we must evaluate the climate impacts of new natural gas pipelines before we build them,” Durbin said. “Enacting the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act will protect the communities most impacted by climate change and climate pollution while ensuring access to safe and affordable energy.” “For too long, we have placed the interests of energy producers above all else in setting our energy policy, including when deciding whether to permit a new natural gas pipeline,” said Casten. “It’s past time we put the national interest first. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that would require FERC to consider the potential impacts on climate change, Environmental Justice communities, energy affordability, and reliability before approving a new natural gas pipeline.” “As we work to meet our growing energy demands with new technologies, we must consider the long-term impacts of those projects on surrounding communities and our environment,” said McClellan. “Too often, natural gas pipelines jeopardize the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color. The FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act implements common-sense requirements to ensure FERC identifies and considers the wide-ranging potential impacts of these projects. This bill represents another important step in our efforts to improve energy affordability and advance environmental justice.” “This legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that FERC fully accounts for and addresses greenhouse gas emissions and environmental justice impacts of energy projects under the Natural Gas Act,” said Anastasia Gordan, Federal Policy Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “The Biden Administration’s LNG study gave us a clear picture of the harms these projects impose on public health, on our climate, and on family budgets, and the courts have repeatedly called on the Commission to do the same. For decades, fossil fuel infrastructure has disproportionately burdened frontline communities, and clarifying FERC’s authority is essential to protecting all people, especially those who have borne the brunt of pollution and disinvestment. We applaud this effort to put equity, accountability, and climate responsibility at the center of energy decision-making.” In 2022, FERC, under then-Chairman Richard Glick, issued a draft Policy Statement to clarify how the Commission would take into account a natural gas pipeline’s impacts on climate change and Environmental Justice communities. The draft statement was terminated earlier this year. The FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act is intended to codify the kind of analysis called for under the draft policy statement. In particular, the legislation would amend the NGA to require FERC to determine, among other things, whether a proposed pipeline’s impacts on climate change and environmental justice communities are significant, if the impacts can be mitigated, and whether the proposed pipeline would ensure energy reliability and affordability. The bill further establishes what FERC should consider when making these determinations. Joining Duckworth and Durbin in introducing the legislation in the Senate are U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice endorse the legislation. Text of the legislation can be found on Senator Duckworth's website. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-introduce-bill-to-rename-plainfield-post-office-in-honor-of-staff-sergeant-jose-duenez-jr,"Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr.",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office facility located at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois, in honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr. Dueñez was one of four U.S. soldiers were killed during an Army training exercise in Lithuania on March 31, 2025. U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. “Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr.’s commitment to bravely serving his country was commendable, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation to recognize his dedication to his community and his country,” Duckworth said. “We honor and salute his sacrifice to this nation, and I hope to see the Plainfield Post Office renamed to help ensure his memory is rightfully honored.” “Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr., a proud son of Illinois, made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and should be remembered for generations to come,” Durbin said. “Renaming the Plainfield Post Office after Sgt. Dueñez would honor his legacy of service and bravery.” “Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. represents the best of our community. He was an extraordinary hero who served his country with strength and resilience,” said Underwood. “I’m honored to introduce this legislation to permanently commemorate his sacrifice and service. The Plainfield Post Office will bear his name as reminder of his contributions not only to his country, but to his community and family as a father, husband, brother, and son.” Dueñez was born on April 8, 1999, and was raised in Joliet along with his five sisters. Dueñez was promoted five times over the course of his service, ultimately reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant in November 2020. He served in three overseas deployments—Poland in 2019, Germany in 2022 and Lithuania in 2025—and was recognized with two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, one Certificate of Achievement, two Army Good Conduct Medals and a National Defense Service Medal. Full text of the bill is available on Senator Duckworth’s website. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-reacts-to-dod-igs-report-on-signalgate-reiterates-call-for-hegseth-to-resign,"Duckworth Reacts to DoD IG’s Report on SignalGate, Reiterates Call for Hegseth to Resign",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement in reaction to the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General’s report which confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put American servicemembers at greater risk by sharing sensitive information about military operations that obviously should have remained classified in unclassified, unsecure Signal chains: “The report confirms what anyone who has served in uniform already knew about the information he sent on that Signal chain: Hegseth shared sensitive operational information that put our troops at greater risk. “This was a jaw-dropping breach of our national security. Hegseth needs to resign in disgrace immediately—and every other official who was included in this group chat must be subject to an independent investigation. If my Republican colleagues won’t join us in holding the Trump Administration accountable for failing to protect our nation’s secrets, then they are complicit. “Every single day Hegseth remains our Secretary of Defense emboldens our adversaries, weakens our national security and makes Americans less safe.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-the-trump-administrations-reckless-rollback-of-vehicle-efficiency-standards,Duckworth Statement on the Trump Administration’s Reckless Rollback of Vehicle Efficiency Standards,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"""President Trump’s decision to terminate our nation’s vehicle efficiency standards is not about saving money for American families, it’s about Trump giving yet another handout to the corporate class to offset the economic devastation caused by his own reckless tariff policies. Once again, Trump is proving he does not care about the health of average Americans or the sky-high cost of vehicle ownership. By abandoning these standards, he is forcing families to drive less efficient cars that burn more gas and cost more cash—without doing anything to help Americans actually save money on their vehicles. “Trump’s administration has spent months suffocating American automakers with massive tariffs on countless parts critical to building cars, driving up production costs and costing American consumers billions. And now, instead of rolling back his costly tariffs or actually helping the middle class Americans they hurt, he’s choosing to gut air pollution protections as a desperate kickback for mega-corporation so his billionaire friends won’t complain too loudly about the harm his policies are causing. This move is designed for one purpose: to keep mega-companies happy and quiet, while forcing working families to pay the price at the pump and with their health.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-accepts-lifetime-achievement-award-for-decades-of-work-protecting-students-from-predatory-for-profit-colleges,Durbin Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award For Decades Of Work Protecting Students From Predatory For-Profit Colleges,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Durbin accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute for College Access and Success and the Protect Students and Taxpayers Coalition in honor of his work protecting students from predatory and deceptive practices of the for-profit college industry WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) and the Protect Students and Taxpayers Coalition at their annual meeting, which brings together more than 30 organizations representing veterans, consumers, civil rights organizations, and state attorneys general. Durbin was presented the award in recognition of his decades of work protecting students from the predatory and deceptive practices of the for-profit college industry. “When students explore their prospective colleges, they think about what school will set them up for long-term success. These students are doing the responsible thing by investing in their education. But far too often, predatory for-profit colleges will take advantage of students’ hope and optimism by enticing them to enroll with glossy brochures, just to offer a flimsy degree and mountains of student debt. I’m grateful for the work the Institute for College Access and Success and the Protect Students and Taxpayers Coalition do to help protect students from these predatory practices,” Durbin said. “It’s been my honor to fight with you for more protections for students and to push back against the for-profit college industry, and I will continue to advocate for students as they pursue a higher education.” During his Senate career, Durbin has been a leader in cracking down on for-profit colleges. Each spring, Durbin sends a letter to high school teachers, principals, and counselors urging them to warn their students of the risks associated with for-profit colleges. To curb the power of the for-profit college industry, he has introduced a number of bills, including the PROTECT Students Act; the Proprietary Education Oversight Task Force Act; and the POST Act. Durbin has also been instrumental in securing millions of dollars in borrower defense relief for students defrauded by for-profit colleges, including DeVry University, Westwood College, ITT Technical Institute’s nursing program, and Minnesota School of Business/Globe University. The for-profit college industry has a long record of precipitous closures and predatory practices, including misrepresenting costs, transferability of credits, and job opportunities. For-profit colleges also historically have targeted service members, veterans, students of color, low-income students, and immigrant students. For-profit colleges enroll only eight percent of all postsecondary students but account for 30 percent of all federal student loan defaults. Despite their poor track record, they received more than $16 billion in federal student aid in the 2023-2024 school year. Photos of Durbin delivering his remarks can be found here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-casten-mcclellan-introduce-legislation-to-mitigate-negative-impacts-of-natural-gas-pipelines,"Durbin, Duckworth, Casten, McClellan Introduce Legislation To Mitigate Negative Impacts Of Natural Gas Pipelines",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), both members of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) introduced the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act of 2025, legislation to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to assess and mitigate the impacts that natural gas pipelines approved by FERC under the Natural Gas Act (NGA) will have on climate change and Environmental Justice communities. “Across the country, we are seeing rising temperatures and more frequent natural disasters—a clear sign that we are facing a serious climate crisis. If we hope to mitigate this crisis and protect our most vulnerable communities, we must evaluate the climate impacts of new natural gas pipelines before we build them,” Durbin said. “Enacting the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act will protect the communities most impacted by climate change and climate pollution while ensuring access to safe and affordable energy.” “As extreme weather events become more frequent, we can’t afford to ignore the climate crisis and the harm it’s inflicting on families across our country,” said Duckworth. “Every American deserves to breathe clean air, drink safe water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land, and we have a responsibility to confront the environmental injustices that far too often fall on low-income communities and communities of color. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation that would curb the climate impact of natural gas pipelines and better protect the vulnerable families who live near them.” “For too long, we have placed the interests of energy producers above all else in setting our energy policy, including when deciding whether to permit a new natural gas pipeline,” said Casten. “It’s past time we put the national interest first. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that would require FERC to consider the potential impacts on climate change, Environmental Justice communities, energy affordability, and reliability before approving a new natural gas pipeline.” “As we work to meet our growing energy demands with new technologies, we must consider the long-term impacts of those projects on surrounding communities and our environment,” said McClellan. “Too often, natural gas pipelines jeopardize the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color. The FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act implements common-sense requirements to ensure FERC identifies and considers the wide-ranging potential impacts of these projects. This bill represents another important step in our efforts to improve energy affordability and advance environmental justice.” “This legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that FERC fully accounts for and addresses greenhouse gas emissions and environmental justice impacts of energy projects under the Natural Gas Act,” said Anastasia Gordan, Federal Policy Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “The Biden Administration’s LNG study gave us a clear picture of the harms these projects impose on public health, on our climate, and on family budgets, and the courts have repeatedly called on the Commission to do the same. For decades, fossil fuel infrastructure has disproportionately burdened frontline communities, and clarifying FERC’s authority is essential to protecting all people, especially those who have borne the brunt of pollution and disinvestment. We applaud this effort to put equity, accountability, and climate responsibility at the center of energy decision-making.” In 2022, FERC, under then-Chairman Richard Glick, issued a draft Policy Statement to clarify how the Commission would take into account a natural gas pipeline’s impacts on climate change and Environmental Justice communities. The draft statement was terminated earlier this year. The FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act is intended to codify the kind of analysis called for under the draft policy statement. In particular, the legislation would amend the NGA to require FERC to determine, among other things, whether a proposed pipeline’s impacts on climate change and environmental justice communities are significant, if the impacts can be mitigated, and whether the proposed pipeline would ensure energy reliability and affordability. The bill further establishes what FERC should consider when making these determinations. Joining Durbin in introducing the legislation in the Senate are U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The legislation is endorsed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice. For a full summary of the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act, click HERE. Text of the legislation can be found HERE. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-priests-for-justice-for-immigrants-amid-the-trump-administrations-cruel-immigration-tactics,Durbin Meets With Priests For Justice For Immigrants Amid The Trump Administration’s Cruel Immigration Tactics,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with Priests for Justice for Immigrants from the Chicago-area and members of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL). During the meeting, they discussed the importance of supporting immigrants in the face of the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme, including the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has been used as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) increased their aggressive immigration enforcement operations in the state. Durbin was joined by Father Gary Graf, Father Larry Dowling, and Father Brendan Curran. “For more than three months, Chicago has endured President Trump’s ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ – a cruel campaign that has swept up innocent citizens, legal residents, and immigrants who pose absolutely no threat to public safety,” said Durbin. “These faith leaders have extended spiritual support to our communities, including by walking 800 miles to spread a message of humanity for immigrants and showing up to the ICE Broadview Processing Facility every day to offer their prayers. Today’s discussion with the Fathers reminded me that during these horrific times, we must come together and stand up for our immigrant communities.” Photos of the meeting can be found here. In response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin has taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS and Secretary Noem under the direction of President Trump. Durbin has taken the following actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz”: Meeting with state, local, and community leaders. Durbin has been in regular contact with both Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as the Trump Administration carries out “Operation Midway Blitz” without the consent or request of Illinois leaders. Durbin has also met with numerous local leaders and organizations, including: Little Village leaders; the American Immigration Lawyers Association; Brighton Park community leaders; the Resurrection Project; Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain; Centro de Información; Alderman Mike Rodriguez of Chicago’s 22nd Ward; Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson; student organizers of the walkout at a Little Village school; and Latino state and local officials in Waukegan and Chicago. Securing a commitment from Chairman Grassley for Secretary Noem to testify under oath. After Durbin repeatedly called for Secretary Noem to testify under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley heeded Durbin’s call and agreed to schedule an oversight hearing with Noem. Writing directly to the President to urge him to immediately call off his plans to deploy troops to Illinois. Shortly after the President made clear his intentions to deploy both the Illinois and Texas National Guard to the Chicago region, Durbin led all Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Trump to demand that he immediately reverse his decision. Demanding DHS Secretary Noem end both “Operation Midway Blitz” and “Operation At Large”. Durbin led all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation in reprimanding DHS for violating due process, indiscriminately arresting immigrants with no criminal convictions, and escalating tensions at Broadview protests. In their letter, the lawmakers called out DHS leadership for its failure to communicate with Illinois’ elected leaders while carrying out excessive, brutal raids. The lawmakers submitted questions about reports that DHS has brought in social media influencers to promote immigration raids; reports about the use of military weaponry, including drones, during raids; and the training that federal officials have received on responding to and de-escalating protests. Secretary Noem has yet to respond. Filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Illinois’s legal challenge to the Administration. Durbin spearheaded a group of 155 Senate and House Democrats in support of Illinois’s legal challenge to President Trump’s unwarranted National Guard deployment in Illinois. Demanding answers from DHS, DOD, and FBI leaders about the President’s actions in Chicago. As President Trump began publicly considering deploying troops to Chicago despite explicit opposition from Illinois leaders, Durbin demanded answers from Secretary Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel about the potential deployment. Noem, Hegseth, and Patel have yet to respond. Combatting the DHS misinformation campaign. Durbin led all Illinois Congressional Democrats in releasing comprehensive fact check refuting the Trump Administration’s false accounts of dangerous immigration enforcement actions in Illinois. Introducing seven amendments to the NDAA to push back on the domestic deployment of troops. These amendments, which Durbin introduced alongside Duckworth, aimed to enhance congressional oversight over President Trump’s expansive use of the military for law enforcement in American cities, including without the consent or request of a state’s elected officials. A full list, as well as full text, of the amendments can be found here. Joining Duckworth in calling on DOD and DHS to immediately stop misusing the Chicago Harbor Lock. Durbin and Duckworth sent a letter to DOD Secretary Hegseth and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately stop using the Chicago Harbor Lock and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer facilities to support “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Senators questioned Secretary Noem and Secretary Hegseth on why DOD and DHS had deployed vehicles associated with ICE and CBP into the Chicago River. Joining Duckworth in demanding ICE and CBP enforce body camera requirements. In their letter, the Senators demanded that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) act immediately to ensure all CPB law enforcement officers assisting ICE wear and activate body-worn cameras when carrying out civil immigration enforcement operations in Illinois, in compliance with agency policy and a lawful order from a federal judge. Joining Duckworth and Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to ensure access to legal counsel for detainees. Durbin and Duckworth joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03) in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, a bill to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. Attempting to conduct oversight at Broadview ICE Facility. On October 10, Durbin and Duckworth attempted to visit Broadview ICE Facility to conduct oversight, which is a core responsibility of their role as elected officials. Despite their constitutional and statutory authority to conduct oversight, they were barred from entering the facility. This was the fourth time that Durbin had attempted to visit the facility in recent months, but DHS officials turned him away each time. Durbin has pressed the Administration on its denials of Members of Congress to conduct oversight visits of ICE detention facilities. Visiting Naval Station Great Lakes, which has provided limited logistical support to federal officers. Following reports that Naval Station Great Lakes would be used as a staging area for DHS agents, Durbin, Duckworth, and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) visited the Navy base for a briefing with base leadership on the support requested by DHS. While at Naval Station Great Lakes, the lawmakers also attempted to meet directly with DHS officials, but they were denied a meeting and were locked out of the office space used by DHS. Leading 26 Senators in calling on the U.S. Department of Defense Acting Inspector General (DOD IG) to inquire into the Trump Administration’s domestic deployment of troops. In the Durbin-led letter, the Senators made clear that pulling National Guard troops away from their assigned duties to assist in law enforcement operations erodes public trust; diverts critical resources from communities in need, including those impacted by natural disasters; and costs American taxpayers millions of dollars. The Senators concluded their letter by calling for an inquiry into the legality of domestic troop deployments carried out by the Trump Administration. Pressing DHS Secretary Noem on lax ICE hiring standards, inflammatory recruitment messaging. In the letter, Durbin pressed Noem on the recent changes to hiring practices at ICE and asked whether ICE has hired any rioters who participated in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Following a massive funding increase by Congress, ICE is recruiting new staff by employing polarizing and inflammatory recruitment messaging while also lowering age and training requirements with signing bonuses. Secretary Noem has yet to respond. Holding a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to ensure that military resources are not allocated to Operation Midway Blitz beyond providing office space to DHS. At their request, Durbin, Duckworth, and Schnieder met directly with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to discuss the limited logistical support provided by Naval Station Great Lakes to DHS and to ensure DHS would not conduct any operations on base. Naval Station Great Lakes has provided office space, parking, and storage space for nonlethal munitions. No Navy personnel or resources have been or will be involved in immigration raids directed by DHS in the Chicago area. Joining U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) to call for a meeting with Chicago’s ICE Field Director. Durbin joined Congresswoman Ramirez in leading all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation in demanding a meeting with ICE Field Director Russell Hott to discuss the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” as ICE agents escalated tensions through their inflammatory response to protests outside of Broadview ICE Facility. Director Hott did not respond to the request before he was removed from his position this month. Questioning Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi on the deployment of troops to Chicago during a Senate Judiciary Committee DOJ oversight hearing. During the oversight hearing, Durbin grilled AG Bondi about the White House’s rationale for deploying troops to American cities, and he further pressed for answers on whether she was involved in any discussions with the President about the potential deployment of the military to Chicago. Rather than provide any clear answer, AG Bondi deflected the questions with personal attacks. Calling out his Republican colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee for failing to join him in upholding their constitutional oversight obligations. At executive business meetings, Durbin has called out his Republican colleagues for failing to condemn the Trump Administration’s unprovoked escalation in immigration enforcement in Chicago, as well as failing to uphold their constitutional oversight obligations. Leading a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on crime in cities. Durbin initially requested this hearing with the intent that the Committee would focus on the President’s dangerous threats to deploy the military to American cities. The Republican majority reframed the hearing, choosing instead to focus on crime only in Democratic areas, despite statistics showing that Republican-leaning states consistently have higher rates of violent crime. In the hearing, Durbin exposed the Trump Administration’s hypocrisy, underscoring that President Trump is slashing millions in funding for crime prevention efforts. Delivering remarks on the Senate floor about the excessive tactics used by DHS agents and speaking out about the President’s attempted deployment of troops. Durbin has taken to the Senate floor more than 10 times to speak out against the excessive force used by DHS agents during raids. Durbin also shared the story of 16-year-old Ofelia Torres, a cancer patient who receives treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital, while her father was detained by ICE. Videos of Durbin’s floor remarks can be found here. Holding a spotlight forum entitled, “Cruel and Unamerican: The Abuse of Immigrants to Attack our Constitutional Order.” The forum examined the Trump Administration’s ongoing abuse of immigrants to attack the fundamental rights of all Americans. Witnesses discussed how this Administration has used immigration to spearhead its efforts to undermine our constitutional order and the rule of law, including unprecedented attacks on due process; deploying the National Guard over the objections of local authorities; sending masked agents to arrest noncitizens for speech and expression protected by the First Amendment; disappearing noncitizens to El Salvador, South Sudan, and Guantanamo; and dismantling congressionally-authorized oversight. Hosting a meeting with Senators and NORTHCOM leadership. Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), convened a virtual meeting with NORTHCOM leadership to request additional information about the troop deployments in Illinois, California, and Oregon. In the meeting, the Senators stressed that the nation’s military must comply with the Posse Comitatus Act. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-murkowski-introduce-the-dream-act,"Durbin, Murkowski Introduce The Dream Act",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001; today marks his final introduction of the legislation before the end of his congressional career WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced the Dream Act of 2025, which would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. However, under current law there is often no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential. “I first introduced the Dream Act 24 years ago, and over those years I’ve met hundreds of amazing young men and women—Dreamers—who are American in every sense of the word except on paper. They are teachers, nurses, doctors, and small business owners throughout our communities and in all 50 states. But because DACA hangs by a thread in the courts, and many are not covered by DACA, they live each day in fear of deportation. It is clear that only Congress can give them the stability they crave and deserve,” Durbin said. “This is a matter of simple American fairness and justice. To the Dreamers who have been with me in this fight: I promise to do everything in my power to fight for you and your future every day. And to Senator Murkowski, I want to thank you for your longtime support of Dreamers and your partnership in this important bipartisan effort.” The Dream Act of 2025 would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they: Came to the U.S. as children and are without lawful status; Graduate from high school or obtain a GED; Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military; Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee; Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate Floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-dod-igs-report-on-signalgate-determination-that-secretary-hegseth-endangered-us-service-members,"Durbin Statement On DOD IG’s Report On ‘Signalgate,’ Determination That Secretary Hegseth Endangered U.S. Service Members",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) report which concluded that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth endangered the lives of American service members by discussing military operations via unsecured text chains: “Today’s DOD Inspector General report reinforces what we already knew to be true: Secretary Hegseth does not have the good judgement required of the person tasked with leading the U.S. Department of Defense. By recklessly shooting off about classified war plans in two separate group chats – one of which included his wife and brother — on a commercial messaging app, Secretary Hegseth risked the lives of American service members. “Secretary Hegseth has proved, yet again, that my vote against his confirmation was the right choice.” In March, Durbin joined U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and top Senate Democrats on national security committees in sending a letter to President Trump for answers after The Atlantic revealed that an unsecured text chain with at least 18 senior-level Trump administration officials was used to coordinate and share classified information about sensitive military planning and operations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-demands-all-air-traffic-controllers-who-worked-without-pay-during-republican-shutdown-not-only-trumps-favorites-receive-10000-bonuses,"Duckworth Demands All Air Traffic Controllers Who Worked Without Pay During Republican Shutdown, Not Only Trump’s Favorites, Receive $10,000 Bonuses",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After the Trump Administration cruelly provided only four percent of the air traffic controller (ATC) and technician workforce with $10,000 bonuses, despite all of them working without pay during the Republican-led government shutdown, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation—demanded U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy award those bonuses to every single ATC and technician. In her letter to Secretary Duffy, Duckworth lambasted the Administration for punishing the other 96% of the men and women who bravely keep our skies safe without considering whether they had medical procedures, family obligations or any other life events beyond their control. “Excluding 96 percent of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Controller and Technician workforce from this bonus is unfair, divisive and disrespectful to the over 20,000 dedicated Federal employees who worked under extremely stressful conditions to ensure our Nation Airspace System (NAS) was safe during the 2025 shutdown,” said Duckworth. “Whether an Air Traffic Controller had a medical emergency or important medical procedure scheduled long before the lapse in appropriations; or had to organize and attend funeral services for a loved one; or had to care for a sick child; or simply had to find time to make ends meet to put food on the table; it is wrong to financially penalize these Federal employees for responsibly managing life events beyond their control while working without pay.” Duckworth also slammed Duffy’s decision for setting a dangerous precedent for ATCs and technicians to avoid using authorized leave during future shutdowns, even while suffering from illnesses that could degrade their performance, which could make our skies less safe. “Air Traffic Organization jobs are extremely stressful for good reason: one mistake may be deadly,” Duckworth continued. “These dedicated professionals must be at their best when on the job, but your policy encourages Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians to show up regardless of their health. That is incredibly dangerous. Sick leave exists for a reason. Claiming safety is a top priority is mere lip service if Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians fear using authorized leave, even when doing so best serves the safety of the NAS and health of their fellow FAA employees.” She also scrutinized Duffy’s decision for putting even further strain on the ATC workforce, when the Administration’s top priority should be working to retain and recruit as many of these brave men and women as possible to address the ongoing ATC shortage. “At a time when FAA is operating 3,800 fully certified controllers short of the agency’s staffing target, and Air Traffic Controller morale is rapidly plummeting to new lows, the absolute last thing the Trump administration should be doing is excluding thousands of dedicated patriots who worked without pay during the most recent shutdown from the $10,000 award,” continued Duckworth. Full text of the letter is available below and on the Senator’s website. Dear Secretary Duffy: I write to request that the Trump administration provide every excepted Air Traffic Controller and Technician who worked without on-time pay a $10,000 award, since these civil servants also performed patriotic work to ensure the safety of the skies during most recent government shutdown. Excluding 96 percent of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Controller and Technician workforce from this bonus is unfair, divisive and disrespectful to the over 20,000 dedicated Federal employees who worked under extremely stressful conditions to ensure our Nation Airspace System (NAS) was safe during the 2025 shutdown. Whether an Air Traffic Controller had a medical emergency or important medical procedure scheduled long before the lapse in appropriations; or had to organize and attend funeral services for a loved one; or had to care for a sick child; or simply had to find time to make ends meet to put food on the table; it is wrong to financially penalize these Federal employees for responsibly managing life events beyond their control while working without pay. Worst of all, the Trump administration’s stinginess in reserving the $10,000 award to approximately 2.4 percent of the Air Traffic Controller workforce and roughly 6 percent of the FAA Technician workforce creates a perverse and dangerous incentive that threatens to weaken NAS safety during future shutdowns. If there is another lapse in appropriations during the Trump administration, Air Traffic Controllers will have a financial incentive to avoid using authorized leave—even while suffering from illnesses that degrade controller performance and risk infecting an entire cadre of employees working a shift in a tower, center or Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. Air Traffic Organization jobs are extremely stressful for good reason: one mistake may be deadly. These dedicated professionals must be at their best when on the job, but your policy encourages Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians to show up regardless of their health. That is incredibly dangerous. Sick leave exists for a reason. Claiming safety is a top priority is mere lip service if Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians fear using authorized leave, even when doing so best serves the safety of the NAS and health of their fellow FAA employees. Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians may also resent being financially punished for authorized absences, since perfect attendance may not be possible for a wide range of good reasons, including patriotic FAA employees who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces and must fulfill Guard and Reserve commitments. Using the term President Donald Trump spewed when insulting members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including servicemembers wounded in combat or tortured as prisoners of war, these Air Traffic Controllers and Technicians may fear being “suckers” if they cannot avoid an absence and then fail to use ten thousand dollars’ worth of authorized leave. While such behavior is unlikely from this dedicated and honorable workforce, the fact remains that such perverse financial incentives should not exist, and will cease to exist, if the Trump administration simply does the right thing by awarding every Air Traffic Controller and Technician who worked without pay during the 2025 shutdown a $10,000 award. The total cost of this pro-Air Traffic Controller and Technician policy would amount to less than one percent of the FAA’s annual budget—and likely deliver a strong return on investment in the form of improved morale among a beleaguered Air Traffic Organization workforce that has been overworked and understaffed for far too long. Our Nation cannot build an effective “Brand New Air Traffic Control System” without a robustly staffed and compensated Air Traffic Control workforce. At a time when FAA is operating 3,800 fully certified controllers short of the agency’s staffing target, and Air Traffic Controller morale is rapidly plummeting to new lows, the absolute last thing the Trump administration should be doing is excluding thousands of dedicated patriots who worked without pay during the most recent shutdown from the $10,000 award. I do not require a response to this request. I simply want you to act swiftly in issuing $10,000 awards to the entire dedicated Air Traffic Controller and Technician workforce that patriotically worked without pay during the 2025 government shutdown to ensure the safety of the skies. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-his-final-introduction-of-the-dream-act-and-shares-150th-dreamer-story-on-the-senate-floor,Durbin Announces His Final Introduction Of The Dream Act & Shares 150th Dreamer Story On The Senate Floor,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001; this introduction marks his final introduction of the legislation before the end of his congressional career WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that he and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will introduce the Dream Act of 2025 tomorrow. The bipartisan legislation would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. However, under current law there is often no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. “It was 24 years ago that I introduced a measure called the Dream Act… These young immigrants [were] brought to the United States as children. Like millions of American children… [they] grew up dreaming of getting their first job, passing their driver’s license test, and applying to college. But they had a problem. Under the current law, they were not legal to do those things. So the Dream Act gives them a chance, if brought to the United States as children, [to] have a path to citizenship after earning their way in a rather long and rigorous process,” Durbin said. Durbin continued, “It was 2001 when I first introduced bipartisan legislation to provide Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship. My cosponsor was Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, who was then the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee… I’m sad to say that more than two decades later, Dreamers are still waiting for that bill to pass.” In 2010, Durbin sent a letter, joined by the late Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), asking then-President Obama to stop the deportation of Dreamers. Thirteen years ago, President Obama responded by announcing the DACA program. More than 830,000 Dreamers have since come forward and received DACA, which has allowed them to contribute more fully to their country as teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, and small business owners. “Sadly, since President Obama established the program, many Republicans have waged a relentless campaign to overturn DACA and deport these Dreamers back to countries they left as infants, toddlers, and children—countries they may not even remember. Now this program is hanging by a thread in the courts, due to legal challenges from Republican state attorneys general. And many Dreamers, even those who have protections under DACA, have been caught up in deportation raids by the Trump Administration,” Durbin said. Durbin then shared the story of Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a college student with a merit scholarship who was deported without due process two weeks ago. Her story is the 150th story of a Dreamer that Durbin has highlighted on the Senate floor. Any was brought to the United States from Honduras when she was only eight years old. Any worked hard in high school and was an honors student. In her free time, she volunteered as an algebra tutor. Her hard work ultimately paid off, and this year, she received a merit scholarship to study at Babson College in Massachusetts. Like a lot of college students, she planned to visit her family during the Thanksgiving holiday. Her dad’s employer paid for her travel home to Texas, hoping that she could surprise her dad at work. But when Ms. Lopez Belloza arrived at Boston Logan Airport, she was told there was a problem with her ticket. When she went to customer service, she was surrounded by federal agents and shackled. The next day, a Federal District Court Judge issued an order blocking her transfer or deportation for 72 hours. Despite this court order, the Trump Administration quickly deported her to Honduras, a country she had not been to since she was a little girl. She had nothing but the few belongings she had brought with her for the Thanksgiving holiday at home in Texas with her family. “You remember the President’s campaign and rallies and how often he stood before cheering crowds and said it’s time to stop the rapists, murderers, terrorists, and criminally insane from flowing into this nation? The ‘worst of the worst,’ he repeated over and over again. Does this young lady look like the ‘worst of the worst’? The answer is clearly no,” Durbin said. “Ms. Lopez Belloza is one of countless Dreamers who have great potential to make this a better country. They’re not asking for a free ride. They are hardworking and determined… It’s that kind of determination, talent, and skill that should be part of this country’s future. She’s going to be someday, I’m sure, a leader in America, a small business owner, a teacher, [or] a doctor.” Durbin concluded, “The time to pass the Dream Act is now. That is why I’m proud to announce I’ll be reintroducing the Dream Act this week on a bipartisan basis, with my good friend and colleague Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska. While I’ve introduced the Dream Act in every Congress since 2001, this one is different. This is my last year in the Senate. This is my last opportunity as a Senator to make it the law. Over the years, I’ve met hundreds of amazing Dreamers who are American in every sense of the world, except on paper. To those Dreamers, I promise to do everything in my power to fight for you and your future every day I’m here. As I said to you many times, I’m not giving up on you. Don’t give up on me. To Senator Murkowski, thank you. It took courage to cosponsor this bill, and I will never forget it. Can we get to work on a bipartisan basis and agree that if we’re going to keep safe borders, we also want to make sure the right immigrants are here for our future? Any is one of those people. Without due process, she was sent back to Honduras. Her fate is still uncertain, despite a court order. But there are hundreds of thousands like her that, with enough determination, hard work, and opportunity, can make America a greater nation. She is my 150th Dreamer. I hope she’s part of America for years to come.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-pardon-of-former-president-of-honduras,Durbin Condemns Pardon Of Former President Of Honduras,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to [more than 1,500] people who stormed the Capitol. It comes as no surprise [that] when it comes to major drug traffickers like the former Honduran president, Donald Trump got out his pardon pen.” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned President Trump’s pardon of the former Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernández. Durbin began by outlining the horrendous conduct of Mr. Hernández, a convicted drug trafficker. “The former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, was prosecuted by the federal government of the United States for his involvements in the trade in narcotics. He was found guilty of having been involved and sentenced to some 45 years in prison. He once boasted that he ‘would stuff the drugs up the gringos’ noses.’ He accepted a million-dollar bribe from El Chapo to allow cocaine shipments to pass through Honduras destined to the United States. This former president, [President] Hernández, had a man killed in prison to protect him. Honduras has become a bastion of the global drug trade. This former president, [President] Hernández, orchestrated a vast trafficking conspiracy that prosecutors said raked in millions of dollars for cartels while making Honduras one of Central America’s poorest, most violent, most corrupt countries. So, they prosecute him, find him guilty of selling narcotics through these cartels into the United States. Can you think of anyone more reprehensible than that? Selling drugs to this country, finding more victims by the day… Of course, it’s terrible… so terrible that he was found guilty and sentenced to 45 years in prison,” said Durbin. “Then what happened? Well, you won't believe it. Donald Trump pulls out his pardon pen,” continued Durbin. Durbin then highlighted the hypocrisy of this pardon, which forgives the crimes prosecuted by then-Assistant U.S. Attorney and now Trump-appointed U.S. Circuit Court Judge Emil Bove. “When this man who was president of Honduras was facilitating the sale of narcotics in America, we thought so much of the effort to prosecute him that we assigned an assistant U.S. Attorney by the name of Emil Bove. Ring a bell? Emil Bove was chosen by President Trump to serve on [a] Circuit Court of the United States. He was approved by this chamber. I was at the hearing where he was considered. He was proud of the fact that he was ‘tough on crime’... so ‘tough’ that he helped to prosecute Hernández and ended up seeing him sent to jail for so many years,” continued Durbin. “Then along comes President Trump with his pardon pen and releases Hernández from jail. Releases him… after years and years of prosecution, evidence, and hard work, stopping this man who is facilitating the sale of narcotics in the United States… Hard to imagine, isn’t it?” continued Durbin. Durbin then extrapolated this instance to a repeated misuse of the presidential pardon power by President Trump to extend political favors to personal allies. “It isn’t hard to imagine if you were here on January 6th and saw the insurrectionists come roaring through this Capitol, storm this chamber, and drive the Senate into recess, as we went to an adjoining building so that law enforcement could take over the situation. [More than 140] law enforcement officers were seriously injured, and several died as a result of their experience. It was a terrible day in the history of the United States,” said Durbin. “What did Donald Trump do as soon as he was re-elected president? He issued a full and unconditional pardon to [more than 1,500] people who stormed the Capitol. It comes as no surprise that when it comes to major drug traffickers like the former Honduran president, he got out his pardon pen and decided, because he had ‘heard from so many friends,’ President [Trump] said, he decided to pardon this man and release him. This is not an action by a President trying to keep America safe from narcotics. It is a strange understanding of his power that he would use this and not penalize those responsible for the narcotics coming into the United States,” concluded Durbin. Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-if-republicans-reject-the-democratic-proposal-to-address-aca-subsidies-the-american-public-will-know-which-party-abandoned-them,"Durbin: If Republicans Reject The Democratic Proposal To Address ACA Subsidies, The American Public Will Know Which Party Abandoned Them",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On the Senate floor, Durbin continues to push his Republican colleagues to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats on a solution to address the looming health care crisis WASHINGTON – As open enrollment for 2026 individual market health insurance plans has begun and Americans across the country are facing astronomic increases in their monthly premiums for next year, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor about the health care affordability crisis, caused by congressional Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. These tax credits lower health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans nationwide, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans. Durbin received a commitment from Republican Leader John Thune to put a bill on the Senate floor in December to address the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. If Republicans vote against extending these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage, including more than 160,000 people in Illinois. Tens of millions of others will see their monthly premiums double or even triple. Durbin began his speech by recounting his experience as a young father when he couldn’t provide health insurance for his child. “My wife and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. I was going to law school here in Washington, D.C. Turns out our little girl had a serious, serious medical problem. The difficulty I faced was the fact that I had no health insurance. I was a law student, and I ended up going to Children’s [National] Hospital here in Washington, D.C., with my wife and our little baby girl, and sat in the charity ward [that] was there for people who could not pay their medical bills and had no health insurance. We waited for the door to open and for our family name to be called out to meet for the first time the doctor who was going to treat my little girl. I never felt more helpless in my life, as a father, to have that baby with that medical problem and to have no health insurance. I'm sure that colored my judgment for the rest of my life and my service for over 40 years in Congress. I have always voted to give families a better chance of having health insurance,” Durbin said. Durbin helped craft the ACA 15 years ago, voted for its passage, and he has defended it from more than 70 Republican attempts to repeal or undermine the law, with congressional Republicans never once offering a comprehensive alternative health care plan. “I worked hard to pass that bill [the ACA]. It took us a long time and a lot of effort. I was Whip of the Senate Democrats at that point, and I used to go to [Leader] Harry Reid’s office several times a day to talk about the next step in passing the Affordable Care Act. The day finally came, and I won't dwell on the details about how we reached it, but we did. Unfortunately, throughout that process, we never, never had one Republican vote of support. We were fortunate enough to have 60 Democrats at the right moment politically to pass the bill in the United States Senate,” said Durbin. “We passed that major legislation roughly 15 years ago, at a time when not a single Republican would support it. Now we're back into a period… when Republicans had a chance, with their own majority, to address the Affordable Care Act, and they started eliminating that health insurance credit. As a consequence, many families, 24 million we believe nationwide, face the prospect that their health insurance premiums are going to be too high and increase dramatically beyond their reach and family income,” Durbin continued. During his speech, Durbin highlighted specific provisions that certain Senate Republicans want to address in regard to extending the ACA subsidies. Durbin reiterated that he is ready to come to the table with his Republican colleagues to address these concerns and put together a proposal to extend the ACA subsidies. Durbin stated he hopes to have the ACA subsidies addressed by the December 12th deadline. “If we're concerned about the cost of living and family budgets, for goodness sakes, it starts with health care,” Durbin said. Durbin spoke about an Illinois constituent—Jess—a hairstylist in Chicago who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Jess said that if the tax credits go away, she will be forced to pay more for health care and will have to make a “lifestyle change to pay the difference,” potentially picking up more shifts. Jess also worries about a lapse in coverage if the price increase forces her to switch plans. Any gap in coverage could jeopardize her life-saving cancer treatment. “No American family should face that [decision]. Here’s the good news: we as Senators can work together to stop Americans, like Jess, from falling off this looming health care cliff. As part of the bipartisan agreement to end the longest government shutdown in American history, Leader Thune gave me his word he would hold a vote in this chamber on extending these subsidies to Jess and others who desperately need help,” Durbin said. “Last week, reports emerged from the White House about plans to release a proposal that would extend these subsidies for two years. Imagine my surprise. After trying to cut or repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 70 times, he [Trump] promised on the campaign trail he had ‘concepts of a plan,’ finally, we were to see the details of the Republican health care agenda for America. But congressional Republicans threw cold water on the idea of the President cooperating with Democrats to solve this problem,” Durbin continued. Durbin continued his speech by urging his Republican colleagues to negotiate with Democrats on a deal. If they fail to, Democrats will put their own proposal on the floor. “The American people will see where each party stands when it comes to families that need a helping hand. If our offer on the Democratic side is rejected, the American public will know—with every paycheck, with every prescription pickup, with every hospital bill—which party stood on their side and which side didn’t. The time to make a [deal] is now. Just 13 days from now is the deadline to enroll or change plans,” said Durbin. Durbin concluded, “When I voted to end the government shutdown, I said I could not wage a political strategy at the expense of my neighbor’s paycheck or food for his family. I meant it. But I, too, cannot sit by while 20 million Americans go without gas or groceries in order to pay their health care premiums. This is a question of fundamentals—will you be able to afford the health care you and your family need? Let’s get this done on behalf of every American, in red and blue communities alike.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-investigates-arrests-of-us-citizens-by-president-trumps-out-of-control-immigration-forces,Durbin Investigates Arrests Of U.S. Citizens By President Trump’s Out-Of-Control Immigration Forces,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin in oversight request to Secretary Noem: “The disturbing reality is that many American citizens have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today launched an investigation into the reported arrests of U.S. citizens under the Trump Administration’s violent immigration enforcement agenda. In a letter to Secretary Noem, Durbin called out the dangerous and reckless enforcement actions, including arrests and detentions of U.S. citizens and targeting of minorities in cities like Chicago. Durbin began by citing Secretary Noem’s blatant falsehood at a recent press conference, writing: “You recently stated in a news conference: ‘There’s no American citizens that have been arrested or detained. We focus on those that are here illegally. And anything that you would hear or report that would be different than that is simply not true.’ This statement is patently false. The disturbing reality is that many American citizens have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country.” Durbin then highlighted the known wrongful detentions of the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown, writing: “In the first nine months of President Trump’s immigration crackdown, at least 170 citizens were wrongfully detained. As of mid-October, approximately two dozen U.S. citizens had been held for more than a day without being able to contact anyone, including their lawyers. The numbers continue to grow. My staff has documented the reported detention of at least 40 U.S. citizens in Illinois alone between late August and early November 2025. Since the President ramped up his militarized immigration raids in the Chicagoland area, arrests of U.S. citizens have occurred with increasing frequency.” Durbin then connected the aggression against U.S. citizens with a recent Supreme Court ruling, writing: “The Supreme Court recently stayed a district court order that had prohibited federal immigration enforcement agents from stopping individuals based on factors such as their race or ethnicity and the type of job they appeared to work. The Court’s decision, coupled with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol’s indiscriminate enforcement tactics, have left Black and Brown Americans justifiably afraid that they will be targeted for immigration stops—now frequently referred to as ‘Kavanaugh stops.’” Durbin concluded by admonishing the Trump Administration’s gutting of offices ensuring accountability for these matters that necessitates Congressional oversight before making a series of information requests, writing: “To worsen matters, DHS has gutted offices responsible for overseeing ICE officers’ conduct and ensuring accountability for unlawful arrests and detention. Congressional oversight is thus critical to evaluate the impact of this Administration’s immigration enforcement tactics on U.S. citizens and whether ICE and CBP have taken steps to address longstanding problems regarding the collection of data about U.S. citizens.” For a PDF of the letter to Secretary Noem, click here. In response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin has taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS and Secretary Noem under the direction of President Trump. Durbin has taken the following actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz”: Meeting with state, local, and community leaders. Durbin has been in regular contact with both Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as the Trump Administration carries out “Operation Midway Blitz” without the consent or request of Illinois leaders. Durbin has also met with numerous local leaders and organizations, including: Little Village leaders; the American Immigration Lawyers Association; Brighton Park community leaders; the Resurrection Project; Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain; Centro de Información; Alderman Mike Rodriguez of Chicago’s 22nd Ward; Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson; student organizers of the walkout at a Little Village school; and Latino state and local officials in Waukegan and Chicago. Securing a commitment from Chairman Grassley for Secretary Noem to testify under oath. After Durbin repeatedly called for Secretary Noem to testify under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley heeded Durbin’s call and agreed to schedule an oversight hearing with Noem. Writing directly to the President to urge him to immediately call off his plans to deploy troops to Illinois. Shortly after the President made clear his intentions to deploy both the Illinois and Texas National Guard to the Chicago region, Durbin led all Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Trump to demand that he immediately reverse his decision. Demanding DHS Secretary Noem end both “Operation Midway Blitz” and “Operation At Large”. Durbin led all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation in reprimanding DHS for violating due process, indiscriminately arresting immigrants with no criminal convictions, and escalating tensions at Broadview protests. In their letter, the lawmakers called out DHS leadership for its failure to communicate with Illinois’ elected leaders while carrying out excessive, brutal raids. The lawmakers submitted questions about reports that DHS has brought in social media influencers to promote immigration raids; reports about the use of military weaponry, including drones, during raids; and the training that federal officials have received on responding to and de-escalating protests. Secretary Noem has yet to respond. Filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Illinois’s legal challenge to the Administration. Durbin spearheaded a group of 155 Senate and House Democrats in support of Illinois’s legal challenge to President Trump’s unwarranted National Guard deployment in Illinois. Demanding answers from DHS, DOD, and FBI leaders about the President’s actions in Chicago. As President Trump began publicly considering deploying troops to Chicago despite explicit opposition from Illinois leaders, Durbin demanded answers from Secretary Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel about the potential deployment. Noem, Hegseth, and Patel have yet to respond. Combatting the DHS misinformation campaign. Durbin led all Illinois Congressional Democrats in releasing comprehensive fact check refuting the Trump Administration’s false accounts of dangerous immigration enforcement actions in Illinois. Introducing seven amendments to the NDAA to push back on the domestic deployment of troops. These amendments, which Durbin introduced alongside Duckworth, aimed to enhance congressional oversight over President Trump’s expansive use of the military for law enforcement in American cities, including without the consent or request of a state’s elected officials. A full list, as well as full text, of the amendments can be found here. Joining Duckworth in calling on DOD and DHS to immediately stop misusing the Chicago Harbor Lock. Durbin and Duckworth sent a letter to DOD Secretary Hegseth and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately stop using the Chicago Harbor Lock and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer facilities to support “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Senators questioned Secretary Noem and Secretary Hegseth on why DOD and DHS had deployed vehicles associated with ICE and CBP into the Chicago River. Joining Duckworth in demanding ICE and CBP enforce body camera requirements. In their letter, the Senators demanded that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) act immediately to ensure all CPB law enforcement officers assisting ICE wear and activate body-worn cameras when carrying out civil immigration enforcement operations in Illinois, in compliance with agency policy and a lawful order from a federal judge. Joining Duckworth and Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to ensure access to legal counsel for detainees. Durbin and Duckworth joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03) in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, a bill to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. Attempting to conduct oversight at Broadview ICE Facility. On October 10, Durbin and Duckworth attempted to visit Broadview ICE Facility to conduct oversight, which is a core responsibility of their role as elected officials. Despite their constitutional and statutory authority to conduct oversight, they were barred from entering the facility. This was the fourth time that Durbin had attempted to visit the facility in recent months, but DHS officials turned him away each time. Durbin has pressed the Administration on its denials of Members of Congress to conduct oversight visits of ICE detention facilities. Visiting Naval Station Great Lakes, which has provided limited logistical support to federal officers. Following reports that Naval Station Great Lakes would be used as a staging area for DHS agents, Durbin, Duckworth, and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) visited the Navy base for a briefing with base leadership on the support requested by DHS. While at Naval Station Great Lakes, the lawmakers also attempted to meet directly with DHS officials, but they were denied a meeting and were locked out of the office space used by DHS. Leading 26 Senators in calling on the U.S. Department of Defense Acting Inspector General (DOD IG) to inquire into the Trump Administration’s domestic deployment of troops. In the Durbin-led letter, the Senators made clear that pulling National Guard troops away from their assigned duties to assist in law enforcement operations erodes public trust; diverts critical resources from communities in need, including those impacted by natural disasters; and costs American taxpayers millions of dollars. The Senators concluded their letter by calling for an inquiry into the legality of domestic troop deployments carried out by the Trump Administration. Pressing DHS Secretary Noem on lax ICE hiring standards, inflammatory recruitment messaging. In the letter, Durbin pressed Noem on the recent changes to hiring practices at ICE and asked whether ICE has hired any rioters who participated in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Following a massive funding increase by Congress, ICE is recruiting new staff by employing polarizing and inflammatory recruitment messaging while also lowering age and training requirements with signing bonuses. Secretary Noem has yet to respond. Holding a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to ensure that military resources are not allocated to Operation Midway Blitz beyond providing office space to DHS. At their request, Durbin, Duckworth, and Schnieder met directly with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to discuss the limited logistical support provided by Naval Station Great Lakes to DHS and to ensure DHS would not conduct any operations on base. Naval Station Great Lakes has provided office space, parking, and storage space for nonlethal munitions. No Navy personnel or resources have been or will be involved in immigration raids directed by DHS in the Chicago area. Joining U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) to call for a meeting with Chicago’s ICE Field Director. Durbin joined Congresswoman Ramirez in leading all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation in demanding a meeting with ICE Field Director Russell Hott to discuss the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” as ICE agents escalated tensions through their inflammatory response to protests outside of Broadview ICE Facility. Director Hott did not respond to the request before he was removed from his position this month. Questioning Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi on the deployment of troops to Chicago during a Senate Judiciary Committee DOJ oversight hearing. During the oversight hearing, Durbin grilled AG Bondi about the White House’s rationale for deploying troops to American cities, and he further pressed for answers on whether she was involved in any discussions with the President about the potential deployment of the military to Chicago. Rather than provide any clear answer, AG Bondi deflected the questions with personal attacks. Calling out his Republican colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee for failing to join him in upholding their constitutional oversight obligations. At executive business meetings, Durbin has called out his Republican colleagues for failing to condemn the Trump Administration’s unprovoked escalation in immigration enforcement in Chicago, as well as failing to uphold their constitutional oversight obligations. Leading a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on crime in cities. Durbin initially requested this hearing with the intent that the Committee would focus on the President’s dangerous threats to deploy the military to American cities. The Republican majority reframed the hearing, choosing instead to focus on crime only in Democratic areas, despite statistics showing that Republican-leaning states consistently have higher rates of violent crime. In the hearing, Durbin exposed the Trump Administration’s hypocrisy, underscoring that President Trump is slashing millions in funding for crime prevention efforts. Delivering remarks on the Senate floor about the excessive tactics used by DHS agents and speaking out about the President’s attempted deployment of troops. Durbin has taken to the Senate floor more than 10 times to speak out against the excessive force used by DHS agents during raids. Durbin also shared the story of 16-year-old Ofelia Torres, a cancer patient who receives treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital, while her father was detained by ICE. Videos of Durbin’s floor remarks can be found here. Holding a spotlight forum entitled, “Cruel and Unamerican: The Abuse of Immigrants to Attack our Constitutional Order.” The forum examined the Trump Administration’s ongoing abuse of immigrants to attack the fundamental rights of all Americans. Witnesses discussed how this Administration has used immigration to spearhead its efforts to undermine our constitutional order and the rule of law, including unprecedented attacks on due process; deploying the National Guard over the objections of local authorities; sending masked agents to arrest noncitizens for speech and expression protected by the First Amendment; disappearing noncitizens to El Salvador, South Sudan, and Guantanamo; and dismantling congressionally-authorized oversight. Hosting a meeting with Senators and NORTHCOM leadership. Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), convened a virtual meeting with NORTHCOM leadership to request additional information about the troop deployments in Illinois, California, and Oregon. In the meeting, the Senators stressed that the nation’s military must comply with the Posse Comitatus Act. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-lee-lead-reintroduction-of-bipartisan-legislation-bolstering-accountability-for-alleged-justice-department-attorney-misconduct,"Durbin, Lee Lead Reintroduction Of Bipartisan Legislation Bolstering Accountability For Alleged Justice Department Attorney Misconduct",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Inspector General Access Act would expand the jurisdiction of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General to include alleged DOJ attorney misconduct WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) re-introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General to include alleged DOJ attorney misconduct. Currently, the DOJ Inspector General (IG) has no authority to investigate professional misconduct by DOJ lawyers. DOJ is the only agency whose IG has such a jurisdictional carve-out. The Inspector General Access Act would simply strike this loophole, which leads to an unfair double standard where every DOJ employee—including FBI and DEA agents, U.S. Marshals, and federal prison guards—can be investigated by the DOJ IG except DOJ lawyers. “The American people deserve top-notch attorneys representing them at the Justice Department, and Justice Department prosecutors should be subject to independent oversight regardless of the Attorney General. Allegations of professional misconduct should be investigated by the Inspector General, or else we could end up with another instance like the Jeffrey Epstein sweetheart deal struck by then-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta. This is a simple, bipartisan fix for a clear loophole in federal law, and I thank Senator Lee for joining me in this effort,” said Durbin. “The current IG oversight exemption for attorneys is a nonsensical carve out. Our simple bill changes that, ensuring DOJ attorneys are held to the same standard as other federal agencies. I'm proud to partner again with Senator Durbin on this common-sense bipartisan effort,” said Lee. The Inspector General Access Act solves the problem that has long prevented independent oversight of DOJ prosecutors by simply striking the jurisdictional carve out in Section 413 of Title 5, United States Code. As a result, DOJ’s Inspector General would be fully empowered to investigate allegations of misconduct against Department lawyers. In addition to enhancing oversight and public accountability at DOJ, this simple, common sense reform will bring DOJ in line with the practices in other federal agencies where allegations of attorney professional misconduct are already subject to investigation by Inspectors General. Along with Durbin and Lee, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT). The legislation is endorsed by American Governance Institute, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Due Process Institute, Fix the Court, Government Accountability Project, National Security Counselors, National Taxpayers Union, Project On Government Oversight, Protect Democracy, Public Citizen, Right on Crime, and. Workers Circle. “Nonpartisan inspectors general play a key role in combating corruption, waste, and abuse across the federal government, and help ensure Americans' tax dollars are used efficiently for the public's benefit. The bipartisan Inspector General Access Act (IGAA) would further this goal by allowing the Justice Department Inspector General to investigate alleged misconduct involving department attorneys in order to ensure integrity and prevent corruption among these federal employees who exercise immense power in the provision of legal advice and the enforcement of federal law. CREW is proud to endorse the IGAA and urges the Senate to pass this legislation without delay,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). For a PDF of the legislation, click here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-on-the-affordability-crisis-costs-are-through-the-roof-because-of-president-trump-and-his-maga-policies,Durbin On The Affordability Crisis: Costs Are Through The Roof Because Of President Trump And His MAGA Policies,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin denounced President Trump’s economic policies, ranging from cuts to SNAP to instituting damaging tariffs, that are costing Americans more WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor about the nation’s affordability crisis, which has been spurred by the Trump Administration’s short-sighted economic policies, including tariffs, billions of dollars in cuts to SNAP, and attacks on immigrant workers. Despite claims made by President Trump, Americans are seeing a sharp spike in the cost of groceries and household goods. “Last week, families gathered around the table to give thanks and enjoy a plate or two of turkey, mashed potatoes, casserole, cranberry sauce, and more. Except this year, the Thanksgiving feast cost more than last year because President Trump’s economic policies are driving up the prices of groceries,” Durbin began. “The President claims the opposite, but that’s not a fact. In a social media post, President Trump said ‘Prices for a Thanksgiving Dinner is now down 25%...since 2024…AFFORDABILITY is a Republican Stronghold.’” “Does the President of the United States actually have any conversation with families who are shopping for groceries? Here’s the truth: costs are through the roof because of President Trump and his MAGA policies. The American people know too. Recent polling from none other than Fox News shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans blame President Trump for higher prices,” Durbin said. Durbin underscored the impact these rising prices have on Illinoisans by sharing stories of constituents, Tria and Esther, from Chicago. “After experiencing the sticker shock at a South Loop grocery store, she [Tria] said, ‘No matter if it’s organic or if it’s regular, it’s still going to be an arm and a leg for it. It’s like you’re spending your soul on groceries,’” Durbin said. “Ester said, ‘A loaf of bread costs us $4, and it looks like it’s getting smaller.” The Trump Administration’s disastrous economic policies, from slashing the SNAP program, attacking immigrant workers, and erratically implementing tariffs on critical U.S. trading partners, has only fueled the affordability crisis. Americans are seeing the effects of these policies at the grocery store as the cost of orange juice is up 29 percent; ground beef is up nearly 14 percent; and coffee is 26 percent more compared to last year. “The struggle has been exacerbated for several reasons… One of them being the President’s massive cuts to the SNAP program in his ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ that will reduce or eliminate food assistance for more than 22 million families. This President gives 20 billion bucks to Argentina but can’t find the money for an American citizen,” Durbin said. “Another is the Administration’s attacks on immigrant workers, which is fueling a labor shortage, hurting farmers in Illinois and across the nation who are already struggling and driving up prices on the products that they grow. Even President Trump’s own Labor Department agrees, saying his war on immigrant workers is ‘threatening the stability of domestic food production and prices,’” Durbin said. Durbin also emphasized that these tariffs are pushing China to purchase soybeans from South America. “Farmers in my state are great men and women… They’re scared to death. They see China stopping purchases of soybeans. Why is that important? Illinois is the number one soybean-producing state in the United States, and it’s a major cash crop for farms all across the country. When China stops buying, what do we do? Unfortunately, our buyers, like China, turn to other countries, and they use those countries as sources when they used to rely on us. That worries these farmers,” Durbin continued. In a feeble attempt to address the affordability crisis, President Trump released a lackluster economic plan that dialed back the tariffs that he trumpeted as a core tenant of his “Make America Great Again” agenda. “We are paying for Donald Trump’s failed economic agenda. And the President recognizes this too. That’s why, a few weeks ago, he watered down his own economic proposal when he suspended certain tariffs on bananas, coffee, beef, and clothing… Why backtrack? Because he knows that the voters and consumers are fed with up rising costs and place the blame, by a factor of 2 to 1, at his feet… The President sees the writing on the wall. He’s scrambling to undo the damage he’s caused,” Durbin said. Durbin then pointed toward the rising costs of utility bills, explaining that despite his promises while running for office, President Trump has slashed critical tax credits implemented by the Inflation Reduction Act that helped Americans manage their utility costs. “The damage goes beyond food prices. Thanks to this President, Americans are now confronting higher utility bills,” Durbin continued. “On average, Illinois households are paying more than $1,500 annually for lights and heat in their home—up more than 15 percent from last year.” “[It’s] cause and effect. Under President Biden and with the support of a Democratic Congress, we signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. This historic law provided tax credits to help households and businesses install energy efficient windows, insulation, HVAC, and solar panels to lower their bills…Earlier this year, President Trump and congressional Republicans scrapped these credits for solar energy with their so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’” Durbin said. “And they went even further, eliminating incentives for wind and solar projects, meaning fewer jobs and less power to the grid.” “Just like SNAP cuts, Trump’s energy policies harm those already struggling the most. One example? His budget proposal calls to eliminate LIHEAP – a program that helps millions of low-income Americans pay their energy bills on time,” Durbin said. Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on President Trump to abandon his disastrous policies that are costing American families thousands of dollars. “The American people see right through Donald Trump’s scheme. And they know that the sole reason they are facing higher prices is because of his policies. While Republicans ignore high costs at their own peril, Democrats are still going to keep fighting to lower costs for the American people,” Durbin concluded his remarks. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-new-report-regarding-kash-patels-leadership-of-the-fbi,Durbin Statement On New Report Regarding Kash Patel’s Leadership Of The FBI,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding reports of a 115-page assessment compiled by a national alliance of retired and active-duty Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents and analysts that describes the FBI under Director Kash Patel’s leadership as a “rudderless ship.” Detailed in the assessment is how Patel stopped the work of several agents because he refused to leave the FBI jet without a raid jacket when he arrived in Provo, Utah, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. “This stark assessment of the damage Kash Patel has done to the nation’s leading law enforcement agency cries out for one—just one—Republican Senator to break the ranks of silence and demand that Kash Patel be held accountable for his mismanagement of the FBI. America deserves better than this self-absorbed FBI Director fussing over his wardrobe in the midst of a national crisis. “The men and women of the FBI who risk their lives to keep America safe are entitled to a leader who is more concerned with fighting crime than attending a wrestling match.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-his-republican-colleagues-what-if-operation-midway-blitz-comes-to-your-state-or-hometown,Durbin To His Republican Colleagues: What If ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ Comes To Your State Or Hometown?,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin again denounced President Trump’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” and called on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the President’s cruel mass deportation scheme WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke out on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has been used as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme. Rather than going after the “worst of the worst” as the President promised, DHS, ICE, and CBP agents have gone after U.S. citizens and immigrants who are legally in the United States, racially profiling people on the street and detaining them. During “Operation Midway Blitz,” federal agents have used extreme tactics, including ripping a U.S. citizen from her car after federal agents hit her vehicle, causing her to experience internal bleeding; detaining a green card holder while he was walking in Chicago and then releasing him without contacting his family, resulting in him going missing for two weeks; deploying pepper spray and disrupting a children’s Halloween parade in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago; pulling a teacher, who had work authorization in the U.S., from her school in front of students and parents; and deploying pepper spray into the car of a U.S. citizen, causing him and his one-year-old daughter to be hospitalized. “For more than three months, Chicago has endured President Trump’s ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ It is a cruel campaign. It has swept up innocent citizens, legal residents, and immigrants who pose absolutely no threat to public safety. Remember why the President wanted to send troops and more resources and the Department of Homeland Security into the city of Chicago? Because he was going after the ‘worst of the worst.’ He [said he] was going after terrorists, murderers, rapists, the criminally insane who somehow got into this country, and he [said he] was going to make it safer by going after them…The Trump Administration justified their actions by saying that they were going after the ‘worst of the worst,’ but what happened was just the opposite,” Durbin began. Despite claims from the Trump Administration that DHS is only targeting “the worst of the worst,” data has showed that less than three percent of the more than 600 individuals arrested during “Operation Midway Blitz” have any criminal record that DHS determined threatens public safety. Further, the tactics deployed by federal agents have been challenged in court, resulting in a federal judge issuing a preliminary injunction restricting agents’ use of chemical agents against protesters. While the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily paused that injunction while it considers the government’s appeal, the Court noted that the injunction was founded on “voluminous and robust factual findings” about federal agents’ use of force. “In a hearing challenging the treatment of press and protestors by federal immigration agents, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said that their ‘use of force shocks the conscience’ and ‘this conduct shows no sign of stopping.’ In contrast to this Judge’s observation, Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino boasted in his deposition, almost mockingly, that ‘all uses of force have been more than exemplary,’” Durbin said. “To rein in the lawlessness, Judge Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting agents’ use of chemical agents against protesters.” “And though some courts have acted as a critical guard against the President’s lawlessness, those rulings don’t change the fact that the Trump Administration’s militarized raids are dangerous political theater meant to spread fear and advance an anti-immigrant agenda,” Durbin continued. Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up against the Trump Administration’s cruel campaign against immigrants. “After wreaking havoc in Illinois and now Charlotte, reports indicate that the city of New Orleans is Greg Bovino’s next target. So, I ask my Republican colleagues: what if this ‘Midway Blitz’ comes to your state, your hometown? What is stopping the President from sowing fear there and conducting lawless raids in your cities? It’s up to all of us to denounce this kind of conduct,” Durbin concluded his speech. In response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin has taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS and Secretary Noem under the direction of President Trump. Durbin’s actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” can be found here. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-duckworth-daines-cruz-hirono-bill-to-better-protect-parents-traveling-with-breast-milk-signed-into-law,Bipartisan Duckworth-Daines-Cruz-Hirono Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Signed into Law,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After unanimously passing the Senate in May and passing the House in November, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies is now law. Senator Duckworth’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act—co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)—requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. “This is a hard-won victory for so many moms who have been mistreated by TSA while traveling with breastmilk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and champions like Emily Calandrelli who spoke out on this issue for families everywhere. Our bipartisan law will make it easier for new moms to travel by ensuring the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary. It marks important progress to ensure parents can travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve.” “I’m thrilled to see our bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act officially signed into law,” said Senator Daines. “Being a mom is already a tough job, and this new law will make it easier for mothers to safely transport breastmilk and formula while traveling. This is a big win for families, and I’m proud to see it signed into law.” “Far too often, families traveling with infants and young children are subjected to inconsistencies when going through TSA’s screening, causing inconveniences that can make traveling together even more difficult. This simple legislation to update the TSA’s compliance guidance for the 3-1-1 liquids will help families travel without added hassles,” said Senator Cruz. “Parents and families deserve to be able to travel with peace of mind that they will not be harassed, humiliated, or put in danger, simply for traveling with milk and supplies to feed their babies,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to see the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act signed into law, as it will help to ensure that these families can travel safely, while keeping their children healthy.” The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act will now help keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct or a painful infection called mastitis. The new law better protects families by requiring TSA to: Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products; Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. “When I raised the alarm about the barriers traveling moms face, I hoped it might spark change,” said Emily Calandrelli. “Senator Duckworth turned that spark into something real. Her unwavering commitment brought the BABES Enhancement Act from an idea born of my own experience to a law that will protect and empower parents nationwide. This is what progress looks like!” This law also directs an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies. U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) is the lead sponsor of bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “I’m thrilled to say that the BABES Act is officially the law of the land,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “As a husband and father, I know how challenging it can be to fly with a newborn. That’s why this is such an important victory for traveling mothers and families everywhere. With this law now in place, TSA officers will receive the proper training and follow strong, hygienic standards so parents can travel with confidence and babies get the nutrition they need without stress or uncertainty. This is about dignity, peace of mind, and protecting families at one of the most vulnerable moments of parenthood. I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill not only pass Congress but be signed into law for millions of families who deserve better when they travel.” A copy of the bill text is available on Senator Duckworth’s website. Duckworth has been a strong advocate in ensuring moms receive the dignity and respect they deserve while traveling. In 2022, Duckworth pressed TSA Administrator David Pekoske for improved treatment of new mothers and Americans with disabilities from employees of the TSA. That same year, Duckworth also called on TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breast milk and formula at airport security checkpoints as well as ensure new moms and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment. Her bipartisan Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act, which was signed into law in 2020, is helping ensure our small airports across the country support new moms and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments. The legislation builds on Duckworth’s success in enacting a law that ensures all large and medium airports provide a clean, private space where moms can breastfeed or pump. As a result of her legislation, O’Hare and Midway Airports both installed free-standing lactation pods. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-a-speech-on-the-senate-floor-durbin-honors-the-two-national-guard-members-who-were-shot-in-dc-before-thanksgiving,"In A Speech On The Senate Floor, Durbin Honors The Two National Guard Members Who Were Shot In DC Before Thanksgiving",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On the Senate floor, Durbin offered condolences to Specialist Sarah Beckstrom’s family who tragically passed away, and prayed for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe’s recovery WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor to honor the two National Guard members who were shot in Washington, DC, last week. During his speech, Durbin remembered 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom who tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day. He also prayed for 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe’s recovery. Staff Sergeant Wolfe remains in critical condition. “We pray for his [Staff Sergeant Wolfe’s] recovery and—as one nation—send our deepest condolences to the Beckstrom family,” said Durbin. “Now whether or not you agree with [sending] National Guard troops to Chicago or Washington, D.C., or any other place, that is really beside the point. We should make a note today that this is really an acknowledgement of the importance of the National Guard to America's defense at home and abroad many times.” Durbin continued, “There must be a full investigation into the attack on [Specialist] Sarah Beckstrom and [Staff] Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.” Durbin concluded, “I implore the President to lower the temperature on political rhetoric and try not to exploit this [tragedy] to demonize immigrants, including many who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Instead, the President should work with Congress on common-sense and evidence-proven strategies to reduce crime and reform our broken immigration system. My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the Beckstrom family, and we pray Staff Sergeant Wolfe makes a full, speedy recovery.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-senate-democrats-in-pressing-buy-now-pay-later-companies-for-data-on-rapidly-growing-industry-as-trumps-attack-on-cfpb-leaves-consumers-vulnerable,"Duckworth Joins Senate Democrats in Pressing “Buy Now, Pay Later” Companies for Data on Rapidly Growing Industry as Trump's Attack on CFPB Leaves Consumers Vulnerable",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[Washington, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in pushing seven major companies offering “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services to provide critical data needed to understand the risks and economic impact of BNPL products, as consumers’ use of these opaque products rapidly grows. The Senators’ letter comes as the Trump Administration undermines the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) ability to monitor the BNPL industry. “BNPL loans are becoming increasingly common with consumers, with up to half of Americans having used a BNPL loan,” wrote the Senators in letters to each of the companies. “A consumer with a BNPL loan had, on average, $871 more in credit card debt in the month of origination than a consumer of the same age and credit score category who did not originate a BNPL loan that month. This could suggest that consumers are turning to BNPL when their other sources of credit are less available—and may be taking on debt they cannot afford.” They then raised concerns about the lack of regulation of BNPL products under the Trump Administration: “Notably, BNPL providers had previously been regulated by the CFPB pursuant to an interpretative rule that classified them as ‘credit card issuers’ and ‘creditors’ and classified BNPL loans largely as ‘credit cards….’ However, under the Trump Administration, the CFPB announced it would no longer prioritize enforcement actions against BNPL providers and withdrew the interpretative rule authorizing CFPB regulation under the Truth in Lending Act.” “We are also aware of recent reporting that FICO is releasing two new versions of its credit score that will encompass BNPL data. The new scores will purportedly ‘aggregat(e) separate BNPL loans together when calculating certain in-model variables.’ However, multiple major BNPL players are not providing their customers’ data due to concerns about FICO’s current methodology and the effects on their customers’ credit scores,” continued the Senators. The Senators concluded by calling for the companies to provide data on their BNPL products, their users and their role in the broader economy no later than December 9, 2025. Full text of the letters to Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Paypal, Sezzle, Zip, and Splitit is available on Senator Duckworth’s website. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-recall-duckworth-calls-on-ftc-to-investigate-formula-manufacturer-byhearts-refund-policy,"After Recall, Duckworth Calls on FTC to Investigate Formula Manufacturer ByHeart’s Refund Policy",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to open an investigation into whether the refund policy of infant formula manufacturer ByHeart is unfair and deceptive, advocating for families to get the full refund they deserve. Earlier this month, all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products were recalled due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s ongoing outbreak investigation of infant botulism—a serious medical condition that can be fatal. In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Duckworth highlights that despite this sweeping recall, ByHeart’s policy fails to fully reimburse families, only refunding up to two units of ByHeart products purchased on or after October 1. “Customers who purchased far more than two units could face significant financial loss under ByHeart’s restrictive refund policy,” Duckworth wrote. “Limiting refunds to only ‘up to two units of ByHeart product’ substantially injures the typical infant formula consumer, who often purchase expensive, essential infant nutrition products in bulk to save money.” Duckworth continued, “ByHeart’s own promotional and marketing claims, which have included phrases like ‘satisfaction guaranteed,’ ‘full refunds’ and a commitment to a ‘no-compromise’ infant nutrition experience, appear to be an effort to deceive prospective customers into believing the company is not the type of corporation that would only provide restrictive, discriminatory and limited refunds in the event a major recall triggered by a multistate infant botulism outbreak.” ByHeart is only offering full refunds for first-time customers, harming longtime, loyal customers the most. This outbreak to date has resulted in more than 30 babies across 15 states, including Illinois, being hospitalized and treated for infant botulism. “Parents who trusted ByHeart to produce safe and nutritious infant formula are experiencing anxiety and fear over the spreading outbreak of infant botulism that, to date, has resulted in at least 31 babies in 15 States being hospitalized and treated,” Duckworth concluded. “These consumers should not have their fears compounded by an irresponsible manufacturer that refuses to implement a full and fair refund policy that makes consumers whole in the most efficient manner possible.” Full text of the letter is available below and on the Senator’s website. Dear Chair Ferguson: I write to request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) open an investigation into whether the refund policy of the infant formula manufacturer, ByHeart, is unfair and deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled due to FDA’s ongoing outbreak investigation of infant botulism—a serious medical condition that can be fatal—which appears to have originated with ByHeart formula products contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (third-party testing has confirmed presence of Clostridium botulinum in opened and unopened ByHeart products). Despite the FDA urging consumers to cease using all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products, and directing retailers to stop selling or storing such products, ByHeart adopted a limited refund policy that appears to fail the FTC’s fairness test and may constitute an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act: Orders placed on ByHeart.com on or after October 1, 2025 will be eligible to receive a refund. Please call us at 866-201-9069 and our team will assist you. We’re available 24/7. Customers will receive a refund of up to two units of ByHeart product—cans or Anywhere Packs. First-time customers will receive a full refund on their first order, staying true to our ByHeart Promise. If you purchased ByHeart through one of our retail partners or Amazon, please contact the retailer directly and they will assist you with your refund options. ByHeart’s refund policy fails to fully remunerate all purchasers of contaminated formula; limits compensation in a disparate manner—despite all ByHeart formula product being recalled nationwide—and abdicates its responsibility to consumers who purchased contaminated products through brick and mortar or online retailers. A comprehensive manufacturing failure that results in a complete recall demands the offender institute a comprehensive and complete safety-related refund policy. Yet, ByHeart has done the opposite: adopting a refund policy that imposes arbitrary limits, shifts the burden to customers and contradicts company marketing promises. Customers who purchased far more than two units could face significant financial loss under ByHeart’s restrictive refund policy. Limiting refunds to only “up to two units of ByHeart product” substantially injures the typical infant formula consumer, who often purchase expensive, essential infant nutrition products in bulk to save money. Forcing consumers who purchased ByHeart products at retailers that carry their formula also imposes substantial costs on harmed customers, forcing each individual to waste valuable time and resources navigating a patchwork of third-party refund policies without any guarantee of being made whole—given the nature of this safety-related nationwide recall that was the fault of the manufacturer, ByHeart, rather than any retailer that stocks ByHeart products. Parents who purchased ByHeart products to feed vulnerable infants cannot reasonably be expected to have taken action to avoid harm, since these consumers had no way of knowing or determining that ByHeart powdered formula was contaminated with Clostridium botulinum—and were in fact assured by the company that there was no positive test from sealed products, until that assertion became false—and the nature of this essential nutrition product makes switching infant formula a complex, costly and disruptive consumer action. Given ByHeart’s demonstrated lack of knowledge of which types of products were contaminated, along with its history of disputing third-party laboratory tests, ByHeart’s decision to limit eligibility to orders placed after October 1, 2025—even though possibly contaminated product may have been purchased prior to that date—represents an arbitrary and deceptive limitation that threatens to leave some harmed consumers without any compensation. ByHeart’s own promotional and marketing claims, which have included phrases like “satisfaction guaranteed,” “full refunds” and a commitment to a “no-compromise” infant nutrition experience, appear to be an effort to deceive prospective customers into believing the company is not the type of corporation that would only provide restrictive, discriminatory and limited refunds in the event a major recall triggered by a multistate infant botulism outbreak. Parents who trusted ByHeart to produce safe and nutritious infant formula are experiencing anxiety and fear over the spreading outbreak of infant botulism that, to date, has resulted in at least 31 babies in 15 States being hospitalized and treated. These consumers should not have their fears compounded by an irresponsible manufacturer that refuses to implement a full and fair refund policy that makes consumers whole in the most efficient manner possible. That is why I am requesting the FTC swiftly launch an investigation into whether ByHeart’s refund policies and practices violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, and if that is confirmed, to hold ByHeart accountable to do right by its customers, willingly or unwillingly. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-fischers-protecting-children-with-food-allergies-bill-passes-senate,"Durbin, Fischer’s Protecting Children With Food Allergies Bill Passes Senate",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The legislation, which was added as an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, would train school food service staff to prevent and respond to food-related allergic reactions WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, applauded the Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which included their bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act as an amendment. Durbin and Fischer’s legislation would ensure school food service staff receive essential training about food allergies, so that they are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to food allergic reactions, which can save lives. The Senate bill heads to the House one final time before being presented to the President for signature. “When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have peace of mind knowing that their children are safe with personnel who are trained to handle their children’s food allergies,” said Durbin. “Peanuts, eggs, soy, and milk are nutritious, but for some kids, they are allergens that can be deadly. I’m encouraged to see the Senate pass our Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act to ensure that kids will be safe in the event of an allergic reaction.” “America’s parents have enough on their plate without worrying about whether their kids’ schools can respond to serious allergic reactions. While Nebraska has already led the way as the first state to require schools to stock epinephrine, we need more national solutions to protect our children. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of our Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act here in the Senate, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to send this bill to the President’s desk,” Fischer said. Food allergies are a growing public health concern. Over the past two decades, the number of children with food allergies in the U.S. has more than doubled. Approximately six million children are estimated to have food allergies, about two students per classroom. Further, 20 percent of all epinephrine shots administered in schools are given to children who have undiagnosed food allergies—which makes it even more important for school food personnel to understand how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction. USDA requires annual trainings to school food personnel who work under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Required trainings include modules in nutrition, health, and food safety standards. USDA also makes available trainings that address food allergies, but those are not required as part of these annual trainings. The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act would add “food allergies” to the existing list of trainings to ensure that school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies. The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act has endorsements from: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), and School Nutrition Association (SNA). -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-raskin-jayapal-durbin-and-padilla-secretaries-noem-rubio-and-kennedy-too-cowardly-to-defend-shocking-decision-to-abandon-refugees-unlawfully-dispatch-deputies-instead,"Ranking Members Raskin, Jayapal, Durbin, and Padilla: Secretaries Noem, Rubio, and Kennedy Too Cowardly to Defend Shocking Decision to Abandon Refugees, Unlawfully Dispatch Deputies Instead",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. (November 20, 2025)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sen. Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, issued the following statement after Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. refused to meet their legal obligation to consult with Congress on the Administration’s refugee admissions plan—sending deputies to stage a charade consultation instead: “Fifty-one days after the legal deadline, the Trump Administration today came to Capitol Hill in response to our monthslong bipartisan demands that they follow the law and consult with Congress on their refugee admissions plan. “It is outrageous that Secretaries Noem, Rubio, and Kennedy were too cowardly to come before us and explain their shocking decision to abandon nearly 130,000 vetted, approved refugees facing persecution and violence abroad. Instead they sent their deputies, in brazen violation of the lawwhich explicitly requires a consultation by ‘Cabinet-level representatives of the President.’ “The Trump Secretaries ignored their legal obligations to face us because their policy is indefensible. It is impossible to defend leaving desperate families—men, women, and children who were promised a lifeline—twisting in the winds of global violence. It is impossible to justify a policy that abandons America’s historic commitment to offering safe harbor to the persecuted. Trump’s team has slashed refugee admissions to the lowest level in our nation’s history and reserved the bulk of the few remaining slots for white South African Afrikaners. They didn’t show up because their betrayal is unspeakable. “The U.S. Refugee Resettlement program has always been a bipartisan matter of pride for our country, and a critically important tool in our toolbox for achieving multiple goals that are critically important to American interests. The destruction of the program will hurt our humanitarian and diplomatic efforts for decades to come. “After months of evasion, diversion, and invoking the Republican shutdown as an alibi, the Administration thought they’d pacify us with more disrespect for the law. They were sorely mistaken. “The Secretaries couldn’t be bothered to come to Congress today, but they should at least learn the route: they’ll be spending plenty of time here when Democrats retake the gavel.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hoeven-introduce-two-bipartisan-bills-to-strengthen-aviation-safety-and-support-commercial-pilots-and-air-traffic-controllers,"Duckworth, Hoeven Introduce Two Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Support Commercial Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee—and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced two bipartisan bills aimed to help strengthen aviation safety and support our aviation workforce by fostering transparency surrounding medication guidelines, improving access to mental health care and protecting job security for our nation’s commercial pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC). Senator Duckworth’s Aviation Medication Transparency Act, co-led by Senator Hoeven, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue accessible, user-friendly guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding, applying for or training for a position that requires an FAA medical certificate—helping ensure these individuals don’t unknowingly take medications that could jeopardize their careers. Senator Hoeven’s Mental Health in Aviation Act, co-led by Senator Duckworth, would require the FAA to modernize and strengthen access to mental health care—removing barriers to timely treatment, promoting early intervention and supporting the well-being of our pilots and ATCs that lead to safer skies. “Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress—and their careers should never be threatened because they weren’t properly informed about which medications they’re allowed to take or dared to seek the mental health care they need,” said Duckworth. “These two bipartisan, commonsense bills would help make it easier for those in our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security—while also sending this important message to future recruits. Congress must continue to show our pilots and air traffic controllers that we are invested in them by passing our bills to reform bureaucratic shortcomings within the FAA, dismantle the dangerous culture of silence surrounding mental health in the aviation industry and ultimately make our skies safer.” “It’s imperative that our pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation professionals have access to the resources they need to maintain their mental health,” said Hoeven. “Both the Mental Health in Aviation Act and Aviation Medication Transparency Act seek to address mental health issues throughout the aviation industry, promote early intervention, increase transparency, provide additional resources to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and support the well-being of aviation professionals and the overall safety of our skies.” The FAA currently provides Aviation Medical Examiners with specific guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding an FAA medical certificate to take—but confoundingly, this crucial information is not easily accessible to pilots, ATCs and other aviation professionals. As a result, pilots and ATCs with medical certifications may unknowingly take medications that could potentially jeopardize their careers. To help make this information more accessible, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act would require the FAA to: Publish within one year of enactment—and update annually—a comprehensive, user-friendly and accessible list of medications that are safe for pilots, air traffic control specialists and trainees, developed in consultation with various stakeholders. Indicate what, if any, period of time individuals holding an FAA medical certificate must have limited or no duties while taking this medication. Indicate a list of medications the FAA has designated as “Do Not Issue.” Provide information for doctors to contact the FAA should they have any questions. In addition to Duckworth and Hoeven, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Katie Britt (R-AL). This legislation is also endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, Airlines for America, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Flight Training Alliance, United Aerial Firefighters Association and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. Additionally, under current FAA regulations, pilots and ATCs must acquire and maintain an FAA medical certificate, which requires the disclosure of any medical treatments—including for mental health. Once disclosed, they can face extended bureaucratic delays during the lengthy process they must undergo to receive their medical certification and be deemed safe to perform their jobs. As a result, there is a stigma against seeking mental health care which discourages pilots and ATCs from getting the care they need and deserve for their uniquely demanding professions. To encourage pilots and ATCs to seek care early and improve aviation safety, the Mental Health in Aviation Act would require the FAA to: Modernize mental health guidance regulations for pilots and air traffic controllers to encourage the early disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation. Annually review the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process, appropriate mental health treatments and medication use and overall mental health training for Aviation Medical Examiners. Allocate $15 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine to expand and train additional medical examiners, including specialists, to improve the efficiency of the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process. Allocate $1.5 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) for a public information campaign to help reduce the stigma around mental health care in aviation and encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek treatment. In addition to Hoeven and Duckworth, the Mental Health in Aviation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT) and Jack Reed (D-RI). This legislation is also endorsed by Airlines for America, Regional Airline Association, the Air Line Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, Association of Air Medical Services, National Flight Training Alliance, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association, Coalition of Airline Pilots and Pilots Mental Health Campaign. Bill text copies of the Aviation Medication Transparency Act and the Mental Health in Aviation Act are available on Senator Duckworth’s website. Duckworth has long been a leading voice in the push to make our skies safer. For years, she has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public. Last year, Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization that was signed into law to extend the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-progress-toward-achieving-goals-of-her-bipartisan-she-drives-act-with-new-advanced-female-crash-test-dummy,Duckworth Statement on Progress Toward Achieving Goals of Her Bipartisan She DRIVES Act with New Advanced Female Crash Test Dummy,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled designs for a female crash test dummy—a safety reform Duckworth has been pushing for through her bipartisan She DRIVES Act, which she co-leads alongside U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE). The She DRIVES Act would help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available, including a female crash test dummy. “Any progress here is good because there’s simply no good reason why women are more likely to be injured or die in car crashes. For years, I’ve pushed for the bipartisan SHE Drives Act alongside Senator Fischer to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available, including a female crash test dummy, so we can have the data we need to reduce this disparity. It’s a simple, commonsense fix, and I urge Republican leadership to bring our legislation to the floor for a vote so we can continue making progress to keep women safe and save lives.” The She DRIVES Act is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths. Last December, Duckworth announced more than $2 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve crash reporting in Illinois to help make our roads as safe as possible and reduce the number of lives lost to car crashes. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-again-condemns-trump-administrations-extreme-operation-midway-blitz-after-ice-agents-pepper-spray-us-citizen-and-his-one-year-old-daughter,Durbin Again Condemns Trump Administration’s Extreme “Operation Midway Blitz” After ICE Agents Pepper Spray U.S. Citizen And His One-Year-Old Daughter,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"“President Trump is turning federal immigration officers into his own secret, masked police force. I see it every day in the city of Chicago,” Durbin said in his speech on the Senate floor WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to call out the Trump Administration’s extreme and unlawful actions during the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” in which hundreds of residents of Illinois and immigrants without a criminal record have been detained. Today, Durbin shared the story of Rafael Veraza and his one-year-old daughter Arianna, who are both U.S. citizens, being pepper sprayed at close range by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while they were on a shopping trip to a local Sam’s Club. Durbin began his remarks by reiterating that “Operation Midway Blitz” is a mechanism used by the Trump Administration to sow fear in Illinois communities. Rather than going after the “worst of the worst” as the President promised, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have gone after U.S. citizens and immigrants who are legally in the United States, racially profiling people on the street and detaining them. “For almost three months, Chicago and my home state of Illinois have been under attack by President Trump since he launched what he calls ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ During that time, chaos and terror have reigned supreme. This operation isn’t just targeting the ‘worst of the worst’…American citizens, legal residents of the United States, and immigrants who have built their lives and raised their families here and pose no threat to public safety have been the actual targets,” Durbin began. “A court forced the Administration to come clean on this. Just how many of these dangerous ‘worst of the worst’ criminals are you arresting and [detaining] in the process of ‘Operation Midway Blitz?’ The Administration finally released their numbers—[of] 600 people . . . arrested [and currently detained] under ‘Operation Midway Blitz’… sixteen people out of the 600 actually had a criminal history that poses a high risk to public safety. [That’s less than] three percent,” Durbin said. DHS provided the list of 600 arrestees as a part of litigation challenging potentially thousands of unlawful arrests. Durbin denounced the extreme tactics used by federal agents, including ripping a U.S. citizen from her car after federal agents hit her vehicle, causing her to experience internal bleeding; detaining a green card holder while he was walking in Chicago and then releasing him without contacting his family, resulting in him going missing for two weeks; deploying pepper spray and disrupting a children’s Halloween parade in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago; and pulling a teacher, who had work authorization in the U.S., from her school in front of students and parents. Earlier this month, ICE agents deployed pepper spray into the car of Mr. Veraza, hitting him and his young daughter. “Rafael Veraza and his one-year-old daughter Arianna, both citizens of the United States, were enjoying a shopping day at Sam’s Club. Who would have thought that a simple father-daughter trip to Sam’s Club would turn into a trauma that these two people will never, ever forget? But the Verazas became a target for ICE for obvious reasons. He was shopping while being Hispanic,” Durbin said. “Mr. Veraza and his family said they were in their car when they heard a helicopter and cars honking. With the uptick in raids in the Chicago area, Mr. Veraza knew those sounds signaled that ICE agents were nearby. To keep his family safe, he decided to leave,” Durbin said. “Before this American citizen and his one-year-old daughter could drive away, a masked agent pointed a pepper spray gun through the family’s open car window and fired the weapon at close range.” “The pepper spray hit Mr. Veraza in the face, and his daughter also breathed it in. Because of this violent, unprovoked action from ICE agents, both Arianna and Rafael were briefly hospitalized. He told reporters after the incident happened, ‘My daughter was trying to open her eyes…She was struggling to breathe,’” Durbin said. “Does this incident seem like a federal immigration agent setting out to make America safer?” Durbin continued. “What was his crime? Shopping at a local Sam’s Club?...Pepper spraying a little girl and her father during a shopping trip is shameful and outrageous.” Durbin concluded his remarks by emphasizing that President Trump has weaponized DHS against the people he was elected to serve. “President Trump is turning federal immigration officers into his own secret, masked police force. I see it every day in the city of Chicago. He is violating the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution to all of us, including the right to due process and the rule of law,” Durbin said. Durbin concluded his remarks: “The President and his Administration’s actions are about politics, nor about public safety. It’s time for all of us in Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, to put politics aside, speak up, and condemn this growing threat to our democracy.” In response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin has taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS and Secretary Noem under the direction of President Trump. Durbin’s actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” can be found here. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-president-trumps-january-6-pardons-as-more-rioters-continue-to-commit-heinous-crimes,Durbin Condemns President Trump’s January 6 Pardons As More Rioters Continue To Commit Heinous Crimes,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Durbin condemned Trump’s January 6 pardons, and Senate Republicans’ refusal to defend the Constitution WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting. He began by commenting on the Trump Administration’s judicial nominees who received a “Not Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association (ABA). Durbin then condemned President Trump’s blanket pardon of the January 6 rioters, some of whom have gone on to commit additional heinous crimes. Durbin first commented on the tradition of ABA ratings, noting that Committee Republicans no longer require one for a judicial nominee to receive consideration. He said, “For the first time in decades… we decided we do not care what the American Bar Association finds out when they interviewed other judges and lawyers in the community for these nominees…There have been [Trump] nominees found [‘Not Qualified’]… So, to have any bragging and boasting about nominees, why did you eliminate the ABA rating? That has been there for a long time and now you do not want Trump nominees to face that scrutiny [and] that tells us a lot.” Durbin then commented on President Trump’s blanket pardon of more than 1,500 January 6 rioters. He said, “Last week, he [President Trump] pardoned Dan Wilson… a member of the Oath Keepers militia. Mr. Wilson had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede [or] injure a law-enforcement officer and was sentenced to five years in prison. He remained incarcerated due to a felony conviction for illegally possessing firearms. But President Trump decided that Mr. Wilson should receive a pardon for this offense as well. The President also pardoned Suzanne Kaye, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison after threatening to shoot FBI agents. Ms. Kaye had posted a video online saying she would exercise ‘my Second Amendment right to shoot your f---ing ass’ if FBI agents interviewed her about her participation in the January 6 riot. So much for protecting law enforcement and being tough on crime.” Durbin condemned the January 6 rioters who have gone on to commit heinous crimes since their pardons. Durbin said, “Just yesterday, we learned about another horrific crime committed by a January 6 rioter who[m] President Trump pardoned. Andrew Paul Johnson was arrested first in Tennessee and then in Florida for multiple child sexual abuse offenses. Mr. Johnson, who referred to himself as an ‘American terrorist’ and ‘proud J6’er,’ faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of an 11-year-old child and [another] child between the age of 12 and 16.” Durbin then spoke about FBI Director Kash Patel’s unprecedented purge of FBI officials because they worked on cases related to January 6 or President Trump. Durbin said, “The FBI Agents Association said Director Patel has ‘disregarded the law and launched a campaign of erratic and arbitrary retribution … An Agent simply being assigned to an investigation and conducting it appropriately within the law should never be grounds for termination.’ And at DOJ, prosecutors who simply mentioned the reality of what happened and what we witnessed on January 6 in a sentencing memo were placed on administrative leave.” Durbin concluded by speaking about “Operation Midway Blitz” in Illinois and Republicans’ failure to condemn President Trump’s abuses. He said, “According to the Administration’s own data, of the more than 600 people [currently detained] in Illinois during ‘Operation Midway Blitz’, just 16 out of 600 have a criminal history that poses a [high] risk to public safety—that’s less than three percent. As the Trump Administration tramples on the Constitution, my Republican colleagues are silent… Silent as he imposes higher prices on the American people with [his] tariff policies. Silent as he guts the federal workforce. And above all, silent because they fear political retribution. We’ve never faced anything like this before in our modern history. Our democracy is struggling to survive. Will someone speak up on the other side?” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-heinrich-kelly-to-introduce-anti-cash-grab-act-to-repeal-arctic-frost-provision,"Durbin, Duckworth Join Heinrich, Kelly To Introduce Anti-Cash Grab Act To Repeal ‘Arctic Frost’ Provision",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals last-minute provision allowing Republican senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in leading 24 Senate colleagues to introduce the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision — quietly added into the Senate government funding bill by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) at the last minute — that allows Senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained. “After shutting down the government, Senate Republicans took further advantage of the chaos they created to sneak in a $500,000 taxpayer-funded payout for Senators into the government funding deal. While working families were worrying about how to put food on the table, Senate Republicans were scheming about how to personally enrich themselves,” Durbin said. “The Anti-Cash Grab Act would nullify this provision in the government funding deal and prevent lawmakers from attempting to line their own pockets with taxpayer dollars.” “While Republicans refused to lift a finger to stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, provide SNAP benefits to hungry children or do anything that actually improves people’s lives, they had no problem sneaking themselves a bonus on the taxpayers’ dime,” Duckworth said. “Republicans’ shameless decision to line their own pockets while Illinois families struggle to make ends meet is despicable and un-American. Not shaking down the American taxpayer shouldn’t be a partisan issue, which is why I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and our colleagues in urging the Senate to pass the Anti-Cash Grab Act to protect our tax dollars from political games.” The introduction of the Anti-Cash Grab Act comes after Durbin has repeatedly called for former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify publicly before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the “Arctic Frost” investigation, in which the phone records of eight Republican Senators were subpoenaed as part of an inquiry into President Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. On October 30, Durbin led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in sending a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) calling on him to allow Smith to testify and urged Chairman Grassley to request that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) release Volume II of the unredacted “Final Report of the Special Counsel’s Investigations and Prosecutions,” which was submitted to then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2025. In addition to Durbin, Heinrich, and Kelly, the Anti-Cash Grab Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brain Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). A one-page summary of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-ramirez-introduce-bill-to-expand-student-loan-refinancing-for-service-members,"Durbin, Duckworth, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Expand Student Loan Refinancing For Service Members",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act would allow service members to consolidate or refinance pre-service private or federal student loan debt, and retain six percent rate cap WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) today introduced the Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act, bicameral legislation that would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to allow service members to consolidate or refinance student loan debt they had when they entered the military and continue to benefit from the six percent interest rate cap to which they are entitled through the SCRA. A provision in the SCRA protects service members from high student loan interest rates by capping interest rates at six percent on loans that they took out before entering active-duty military service. However, if a service member consolidates or refinances their student loans, which is required for Federal Family Education Loans or Perkins student loan borrowers to benefit from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, that new loan is no longer eligible for this interest rate protection. “When someone volunteers to serve in our military, they shouldn’t be met with bureaucratic roadblocks that make it harder for them to pay back their student loans,” Durbin said. “The Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act would make a commonsense fix to the SCRA to ensure that service members are not penalized for participating in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.” “As higher education slips further out of reach for so many Americans, we should be doing everything we can to make it more affordable—especially for those who choose to serve in the military,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to continue working with Senator Durbin on this commonsense legislation that would protect our Servicemembers from high interest rates when they consolidate or refinance their student loans.” “Our veterans deserve every benefit our nation has promised, including a quality education that helps them transition back into their civilian life. But, like so many students in our nation, student veterans endure predatory student loan interest rates that leave them in debt and struggling to make ends meet. Our bill protects our servicemembers from high interest rates when they are consolidating or refinancing their loans,” said Ramirez. “As we support our veterans, I will continue to advocate for the cancellation of all student loans and free, quality education for all those who wish to pursue it.” According to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, as of 2020, nearly 200,000 active-duty service members held federal student loan debt, and nearly half of those active-duty service members had balances more than $13,000. With an outstanding balance of more than $1.6 trillion, student loan debt has surpassed credit cards as the largest cumulative consumer debt in America, second only to mortgages. Student loan debt falls particularly hard on service members, who too often, find it difficult to work with student loan servicers and receive the benefits to which they are entitled. The Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act would ensure federal law does not interfere with service members obtaining the benefits they have earned by serving our country. Joining Durbin and Duckworth in introducing the legislation in the Senate is U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Joining Ramirez in introducing the legislation in the House are U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Mike Levin (D-CA-49). The Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act has earned the endorsement of Institute for College Access and Success, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, National Guard Association of the U.S, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Student Veterans of America. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-introduces-new-bill-to-support-fdas-efforts-to-prevent-foodborne-illness,Durbin Introduces New Bill To Support FDA’s Efforts To Prevent Foodborne Illness,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin’s FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act would help FDA to collect already-authorized fees from food companies for food safety inspections WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced legislation, the FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act, to make it easier for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct food safety inspections and recalls by collecting fees from food manufacturers and importers in order to better support the agency’s efforts to prevent foodborne illnesses. In 2010, Durbin led Congress in passing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to expand FDA’s mission to prevent foodborne illnesses rather than solely responding to crises after they had occurred. FSMA provided FDA with new authorities and resources to accomplish its newly expanded mission, including the authority to collect fees from food manufacturers and importers for reinspection and recall order-related costs. However, since FSMA’s enactment in 2011, FDA has not once collected these fees because of the complexity of the structure created to collect the fees and because “reinspection” is not well defined in the statute. Durbin’s FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act would make technical corrections to FSMA and redefine “reinspection” to allow FDA to collect these fees from food manufacturers and importers who fail to meet federal food safety standards. Specifically, the FSMA Technical Corrections Act would allow FDA to collect: $15,000 per reinspection, up to a total of $30 million per year; and $15,000 per recall order, up to a total of $25 million per year. FDA requested these authorities in its Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. “Americans want to think about what to make for dinner when at the grocery store, not if the food they buy will make them sick. FDA is tasked with protecting Americans from foodborne illnesses and addressing an outbreak as quickly as possible, but for years, FDA has been unable to use a critical funding source that would provide the agency with additional resources,” Durbin said. “I’m introducing the FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act to simplify the way in which FDA collects fees from food manufacturers and importers for food reinspection and recall order-related costs. With this legislation, FDA would be provided the funds to prevent foodborne illnesses and respond to outbreaks.” Foodborne illness is a significant and preventable public health challenge in the United States. Each year, 48 million Americans are sickened due to a pathogen in their food, such as Salmonella or Listeria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further, more than 120,000 Americans are hospitalized due to these illnesses and 3,000 die from them each year. Joining Durbin in introducing the FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ed Markey (D-MA). The FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act has earned the endorsement of the Environmental Working Group (EWG); Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI); Consumer Federation of America (CFA); and STOP Foodborne Illness. Full text of the FSMA Fee Technical Corrections Act is available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-calls-out-republicans-for-refusing-to-help-stop-health-insurance-bills-from-skyrocketing-for-millions-of-families-including-their-own-constituents,"Duckworth Calls Out Republicans for Refusing to Help Stop Health Insurance Bills from Skyrocketing for Millions of Families, Including Their Own Constituents",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"At today’s Commerce subcommittee hearing, Duckworth invited Kansas resident Eileen Spickler as a witness to share how her family depends on the ACA tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At today’s Republican-led Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) called out her Republican colleagues for holding this highly partisan hearing in attempt to distract the American people from the pain Republicans continue to cause for millions of families by refusing to help stop ACA premiums from skyrocketing at the end of the year. To underscore the urgency of the looming health care crisis Republicans are trying to evade, Duckworth invited Kansas resident Eileen Spickler to appear as a witness and share her powerful story about how ACA tax credits have allowed her family to afford health insurance for her husband, Barry, whose health depends on it. Full video of Senator Duckworth’s opening remarks and Eileen Spickler’s testimony can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. “Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House—if they want someone to blame for the consequences of the shutdown, they should look in the mirror,” said Duckworth. “Democrats have always known that shutdowns are bad, but unlike Republicans, we also want to stop millions from losing their health care coverage or being forced to pay thousands more each month—a looming crisis Republicans still have no plan to address.” Duckworth continued: “Just as Trump could have paid air traffic controllers or prevented Americans from going hungry if he had wanted to, Republicans could also join Democrats to at the table at any time to help find a bipartisan solution to avert this health care crisis for people like Eileen and her husband, Barry. But shamefully, they’d rather spend their time trying to distract the American people and point fingers at anyone but themselves.” Spickler’s husband will be forced to forgo insurance because they simply can’t afford to lose the $1,100 in tax relief that enables them to afford monthly premiums. “In 2025, we paid $109 a month and we received almost $1,200 per month in subsidies. If it weren’t for the premium tax credits, we would not have been able to afford insurance for Barry at all, and honestly, I don’t know where we’d be, or if we’d even be sitting here before you. Access to affordable health insurance is life and death for us,” wrote Eileen Spickler in her prepared statement to the committee. A full transcript of Spickler’s testimony can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website. According to the Kansas Hospital Association, refusal to extend current tax law for enhanced premium tax credits would result in: A massive 77% increase, on average, on out-of-pocket premiums for Kansans who currently receive enhanced premium tax credits; A premium hike of over $2,500 per year for a Kansas family of four making $64,000 a year; and A premium hike of more than $18,000 annually for a 60-year-old couple making $82,800 a year. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-out-recent-uptick-in-threats-against-federal-judges,Durbin Calls Out Recent Uptick In Threats Against Federal Judges,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During Durbin’s opening statement in a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, he condemned the recent uptick in threats against federal judges as President Trump continues his harmful rhetoric targeted at the Judiciary WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the judicial nominations of David Clay Wilkerson Fowlkes, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas; Nicholas Jon Ganjei, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas; and Aaron Christian Peterson, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. During his opening, Durbin highlighted President Trump’s attacks on the judiciary. Key Quotes: “The dockets are busy. The questions of law are complicated. But more recently—and especially this year—the work has become even more difficult as jurists across the country face increasing personal attacks and even threats of violence.” “The uptick in threats is not random. The attacks against individual judges by this Administration and their passionate followers have been recorded. In March, the President demanded the impeachment of a federal judge, simply for ruling against the Administration. The President called the judge ‘a Radical Left Lunatic, a troublemaker and agitator.’ The President added, ‘this judge, like many of the Crooked Judges’ [sic] I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!’ The President is not the only member of his Administration to use this kind of inflammatory language.” “MAGA loyalists in Congress have eagerly piled on. So far this year, Republican congressmen have filed impeachment resolutions against at least eight district court judges for [a] high crime and misdemeanor. And the crime they’re accused of? Disagreeing with the President.” “As a result of the surge in threats, many judges now require additional security—including judges in my home state of Illinois. The Administration’s unlawful immigration raids in Chicago have led to numerous lawsuits… This litigation, in turn, has led to a rise in threats against several judges who actually handle these cases. As I have said many times before and will repeat each time given [the] opportunity—violence or threats of violence, whether from the right or the left of the political spectrum, are never—ever—acceptable.” “I’d like to quote from a recent statement by the Chicago chapter of the Federal Bar Association—a nonpartisan organization. The statement reads, ‘Expressions of public sentiment—whether criticism or praise—are not threats to judicial independence. Recent threats of violence directed at Chicago federal judges for simply doing their job, however, are unacceptable and have no place in our discourse.’ I couldn’t agree more.” “More than six months ago, I asked the Justice Department for a briefing on the Marshals Service’s efforts to protect our judges. I’m still waiting for that to take place—it should be a priority of the Committee.” “The threats, risks, and challenges our federal judges face grow worse every day. Let’s do something about it on the Judiciary Committee.” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here. Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-during-a-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing,Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During A Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned three judicial nominees at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Durbin first questioned Nicholas Jon Ganjei, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, about whether his statements condemning those who assault law enforcement apply to the January 6 offenders who attacked law enforcement during the January 6 insurrection. Mr. Ganjei has stated on multiple occasions that he employs a “zero tolerance policy” against those who assault law enforcement officials, and he has argued that individuals who attack law enforcement are “attacking the American system of justice.” “Do you stand by your comments criticizing individuals who violently assault law enforcement?” Durbin asked. Mr. Ganjei responded that he does. “Do you believe that January 6 offenders who were convicted of assaults on law enforcement [had] attacked the American system of justice?” Durbin asked. Mr. Ganjei deflected, claiming he could not answer as a judicial nominee. Durbin then questioned David Clay Wilkerson Fowlkes, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, about the First Step Act. The bill, led by Durbin and U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Cory Booker (D-NJ), is bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation designed to make our justice system fairer and our communities safer by reforming sentencing laws and providing opportunities for those who are incarcerated to prepare to re-enter society successfully. “What are your thoughts on the First Step Act as a federal prosecutor, and what steps will you take as a judge, if you are confirmed, to ensure that you encourage rehabilitation whenever possible?” Durbin asked. Mr. Fowlkes responded that the First Step Act is an “important piece of legislation.” He continued to say that bill is an “important part of… [the] rehabilitation of some of the criminals in our justice system.” Durbin concluded his questions by asking about the Trump Administration and court orders. “There seems to be some doubt… as to whether the Trump Administration follows the orders of the court in a prompt [and] complete fashion. What will you consider to be the status of a court order if you issue a final order?” Durbin asked. Mr. Fowlkes responded that although he is constrained by the judicial canons, he continued to say, “the rulings of the court are inherently important to our justice system.” Durbin directed the same question to Mr. Ganjei and Mr. Aaron Christian Peterson, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Mr. Ganjei responded that if confirmed, he would expect the parties, regardless of who they are, to follow [court orders]. Mr. Peterson responded, “if I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed, I would expect that any order that I enter would be followed by the parties.” Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here. Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here. Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-passing-bill-to-release-the-epstein-files,Durbin Statement On Senate Passing Bill To Release The Epstein Files,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House of Representatives in a 427-1 vote and now heads to the President’s desk: “First and foremost, this vote is in tribute to and honor of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s horrific crimes—and any victim or survivor of sexual abuse. Never in America can we tolerate such atrocious crimes. “President Trump and his MAGA allies spent years peddling lies on the campaign trail about the ‘Epstein files’—only to conduct a massive cover-up once they got into office. “No more. No more lies, no more secrets. It’s time to provide true transparency to the American people about one of our country’s most extreme sex traffickers and the extent of his horrifying crimes—so we can work to prevent it from ever happening again. “Now, it’s time for President Trump to sign this bill into law, support transparency, and stand with victims.” Earlier today, Durbin joined his Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. The legislation requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to “to publish … all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ’s possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein,” including materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs and travel records, and individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. The bill includes protections for victims, stating that “DOJ is permitted to withhold certain information such as the personal information of victims and materials that would jeopardize an active federal investigation.” In July, Durbin revealed that FBI whistleblowers had disclosed that personnel were instructed to “flag” any Epstein records in which President Trump was mentioned. When pressed on this during her oversight hearing, Attorney General Bondi stonewalled, saying, “I’m not going to discuss anything about that with you.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-illinois-democrats-release-fact-sheet-debunking-the-dhs-misinformation-campaign,"Duckworth, Durbin, Illinois Democrats Release Fact Sheet Debunking the DHS Misinformation Campaign",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and their Illinois House Democratic colleagues in releasing a comprehensive fact check of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) misinformation campaign regarding its dangerous immigration enforcement actions. “The Trump Administration has continued to spin lies—about our city, the people they’re targeting and their excessive use of force against Illinoisans,” said Duckworth. Trump’s agents have deployed tear gas outside elementary schools, shot a priest in the head with pepper balls, violently attacked peaceful protestors and brandished weapons at innocent bystanders. They’ve detained a preschool teacher at a daycare, hardworking people with work permits and even scores of American citizens—and then put out misleading or outright false public statements to try and justify their unlawful actions. We will continue to push back against this misinformation, and I encourage Illinoisans to continue recording everything they see to shed light on the truth and help us hold this Administration accountable.” “The Trump Administration continues to peddle outright lies since its unprovoked, unnecessary, and unhelpful enforcement activity in Illinois. The photos and videos out of Illinois are horrific, showing unspeakable acts committed by the United States government against its own civilians including teargassing, pepper spraying, racial profiling, excessive force, and physical violence. Neighbors are looking out for neighbors—but it shouldn’t have to be this way. We will continue to document and share the reality of what’s actually happening in Chicago and communities impacted by this anti-immigrant agenda—and hold the Trump Administration accountable for these atrocities,” said Durbin. In addition to Duckworth and Durbin, the fact check below is issued by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17). A copy of the fact sheet is available below and on Senator Duckworth’s website. FACT CHECK: DEBUNKING THE DHS MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has repeatedly spread misinformation about events in Illinois and its so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” only to be contradicted by eyewitness accounts, video evidence, and local law enforcement. Despite the evidence debunking these claims, DHS misinformation is being used by President Trump to support an unlawful and unconstitutional troop deployment to Illinois and to mislabel peaceful protestors, journalists, and elected officials as “Antifa.” This misinformation and the reckless, dangerous, and cruel actions of federal agents in Illinois should not be used to support the Trump Administration’s unlawful attacks on our democracy and constitutional rights. Claim: Violent riotersare assaulting federal law enforcement. Reality: Federal agents have engaged in excessive force against overwhelmingly peaceful protestors, regularly deployingtear gas, flash bang grenades, and other weapons against protesters and journalists—and even members of the clergy—who are engaged in peaceful and lawful activity. In Illinois alone, federal officials have: Arrested an elected official merely for asking if agents had a warrant. Threatened, physically assaulted, injured and subjected to arrest several members of the press, including by firing a pepper ball at the car of a journalist driving by the Broadview facility, causing chemical agents to enter her car. Threatened local police, telling them that there will be “a s*** show” during protests in Broadview, Illinois, in retaliation for local officials calling on ICE officials to “stop making war on our community.” Detained and pushed to the ground a 70-year-old Air Force veteran for handing his cell phone to a protestor. Responded to a pastor’s prayer by firing pepper balls directly into his face. Regularly deployed tear gas on peaceful protestors in neighborhoods around Chicago. Claim: DHS is trying its best to coordinatewith local officials in Illinois, and local police refuseto cooperate. Reality: DHS officials refuse to share information with local officials, and federal government actions have endangered first responders. In early October, DHS Secretary Noem arrived in Broadview with an entourage of cameras and a production crew for a photo op—and failed to coordinate a meeting with the Broadview mayor, instead appearing unannounced at the Village Hall when the mayor was unable to meet. Meanwhile, snipers, an armored vehicle, and militarized federal agents with assault rifles responded to protests outside the Broadview ICE facility. Demonstrating the lack of coordination, federal officials have even exposed local police to tear gas. According to the sworn declaration of the Broadview police chief who witnessed this conduct daily: “The use of chemical agents by federal agents at the ICE facility in Broadview has often been arbitrary and indiscriminate. At times it is used when the crowd is as small as ten people. The deployment of chemical agents is dangerous to the health of both demonstrators and first responders on the scene. In addition, when ICE agents deploy chemical agents, it causes the crowd of protesters to disperse, sometimes running into the road, which is dangerous both for them and for motorists. Broadview police officers have had to attempt to position themselves in a way that directs the crowd to disperse in a safe manner. Over the course of my career in law enforcement, the way in which federal agents have indiscriminately used chemical agents in Broadview is unlike anything I have seen before.” Claim: DHS law enforcement officers are not engagedin racial profiling. Reality: DHS officials are arresting individuals on the basis of race or ethnicity. In fact, when asked, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino admittedthat race and ethnicity play a significant role in arrests, stating that when considering arrest factors, an agent examines “obviously, the particular characteristics of an individual, how they look.” In Illinois, a judge found that ICE illegally arrested nearly two dozen people, conducting warrantless arrests without probable cause to believe someone is in the United States unlawfully and is a flight risk. As the judge noted, probable cause is particularly critical given that “[c]itizens and non-citizens with legal status who share commonalities (such as race/ethnicity, a preference for speaking Spanish, or employment in certain occupations or locations) with—or mere physical proximity to—Latino foreign nationals may now find themselves more likely to be subjected to ICE questioning for sometimes lengthy periods of detention, and, potentially, warrantless arrests during immigration enforcement operations.” The decision followed the Supreme Court granting a stay in a 9th Circuit case in September that essentially allows the federal government to, as Justice Sotomayor noted in dissent, “seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.” In one incident in Chicago, masked, armed agents dressed in camouflage, arrested a family of four, including two young children aged three and eight, in Millenium Park in Chicago. The mother noted that “[t]here were a lot more people there, but the agents came directly to us because of how we look,” going on to say “[i]t’s not fair.” Claim: DHS law enforcement officers are not targetingU.S. citizens. Reality: Immigrants and U.S. citizens alike have been targeted by masked, unidentified agents conducting violent raids, arrests, and arbitrary detentions. Federal immigration agents in Waukegan detained a U.S. citizen, but the local mayor intervened on her behalf. Federal agents claimed that she was impeding a federal law enforcement operation, but she believes she was targeted due to having a Mexican flag on her car. Federal agents detained a U.S. citizen of Latino descent working in the service industry and held her for an hour, even after she presented her passport. The agents stated that she didn’t “look like” a person with her last name and accused her of lying. Federal agents detained several U.S. citizens, including Jacqueline Lopez and Elianne Bahena, staffers for Alderman Michael Rodriguez, during a militarized raid in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago. In addition to serving as Alderman Rodriguez’s chief of staff, Bahena serves as an elected 10th District Police Commissioner. Claim: DHS is arresting the “worst of the worst.” Reality: Federal agents are mostly detaining people who have committed no crimes in order to meet an arbitrary 3,000-person daily arrest quota. ICE and other federal agents conducting immigration enforcement actions are sweeping up hardworking, longstanding members of our communities in disorganized, dangerous, and, raids and arrests—including an arrest that turned deadly. In fact, this Administration is undermining investigations into the “worst of the worst” to arrest immigrants with no criminal convictions. The Trump Administration has pulled federal law enforcement officials away from investigating serious threats to our communities, including child sex exploitation, counterterrorism, and national security threats, to focus on its disastrous mass deportation campaign. Claim: Illinois is like a war zone. Reality: Illinois is a welcoming, vibrant state that has long thrived thanks to the contributions of immigrants to our communities and our economy. Illinois does not need National Guard troops or militarized federal agents targeting our friends and neighbors. One analysis found that one video that the White House posted supposedly showing Chicago in “chaos” was littered with outdated footage of drug busts, arrests, and deportation raids in other states, including Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Nebraska. -30- Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-peters-senate-democrats-in-calling-on-senate-majority-leader-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote,"Duckworth Joins Peters, Senate Democrats in Calling on Senate Majority Leader to Quickly Bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and their Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. The letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427-1. For two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information. “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein – and the American people – deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” the Senators wrote. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.” “Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” wrote the Senators. In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his Administration to slow walk or discourage the release of these files, the Senate must take action to provide transparency and help restore the public’s trust. “The U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation,” concluded the Senators. “We urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 4405 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.” Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z