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://web.archive.org/web/20140228010514/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=600,Morris Daily Herald: Kinzinger kicks off District 16 Agriculture Advisory meeting,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"OTTAWA – U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, met this month with representatives from throughout the 16th District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee. The committee will serve as a forum for Kinzinger to hear from members of the agriculture community on policy issues that affect them most directly, according to a news release. “With Washington debating a whole host of issues affecting Illinois farmers, from the farm bill to renewable energy, this committee will be a great way to ensure the voices of Illinois’ farmers are heard,” Kinzinger said in the news release. Held Dec. 19 in Ottawa’s City Hall building, the meeting covered topics that included the reauthorization of the farm bill, pending legislation to streamline waterway projects, renewable energy mandates, crop insurance provisions and immigration reform, according to the news release. The committee, which consists of farmers and producers from all 14 counties of the 16th District, plans to meet once annually, with teleconference and local meetings throughout the year. For the full posting, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063035/http://schock.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=368677,Schock Delivers Weekly Republican Address,2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Aaron Schock,S001179,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) delivered this week’s Republican Address in response to President Obama’s weekly remarks. Schock’s message came from Eureka College in Eureka, IL.Schock’s message focused on the President’s healthcare law and the financial strain it was causing on the youth who have enrolled. In his remarks Schock said, “…typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old.  This health care law, however, says insurers can only charge their costliest beneficiaries three times more than they do their cheapest customers.  In other words, the president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million to be exact – to sign up so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing.  In Washington, they call this a “community rating,” but where I’m from, we call it a ripoff”.  Schock continued, “Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills.  It’s just not right.” The full transcript is below, and the can be found here:   As Prepared for Delivery:Good morning from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois – the proud alma mater of Ronald Reagan.  On campuses like this, young people are just beginning to make the choices that will shape their future.  Right now – even in the middle of finals week – they’re being told that to make that future better, they should rush to get covered under the president’s health care law.  Not only that, they’re being told to “spread the word” about what a great deal it is.  The state of Illinois is spending a million dollars- just this week -  on television advertising to try and sell this health law. This is on top of the $684 million already being spent nationwide to promote it.  But no matter how many actors, rappers, and rock stars the president rolls out, the best sales pitch in the world can’t sell a bad product.  And this health care law is a bad product for young people.  How bad?  Well, typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old.  This health care law, however, says insurance companies can only charge their most expensive customers three times more than they do their cheapest customers.  In other words, they are forced by law to shift the cost of older and sicker patients to young people.  The president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million – to enroll so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing.    In Washington, they call this a “community rating,” but where I’m from, we call it a ripoff.  According to one independent estimate, for a healthy, non-smoking 30-year old male, the cheapest health insurance plan – the cheapest one – will be on average 260 percent more expensive.  That's 2.5 times what a young person should be paying. You know, it’s funny, the Obama administration held a contest encouraging millennials to come up with a catchy slogan or video to sell this law.  The winning entry was a song with lyrics that included the line: “Don’t worry about the price tag.”   Well it's Tough not to worry about the price tag - when you’re racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, doing work-study to make it by, and trying to save for your first apartment – all at a time when youth unemployment in this country is nearly 16 percent.    Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills.   This isn’t how it was supposed to be.   Everywhere I go now people come up and say we should do something to stop this law, and they’re right.  We ought to scrap it and start over - with an approach that focuses on lower costs, more choice, more freedom, more competition.  We should make it so that young people pay their fair share for health care, and nothing more.  Instead of Washington telling us what to buy- let's get back to letting every American choose the plan that's best for them and their family. Every time I’m asked what Washington can do to connect with millennials, my answer is that we should actually get government out of the way.  Hard work and a good education will take you further than any government program.  Let’s give young people the chance to build confidence, give them an incentive to work, save, invest, take risks, and rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit that sets this country apart.   The president’s health care law does none of this – it only sets us back.  And makes things more expensive. I know – and you know – we can do better.     Thank you for listening.  Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-sponsors-legislation-to-reverse-cuts-to-veterans-pensions,Foster Sponsors Legislation To Reverse Cuts To Veterans’ Pensions,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Aurora, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) cosponsored the Military Retirement Restoration Act which would repeal cuts to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for military retirees that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act.  The repeal would be paid for by closing tax loopholes for corporations that set up headquarters in other countries to avoid paying US taxes. “I voted for the Balanced Budget Act because I believed it was critical to avoiding another shutdown and because it begins to restore the harmful funding cuts from sequestration,” said Foster.  “However, I do not believe we should balance our budget on the backs of veterans and I am supporting this legislation to ensure our veterans get the full pensions they have earned.” More information on the Military Retirement Restoration Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398976,Kinzinger kicks off Sixteenth District Agriculture Advisory Committee,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) met with representatives Thursday from across the Sixteenth District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee. share: f t OTTAWA Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) met with representatives Thursday from across the Sixteenth District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee. The Committee will serve as a forum for Rep. Kinzinger to hear from members of the agriculture community on the policy issues that affect them most directly. After much planning, it's very exciting to have this committee up and running, and it couldn't be happening at a better time, said Kinzinger. With Washington debating a whole host of issues affecting Illinois farmers, from the Farm Bill to renewable energy, this committee will be a great way to ensure the voices of Illinois' farmers are heard.Rep. Kinzinger meets with AG representatives from across the 16th DistrictHeld in Ottawa's City Hall building, the meeting covered topics such as the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, pending legislation to streamline waterway projects, renewable energy mandates, crop insurance provisions, and immigration reform. The committee, which consists of farmers and producers from all 14 counties of the Sixteenth District, plans to meet as a whole once annually, with tele-conference and local meetings held throughout the year. In Illinois, farming employs nearly 1 million people and represents 12 % of the state's economy, making it one of the largest industries in the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-asks-irs-to-issue-rule-limiting-what-hospitals-can-charge-poor-uninsured-for-care,"Durbin Asks IRS to Issue Rule Limiting What Hospitals Can Charge Poor, Uninsured for Care",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.13 Durbin Asks IRS to Issue Rule Limiting What Hospitals Can Charge Poor, Uninsured for Care Washington, D.C. Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote to the Acting IRS Commissioner, Daniel Werfel, today asking him to complete the rulemaking process that would restrict what hospitals can charge for services to people without health care coverage and would prohibit hospitals from aggressive pursuit of medical debts from people who do not have the financial wherewithal to pay them. The rule was required as one of the consumer protection provisions found in the Affordable Care Act. Three years after the passage of the law, it is unacceptable that the rule has not been finalized, Durbin wrote. Finalizing the rule will protect patients from unrealistic prices contained in hospital chargemasters and protect families from unrealistic debt collection efforts that that too often lead to bankruptcy. I call on the IRS to finalize this rule as soon as possible. The Affordable Care Act imposed strict requirements on what non-profit hospitals can charge uninsured patients. For emergency services, hospitals cannot charge an uninsured individual more than would be generally billed to patients that are covered by private insurance or Medicare. For non-emergency services, hospitals must bill less than the gross cost for each individual service. This provision also limits hospitals to pursuing collections to people who actually have the financial wherewithal to pay. The IRS has started the rulemaking process, but has yet to issue a final rule. Until they do, hospitals can continue charging the poor and uninsured unreasonable and unsustainable rates. A copy of the letter is pasted below and attached. December 20, 2013 Daniel I. Werfel Acting Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20224-0002 Dear Commissioner Werfel: I urge you to complete the rulemaking process for section 9007 of the Affordable Care Act restricting what hospitals can charge for services to people without health care coverage and prohibiting hospitals from aggressive pursuit of medical debts from people who do not have the financial wherewithal to pay them. The Affordable Care Act includes new requirements for non-profit hospital facilities to maintain or achieve 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Section 9007 of the law requires hospitals to perform a community health needs assessment every three years, create and publicize a financial assistance policy, limit the amount that can be charged an uninsured individual, and adopt billing and collections policies. On June 14, 2010, the IRS issued a request for comments for Section 9007 of the Affordable Care Act (IRS Notice 2010-39). However, since releasing this notice, the IRS has not taken concrete steps to finalize the rule. Three years after the passage of the law, it is unacceptable that the rule has not been finalized. Finalizing the rule will protect patients from unrealistic prices contained in hospital chargemasters and protect families from unrealistic debt collection efforts that that too often lead to bankruptcy. I call on the IRS to finalize this rule as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-urge-swift-review-of-fda-rule-to-regulare-the-manufacturing-sale-and-marketing-of-e-cigarettes,"Senators Urge Swift Review of FDA Rule to Regulare the Manufacturing, Sale, and Marketing of E-Cigarettes",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.13 Senators Urge Swift Review of FDA Rule to Regulare the Manufacturing, Sale, and Marketing of E-Cigarettes Proposed rule could also help combat flavored cigars and other tobacco products that target kids and young adults [WASHINGTON, D.C.] As tobacco products like electronic cigarettes and flavored cigars continue to grow in popularity and increase nicotine addiction and tobacco use among young people, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Ed Markey (D-MA) today called on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to promptly complete its review of a proposed rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which would expand the FDA's regulatory authority over tobacco products. The Senators drew particular attention to the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes or e-cigs which have more than doubled in use among high school students since the 2011-2012 school year. A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this year found that in addition to releasing candy and fruit flavored vapors that appeal to youth, many release nicotine, which could increase the likelihood that youth start using conventional cigarettes. The FDA has made commendable efforts to enhance the regulation of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. However, we have seen the emergence of nicotine products for which FDA has yet to assert regulatory authority, such as electronic cigarettes and cigars with candy-like flavors, which raise concerns regarding safety and marketing to children, the Senators wrote. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are not subject to federal age verification laws. Further, e-cigarettes marketed to appeal to kids in candy and fruit flavors, like bubblegum and strawberry, are readily available to youth in shopping malls and online. These products risk addicting children to nicotine, which could be a pathway to cigarettes and other tobacco products. In April, Durbin and U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jack Reed (D-RI) called on the FDA to issue deeming regulations asserting regulatory authority over tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes, and to restrict the sale, distribution and marketing of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products to children and young adults.A copy of that letter is available here. Tobacco use is the number one cause of death in the United States. Every year, tobacco use kills 443,000 Americans accounting for one in five deaths.The U.S. Surgeon General, the CDC, and the National Cancer Institute have concluded that smokeless tobacco causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Smoking costs the United States about $193 billion each year in health care expenses and lost productivity. [Text of today's letter is below] December 20, 2013 The Honorable Sylvia Mathew Burwell Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20503 Dear Director Burwell: We write to urge the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expeditiously review the proposed rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which would expand FDA's regulatory authority over tobacco products. Although the draft proposed rule is not public, it is expected to expand FDA's regulatory authority to all tobacco products, including cigars, pipe tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and certain dissolvable tobacco products. As a result of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, the FDA has made commendable efforts to enhance the regulation of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. However, we have seen increased use of nicotine products for which FDA has yet to assert regulatory authority, such as electronic cigarettes and cigars with candy-like flavors, which raise concerns regarding safety and marketing to children. Flavored cigars sold in flavors that appeal to kids like chocolate, cherry, and grape are increasing nicotine addiction and tobacco use among young people. Cigars contain the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes, and public health experts have warned that cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes. According to the National Cancer Institute, cigar smoking is linked to cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, and esophagus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 13 million Americans smoke cigars, including 12.6 percent of high school students, making cigar smoking the second most common form of tobacco use among youth. Electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that simulate traditional tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain cartridges filled with flavors, chemicals, and the highly addictive substance nicotine, which are vaporized and inhaled by the user. According to the CDC, e-cigarette use is growing rapidly. Between 2010 and 2011, the number of U.S. adults who have tried e-cigarettes doubled. Further, a CDC study released in September 2013 found that in just one year, from 2011 to 2012, the percentage of high school students who have ever used e-cigarettes more than doubled from 4.7% to 10%. In spite of the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and limited research on their long-term health effects and risk for increasing use of traditional cigarettes, information about e-cigarettes is currently not required to be submitted to the FDA for evaluation. In 2009, FDA conducted a limited analysis of a sample of e-cigarettes. The analysis found significant quality control issues such as the presence of carcinogens and toxic chemicals, variation in the dose of nicotine in each inhalation, and the presence of nicotine in products claiming to be nicotine-free. The study raises concerns regarding the safety of these products, the levels of nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals, and the marketing of e-cigarettes to children and teens. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are not subject to federal age verification laws. Further, e-cigarettes marketed to appeal to kids in candy and fruit flavors, like bubblegum and strawberry, are readily available to youth in shopping malls and online. These products risk addicting children to nicotine, which could be a pathway to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Tobacco use is the number one cause of death in the United States. Every year, tobacco use kills 443,000 Americans accounting for one in five deaths. The U.S. Surgeon General, the CDC, and the National Cancer Institute have concluded that smokeless tobacco causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Today, smoking costs the country about $193 billion each year in health care expenses and lost productivity. We call on the OMB to promptly complete its review of the proposed rule, a critical step toward FDA expanding regulatory authority over other tobacco products.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3e786416-a5cb-4809-bcb3-9dfada89fc02,"Durbin Asks IRS to Issue Rule Limiting What Hospitals Can Charge Poor, Uninsured for Care",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.13 Durbin Asks IRS to Issue Rule Limiting What Hospitals Can Charge Poor, Uninsured for Care Washington, D.C. – Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote to the Acting IRS Commissioner, Daniel Werfel, today asking him to complete the rulemaking process that would restrict what hospitals can charge for services to people without health care coverage and would prohibit hospitals from aggressive pursuit of medical debts from people who do not have the financial wherewithal to pay them.  The rule was required as one of the consumer protection provisions found in the Affordable Care Act.   “Three years after the passage of the law, it is unacceptable that the rule has not been finalized,” Durbin wrote. “Finalizing the rule will protect patients from unrealistic prices contained in hospital chargemasters and protect families from unrealistic debt collection efforts that that too often lead to bankruptcy.  I call on the IRS to finalize this rule as soon as possible.”   The Affordable Care Act imposed strict requirements on what non-profit hospitals can charge uninsured patients.  For emergency services, hospitals cannot charge an uninsured individual more than would be generally billed to patients that are covered by private insurance or Medicare.  For non-emergency services, hospitals must bill less than the gross cost for each individual service.  This provision also limits hospitals to pursuing collections to people who actually have the financial wherewithal to pay. The IRS has started the rulemaking process, but has yet to issue a final rule. Until they do, hospitals can continue charging the poor and uninsured unreasonable and unsustainable rates.   A copy of the letter is pasted below and attached.   December 20, 2013     Daniel I. Werfel Acting Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20224-0002   Dear Commissioner Werfel:   I urge you to complete the rulemaking process for section 9007 of the Affordable Care Act restricting what hospitals can charge for services to people without health care coverage and prohibiting hospitals from aggressive pursuit of medical debts from people who do not have the financial wherewithal to pay them.    The Affordable Care Act includes new requirements for non-profit hospital facilities to maintain or achieve 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.  Section 9007 of the law requires hospitals to perform a community health needs assessment every three years, create and publicize a financial assistance policy, limit the amount that can be charged an uninsured individual, and adopt billing and collections policies.   On June 14, 2010, the IRS issued a request for comments for Section 9007 of the Affordable Care Act (IRS Notice 2010-39).  However, since releasing this notice, the IRS has not taken concrete steps to finalize the rule.   Three years after the passage of the law, it is unacceptable that the rule has not been finalized. Finalizing the rule will protect patients from unrealistic prices contained in hospital chargemasters and protect families from unrealistic debt collection efforts that that too often lead to bankruptcy.    I call on the IRS to finalize this rule as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter.   Sincerely,   Richard J. Durbin Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-participates-in-hour-of-code-to-highlight-computer-science,Foster Participates in “Hour of Code” To Highlight Computer Science Education In Bolingbrook,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Joliet, IL — Today, Congressman Bill Foster visited BJ Ward Elementary School in Bolingbrook to participate in an “Hour of Code” event and talk about the importance of computer science education.  “As a scientist and businessman who built a career using computer programing, it’s wonderful to see students learning these important skills,” said Foster.  “Watching kids learn to code is an important reminder that any child can succeed if given the tools and training.  Learning computer science skills is essential for success in today’s economy and should be a core part of our children’s education.” Rep. Foster spoke with students about how as teenagers, he and his brother Fred started a company in their basement that now manufactures most of the computerized theater lighting equipment in the U.S., including Disneyland, Broadway shows, Super-Bowl halftime shows, churches, schools, and community theatres throughout the world. Foster also explained the importance of computer code in scientific research.  Computer simulations were essential in the discovery of the Top Quark, the heaviest known form of matter, at the experiment Foster worked on at Fermilab.  Foster worked at Fermilab for 23 years. Congressman Foster spent the next hour in Katie Rios Thomas' classroom, watching and helping her students as they got their first hands-on experience writing simple computer programs.  The Hour of Code is a nationwide event sponsored by Code.org, encouraging students to learn more about computer science education.  More information is available here. ""The kids were making amazing progress.  We saw them start from zero, then watched them optimizing code size by adjusting iteration counts on program loops within the first 45 minutes"", added Foster. Anyone can participate in the hour of code by going to code.org/learn.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=589,"EPA Muzzling Scientists, Says Science Committee",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), along with 20 members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy highlighting serious problems with the agency’s proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for power plants. Specifically, the Committee members pointed out that any EPA rule requiring the capture of carbon must address where the carbon is stored. Recently, the Work Group charged with reviewing EPA’s major regulatory actions recommended a review of the science underpinning the newest power plant rule. The 88-page recommendation highlighted the fact that EPA rushed ahead with its NSPS proposal without waiting for the advice of the agency’s independent scientists and that the underlying science lacked adequate peer review.  However, when these problems were raised, a senior official at EPA deflected the scientists’ criticisms by claiming that the rule doesn’t need to address carbon dioxide storage. “We are concerned about the agency’s apparent disregard for the concerns of its science advisors,” the letter reads. “Science is a valuable tool to help policymakers navigate complex issues. However, when inconvenient facts are disregarded or when dissenting voices are muzzled, a frank discussion becomes impossible. The EPA cannot continue to rush ahead with costly regulations without allowing time for a real-world look at the science. “The claim that the rule doesn’t need to address storage concerns highlights your agency’s continued lack of transparency and consistent attempts to avoid accountability. The EPA’s proposed power plant regulations will put Americans out of work and will make electricity more expensive and less reliable. It is misleading and dangerous for EPA to quietly dismiss inconvenient facts and ignore the consequences of its costly regulations. Americans deserve honesty.” The full letter is available below. ### 121913_mccarthy.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301092626/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schneider-announces-support-of-nuclear-weapon-free-iran-act,Rep. Schneider Announces Support of Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced his support for the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, which was introduced today by 26 Senators, including Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and would implement new sanctions on Iran if the regime breaks the terms of the interim agreement or fails to reach a final agreement. “As the Administration continues to explore a diplomatic solution, we need to send a clear, strong message to Iran that the United States is fully committed to implementing additional, punishing economic sanctions if Iran fails to abide by the Joint Plan of Action or refuses to reach a final agreement to permanently end its nuclear weapons programs,” Schneider said. “This bill reinforces and builds on the core architecture of the sanctions regime that was successful in bringing Iran to the negotiating table. The goal of sanctions and the consequential negotiations remains reversing and dismantling Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran must come to the table understanding that negotiations leading to an end to its nuclear program is the one and only path to sanctions relief.” The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act expands the breadth and depth of the sanctions architecture, extending the reach to companies, individuals and economic sectors that would be subject to greater sanctions should the Iranian regime fail to implement terms of the Joint Plan of Action (JPA) or attempt to delay negotiations towards a permanent nuclear deal. Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is a leader in the effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He helped coauthor and pass new, broader sanctions legislation in the House in July, and in October, he sent a letter, signed by 77 of his colleagues, urging the Obama Administration to authorize additional sanctions on Iran. Earlier this month, The Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act, introduced by Schneider and Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), to help strengthen Israel’s defense systems against threats like a nuclear Iran, unanimously passed the House by a vote of 399-0.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301115706/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/memo-bustos-fighting-for-the-right-priorities-during-first-year-in,MEMO: Bustos Fighting for the Right Priorities During First Year in Office,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"During her first year in office, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has fought hard for the priorities that matter most to the people of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.  She’s made the economy of her region her top priority, led efforts to create more American manufacturing jobs, took action to protect Social Security and Medicare and has been an advocate for veterans.  She’s also made a concrete effort to work with both Democrats and Republicans on common sense solutions to our nation’s debt and deficit issues that put working families first. As we head into the New Year, we wanted to highlight some of the ways Congresswoman Bustos has been a strong advocate for the people of her region: Bustos Fighting for Illinois Jobs and Economy During her first year in office, Congresswoman Bustos has made fighting for American jobs and manufacturing a top priority.  As part of the House Democrats’ “Make it in America” initiative, in April, Bustos introduced the American Jobs Matter Act, a common sense bill that would increase American manufacturing and boost job creation at home by allowing the government to consider the creation of American jobs when accepting bids for taxpayer-funded federal contracts.  In April, Bustos toured the seven community colleges that serve the region to meet with students, faculty, administrators, and businesspeople.  Following the tour, she introduced the Access to Education and Training Act which would allow students, many of whom are non-traditional, who receive Pell grants to take advantage of them year-round so they can complete their courses faster and get back into the workforce.  Bustos has also launched “Partnering for Illinois’ Economic Future,” to help increase collaboration to create jobs and bolster the region’s economy.  As part of this on-going initiative, Bustos partnered with the University of Illinois to hold three regional economic meetings in August and a district-wide economic summit in November; she’s also solicited the public through a variety of ways to get input on how to best improve the region’s economic future.    Due to the important role agriculture plays in her region’s economy, Bustos, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has fought hard for a bipartisan five-year Farm Bill.  As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she joined with Senators Durbin and Kirk and Republican Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) to introduce Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act (WIN P3 Act), which could help upgrade the aging locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers while also saving taxpayers money.  She has also fought to help ensure the job-creating Thomson Prison has the resources it needs to open.   Additionally, Bustos has introduced or supported efforts to strengthen the “Buy America” requirements for transportation and infrastructure projects, eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, crack down on unfair currency manipulation from countries like China, fight against sequestration and furloughs and ensure that American flags are made right here in America. Bustos also holds regular “Cheri on Shifts” where she meets with and shadows workers at their job site.   Protecting Medicare and Social Security Congresswoman Bustos has been a champion for Illinois seniors and has fought to protect Social Security benefits and the Medicare guarantee. In March, Bustos held a telephone town hall with Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08), the senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee, to discuss her opposition to the Republican Budget that would end Medicare as we know it by turning the program over to private insurance companies.  She was also honored by the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans for her strong support for both Medicare and Social Security and her opposition to switching to a so-called “chained CPI” system in calculating Social Security benefits.   This fall, Bustos partnered with Max Richtman, the President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on a telephone town hall and authored an op-ed to discuss her work to protect seniors.  She also joined with Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) to ensure that Medicare open enrollment was not affected by the reckless and irresponsible government shutdown in October.  Most recently, Congresswoman Bustos called on the Budget Conference Committee to protect Social Security and Medicare in a budget deal. Standing up for our Veterans Since being sworn in, Congresswoman Bustos has made our nation’s veterans a top priority, has crisscrossed the region on veterans’ listening tours to hear their concerns and has relentlessly fought to protect the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. Earlier this year, she joined with Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to introduce the bipartisan Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act that would help put veterans back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels and rail lines.  And, with input from her “Standing up for our Veterans” tour, Bustos spearheaded a new effort to create jobs for our nation’s veterans by introducing the Jobs for Heroes Act.  This bill would not only extend, but also expand two expiring federal business tax credits designed to spur veteran employment.  Bustos has also worked to cut down on the growing VA claims backlog, protect veterans education and job training programs, put an end to veterans’ homelessness and military sexual assault and led a group of 37 members of the House of Representative in calling for veterans to be protected during the government shutdown. She also participates in the Library of Congress’ “Veterans History Project” that seeks to collect, preserve and make accessible personal accounts of veterans and frequently greets veteran Honor Flights both in Illinois and Washington, D.C.   Working with Democrats and Republicans on Common Sense Efforts to Reduce the Deficit Bustos has advocated strongly for bipartisan, common sense approaches to cutting unnecessary government spending and reducing the deficit in a balanced way that does not harm working families. The first bill Bustos introduced as a Member of Congress was the Government Waste Reduction Act, which is a common sense bill that attacks billions of dollars in government waste and helps ensure government programs are more economical, efficient, and effective.  Building on that effort, she partnered with Illinois’ Republican Senator Mark Kirk in July to put forth the Government Transformation Act that would cut duplicative services and root out waste in government. This bill was incorporated into No Labels’ “Make Government Work” legislative package. In November, Bustos led a common sense effort with Republican Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) to stop paying tax dollars to deceased people.  Supported by more than 60 members of the House of Representatives, the Improper Payments Agency Cooperation Enhancement (IPACE) Act curbs improper payments to the deceased and could potentially save the government from wasting billions in taxpayer money. Congresswoman Bustos is also recognized as a No Labels’ “Congressional Problem Solver” due to her dedication to working across the aisle to find reasonable solutions to our nation’s problems.  No Labels is a group of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans who meet on a regular basis to build trust across the aisle and to develop solutions for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140727171238/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/bustos-durbin-applaud-new-task-force-to-fight-violent-crime-in,"Bustos, Durbin Applaud New Task Force To Fight Violent Crime In Winnebago County",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Following today’s announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) commended local law enforcement leaders for coordinating their efforts to address violent crime in the Winnebago County area. The new partnership is an outgrowth of a meeting Durbin and Bustos convened with law enforcement leaders in Rockford earlier this year to discuss strategies for coordinating crime fighting across jurisdictions.  “This past spring, Congresswoman Bustos and I met with Rockford-area law enforcement leaders to discuss the importance of effective cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in fighting violent crime,” Durbin said. “Since that meeting, these officials have worked hard to formulate a plan that enhances information-sharing and coordination between agencies, and I am pleased to see such a plan put in place today. I applaud everyone involved for their ongoing efforts to keep families and communities in Winnebago County safe.” “Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Durbin and local law enforcement leaders from the Rockford area to discuss ways to better collaborate and work together to crack down on the violent crime hurting families across the region,” said Bustos.  “I applaud today’s important announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force.  This new regional collaboration will help make Rockford and Winnebago County communities safer for children and families, and better places to live and work, by enhancing partnerships between city, county and federal law enforcement agencies.” In May, Durbin and Bustos convened a meeting with city, county and federal law enforcement officials to hear about the violent crime facing Rockford and the law enforcement response. The meeting focused on ensuring cooperation between law enforcement agencies on crime prevention efforts and the sharing of important information between jurisdictions.  The task force announced today is an outgrowth of that meeting.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919161106/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=d39e97c6-130f-4507-8d4b-0f2a09df1646,Creating Jobs and Providing Economic Certainty for America's Middle Class,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"During a press conference with Senate Democratic Leadership, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) discussed Senate Democrats? commitment to creating jobs and providing economic certainty for America?s middle class. Senator Durbin spoke on several issues including extending federal unemployment benefits, helping hardworking families tackle the burden of student loan debt, and raising the federal minimum wage. The first bill the Senate will consider when it returns in January will be an extension of unemployment benefits for those still struggling to get back on their feet.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141101171106/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=4869149e-0ba7-4630-81ab-514598ed4b07,Get Covered Illinois,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Whether you are currently uninsured, or just looking for new options, visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov or call (866) 311-1119 to learn more about the plans offered in the Illinois health insurance marketplace. To ensure coverage by January 1st, you must sign up by December 23rd. So visit or call today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-and-kirk-support-argonne-proposal-to-help-mass-transit-systems-handle-emergency-events,Durbin And Kirk Support Argonne Proposal To Help Mass Transit Systems Handle Emergency Events,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin And Kirk Support Argonne Proposal To Help Mass Transit Systems Handle Emergency Events [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined together yesterday to write U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx in support of Argonne National Laboratory's proposal for the Department of Transportation's new research program examining the capacity of mass transit systems to plan for and respond to emergency events. Argonne's proposal was developed in partnership with Metra, Pace Suburban Bus Service, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Durbin met with Secretary Foxx yesterday to discuss this and other Illinois transportation issues. A photo of yesterday's meeting is available here. The lack of evacuation planning and coordination among transit systems can be catastrophic, the Senators wrote. [Argonne's] project will develop new computational tools that can be used by transit agencies for planning and reacting to sever weather events, service disruptions, and catastrophic failures. The Chicago region, with its integrated multi-modal transportation and mass-transit systems, will serve as a test bed for new, nationally applicable emergency planning and operational tools and demonstration efforts. This initiative will help to improve the current state of emergency response throughout the United States. The full text of the Senators' letter is below: December 18, 2013 The Honorable Anthony Foxx U.S. Secretary of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx, As you consider proposals for the Innovative Safety, Resiliency, and All-Safety Hazards Emergency Response and Recovery Research Demonstrations FOA solicitation, we write to bring to your attention the Coordinated Transit Response Planning and Operations Support Tools for Mitigating Impacts of All-Hazard Emergency Events proposal, submitted by Argonne National Laboratory. The lack of evacuation planning and coordination among transit systems can be catastrophic. Hurricane Katrina underscored the need to plan for efficient mass evacuation procedures for people without cars and to design systems capable of prioritizing the transit needs of the most vulnerable populations prior to, during, and after disaster events. This project will develop new computational tools that can be used by transit agencies for planning and reacting to severe weather events, service disruptions, and catastrophic failures. Two regional transit agencies, the Chicago metropolitan area and the Illinois Department of Transportation, have already committed to participate in this effort. The Urban Transportation Center and the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the College of Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology also will be involved. The Chicago region, with its integrated multi-modal transportation and mass-transit systems, will serve as a test bed for new, nationally applicable emergency planning and response tools. The participating regional transit agencies will be improved in the development of the planning and operational tools and demonstration efforts. This team will operate as an open source so that the new computational tools will be available to other transit operators and researchers. This initiative will help to improve the current state of emergency response throughout the United States. For this reason, we ask that you give this proposal every consideration. Sincerely, Richard Durbin Mark Kirk U.S. Senator U.S. Senator Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-bustos-applaud-new-task-force-to-fight-violent-crime-in-winnebago-county,"Durbin, Bustos Applaud New Task Force to Fight Violent Crime in Winnebago County",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Bustos Applaud New Task Force to Fight Violent Crime in Winnebago County [WASHINGTON, DC] Following today's announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) commended local law enforcement leaders for coordinating their efforts to address violent crime in the Winnebago County area. The new partnership is an outgrowth of a meeting Durbin and Bustos convened with law enforcement leaders in Rockford earlier this year to discuss strategies for coordinating crime fighting across jurisdictions. This past spring, Congresswoman Bustos and I met with Rockford-area law enforcement leaders to discuss the importance of effective cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in fighting violent crime, Durbin said. Since that meeting, these officials have worked hard to formulate a plan that enhances information-sharing and coordination between agencies, and I am pleased to see such a plan put in place today. I applaud everyone involved for their ongoing efforts to keep families and communities in Winnebago County safe. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Durbin and local law enforcement leaders from the Rockford area to discuss ways to better collaborate and work together to crack down on the violent crime hurting families across the region, said Bustos. I applaud today's important announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force. This new regional collaboration will help make Rockford and Winnebago County communities safer for children and families, and better places to live and work, by enhancing partnerships between city, county and federal law enforcement agencies. In May, Durbin and Bustos convened a meeting with city, county and federal law enforcement officials to hear about the violent crime facing Rockford and the law enforcement response. The meeting focused on ensuring cooperation between law enforcement agencies on crime prevention efforts and the sharing of important information between jurisdictions. The task force announced today is an outgrowth of that meeting. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-priorities-for-creating-jobs-and-growing-americas-middle-class,Durbin Discusses Priorities for Creating Jobs and Growing America's Middle Class,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin Discusses Priorities for Creating Jobs and Growing America's Middle Class [WASHINGTON, D.C.] During a press conference with Senate Democratic Leadership, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) discussed Senate Democrats' commitment to creating jobs and providing economic certainty for America's middle class. Senator Durbin spoke on several issues including extending federal unemployment benefits, helping hardworking families tackle the burden of student loan debt, and raising the federal minimum wage. The first bill the Senate will consider when it returns in January will be an extension of unemployment benefits for those still struggling to get back on their feet. This issue of unemployment benefits means that about 1.3 million Americans are going to see their benefits cut, 63,000 in my home state of Illinois. For many of these people, unemployment benefits are their only source of income. It may mean the difference of whether they're homeless or have a place to live. Including workers' families, nearly 69 million people, including 17 million children, were supported by extended unemployment insurance benefits. If we really care about working families and those who are on their way back to work, we've got to extend these unemployment benefit. And the last point I want to make, if we're sensitive to the needs of working families, we cannot ignore the burden that many of these families face because of student loan debt. I just completed a press conference this morning with Elizabeth Warren and Jack Reed. Barbara Boxer is joining us in this effort. It is time for us to tackle head-on this unfair treatment of students and their families across America and the economic burden it creates for them and the drag it creates on our economy. When we return next year, we need to make working families our highest priority. Earlier this month, Durbin, Reed and Warren joined U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in introducing the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-delegation-call-on-president-to-provide-federal-public-assistance-for-southern-and-central-illinois-counties,"Durbin, Kirk, Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Public Assistance for Southern and Central Illinois Counties",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Kirk, Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Public Assistance for Southern and Central Illinois Counties [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation today sending a letter to President Obama asking him to provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance to help nine Illinois counties recover from the deadly tornadoes that struck the state on November 17, 2013. The tornado damage from severe storms this fall in Central and Southern Illinois that I saw firsthand was some of the worst I have ever seen, said Durbin. It will take months and even years to rebuild. Additional help is needed to give families in Central and Southern Illinois some relief, especially so close to the holiday season. I thank President Obama for declaration of Individual Assistance and hazard mitigation assistance last month, which is already helping many in my state recover from these horrible storms. ""Having seen firsthand the devastation that November's tornadoes brought to thousands of Illinois families, I strongly urge President Obama to provide adequate public assistance and relief to the families and communities affected by these storms,"" Sen. Kirk said. ""The counties affected are facing millions of dollars in damage repairs, and would greatly benefit from further assistance by our Federal government in order to begin the process of rebuilding."" Today, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn sent a letter to President Obama requesting FEMA Public Assistance for nine Illinois counties Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford due to immense storm damage. Governor Quinn noted that the federal Public Assistance would remove debris, repair damage to public water systems, and continue day-to-day operations as recovery from the disaster continues over the next several months. Members signing on to today's letter include Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bill Enyart (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL) Aaron Schock (R-IL), and John Shimkus (R-IL). [Text of the letter below] December 19, 2013 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: We write in support of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance for nine Illinois counties to help them recover from the deadly tornadoes that struck our state on November 17, 2013. Federal assistance is needed in Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford Counties. Governor Quinn indicates that federal Public Assistance is needed to help the affected communities remove debris, repair damage to public water systems, and continue day-to-day operations as recovery from the disaster continues over the next several months. Twenty-five tornadoes touched down in Illinois that day, killing six people in our state. Two of the tornadoes were category EF4, with wind speeds up to 200-miles per hour. The weather event was the fourth largest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history and the largest in Illinois history. The state has dedicated significant resources to the response and recovery effort, but federal help is needed. Thank you for your disaster declaration on November 26, in which 15 counties were given federal Individual Assistance. Grants from this program are helping people in Illinois find temporary housing and begin repairing their homes. About 1,000 homes in the state were rendered uninhabitable due to the tornadoes. We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that these counties can receive the assistance they need. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-warren-student-loan-debt-is-hurting-americas-middle-class,"Durbin, Reed, Warren: Student Loan Debt Is Hurting America's Middle Class",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Reed, Warren: Student Loan Debt Is Hurting America's Middle Class Senators discuss legislative agenda for 2014 to help working families better manage student loan debt and ensure basic protections for new students [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today vowed to do more to address America's exploding student loan debt crisis that is reducing homeownership, jeopardizing retirement security, limiting the formation of small businesses, and leading to more income inequality in this country. On a conference call with reporters, the three Senators discussed the higher education priorities they will focus on next year to help working families better manage their student loan debt and ensure basic protections for new students. When we voted to stop interest rates on federal student loans from doubling, we promised to address the underlying causes of skyrocketing higher education costs and the resulting unsustainable student debt in America, said Durbin. Over the last six months, our group of Senators has been working together on a legislative agenda to encourage reform to help students and their families. Students should not have to sign their lives away to pay for their education. On today's call, Senator Reed announced that he, along with Senators Durbin and Warren, is introducing the Protect Student Borrowers Act of 2013 to help make institutions of higher education more accountable for student indebtedness by requiring institutions to assume some of the risk of a student loan default. The biggest driver of student loan debt is the rising cost of college and we needed to tackle this issue from a variety of angles. I am pleased to join with Senators Durbin and Warren to offer a series of solutions to improve servicing and support for borrowers who are struggling to repay their loans and an opportunity to refinance. We also want states to step up and reinvest in higher education to stop the skyrocketing increases in public school tuition and we want institutions to have more skin in the game to provide a better and more affordable education to students, which will help put the brakes on rising student loan defaults. And look, there is a real incentive to get this right: not just to help students, but to boost our economy. Making college more affordable and ensuring hard working graduates can retire their student debt in a reasonable fashion will unlock a great deal of economic potential and consumer demand and that will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy, said Senator Reed, who today introduced the Partnerships for Affordability and Student Success (PASS) Act, which will help revitalize the federal-state partnership through a formula grant to states with a focus on need-based aid, grants to institutions to improve student outcomes and reduce college costs, and public accountability. States will be required to have a comprehensive plan for higher education with measurable goals for enrollment, affordability, and outcomes for students. Our higher education system is broken, and we need to make fixing it a real priority. We can start by restoring consumer protections to student loans to relieve the burden of existing student loan debt, which is crushing our families. We can also bring down the cost of tuition by investing in our next generation and leveraging federal dollars to incentivize states and institutions to keep costs low and quality high. I will continue to prioritize these goals and look for ways to tackle the rising cost of college through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act,"" Warren said. Americans have accumulated $1.2 trillion in student loan debt. This is now the largest household debt after mortgages, outpacing credit cards and showing no signs of slowing. Seven in ten college seniors who graduated last year had student loan debt, with an average of $29,400 per borrower. From 2008 to 2012, debt at graduation increased an average of 6% each year. Right now, young people are trapped between needing a college degree and burying themselves in debt to earn it, said Ethan Senack, higher education associate for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, an organization with student members on seventy-five college campuses. If we're going to tackle college affordability and our monstrous student debt, we need more lawmakers to make the real commitment to higher education that Senators Durbin, Reed, and Warren made today. Millennials are the first generation in American history expected to be financially worse off than their parents, and much of this has to do with student loan debt, said Matthew Segal, co-founder of OurTime.org. The time has arrived for us to step back and ask ourselves: should higher education merely be a commodity for the banking sector or a public good that benefits us all? The answer, at the moment, is far too skewed in one direction. Ensuring Basic Rights for Student Loan Borrowers Earlier this month, Durbin, Reed and Warren joined U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in introducing the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them. The legislation provides six basic rights for all federal and private student loan borrowers: The right to have options such as alternative payment plans to avoid default. The right to be informed about key terms and conditions of the loan and any repayment options to ensure changing plans won't cost more. The right to know your loan's servicer and who to reach out to when there is a problem. The right to consistency when it comes to how monthly payments are applied. Lenders and servicers should also honor promotions and promises that are advertised or offered. The right to fairness, like grace periods when loans are transferred or debt cancellation when the borrower dies or becomes disabled. The right to accountability, including timely resolution of errors and certification of private loans. Restoring Bankruptcy Relief by Treating Student Loan Debt Like Other Private Debt Durbin, Reed and Warren also discussed the need to pass the Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2013 which would restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of private debt. Since 1978, governmentissued or guaranteed student loans have been treated as nondischargeable during bankruptcy in order to safeguard federal investments in higher education. In 2005, the law was unjustifiably changed to give private student loans the same privileged bankruptcy treatment as government loans, even though private student loans have vastly different terms and fewer consumer protections. The bill introduced by Durbin in January and cosponsored by Reed and Warren would restore the bankruptcy law, as it pertains to private student loans, to the language that was in place before 2005 so that privately issued student loans will once again be dischargeable in bankruptcy like nearly all other forms of private debt. There are very few types of debts that the bankruptcy law subjects to a different standard, allowing for discharge in only the most extreme circumstances. For example, the bankruptcy code makes it especially difficult for people to discharge child support responsibilities, overdue taxes, and criminal fines. Privately issued student loans should not be on that list. Other cosponsors of the Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2013 include the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), John Rockefeller (D-WV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Brining to Light the Stark Differences Between Federal and Private Student Loans The Know Before You Owe Act of 2013, which was included as part of the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act, would require schools to counsel students before they sign on to expensive, even unnecessary, private student loan debt and inform them if they have any untapped federal student aid eligibility. It would also require the prospective borrower's school to confirm the student's enrollment status, cost of attendance and estimated federal financial aid assistance before the private student loan is approved. There are several stark differences between private student loans and federal student loans. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates and offer an array of consumer protections and favorable terms, including deferment and forbearance in times of economic hardship, as well as manageable repayment options, such as the Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. In contrast, private student loans involve only private profit and often resemble credit cards rather than financial aid with uncapped variable interest rates (which spiked as high as 18% in recent years), hefty origination fees and few, if any, consumer protections. Private student loans are ineligible for federal forgiveness, cancellation or repayment programs. Durbin introduced and Reed cosponsored the Know Before You Owe Act of 2013 in January. It is also cosponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=58bbd84a-57cc-4cef-8550-3776b0936c1b,"Durbin, Bustos Applaud New Task Force to Fight Violent Crime in Winnebago County",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Bustos Applaud New Task Force to Fight Violent Crime in Winnebago County   [WASHINGTON, DC] – Following today’s announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) commended local law enforcement leaders for coordinating their efforts to address violent crime in the Winnebago County area. The new partnership is an outgrowth of a meeting Durbin and Bustos convened with law enforcement leaders in Rockford earlier this year to discuss strategies for coordinating crime fighting across jurisdictions.    “This past spring, Congresswoman Bustos and I met with Rockford-area law enforcement leaders to discuss the importance of effective cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in fighting violent crime,” Durbin said. “Since that meeting, these officials have worked hard to formulate a plan that enhances information-sharing and coordination between agencies, and I am pleased to see such a plan put in place today. I applaud everyone involved for their ongoing efforts to keep families and communities in Winnebago County safe.”   “Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Durbin and local law enforcement leaders from the Rockford area to discuss ways to better collaborate and work together to crack down on the violent crime hurting families across the region,” said Bustos.  “I applaud today’s important announcement of the formation of the Winnebago County Violent Crime Task Force.  This new regional collaboration will help make Rockford and Winnebago County communities safer for children and families, and better places to live and work, by enhancing partnerships between city, county and federal law enforcement agencies.”   In May, Durbin and Bustos convened a meeting with city, county and federal law enforcement officials to hear about the violent crime facing Rockford and the law enforcement response. The meeting focused on ensuring cooperation between law enforcement agencies on crime prevention efforts and the sharing of important information between jurisdictions.  The task force announced today is an outgrowth of that meeting. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9324f6b4-c60a-4ee5-86ba-a0eedf15f71a,"Durbin, Reed, Warren: Student Loan Debt Is Hurting America's Middle Class",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Reed, Warren: Student Loan Debt Is Hurting America's Middle Class Senators discuss legislative agenda for 2014 to help working families better manage student loan debt and ensure basic protections for new students [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today vowed to do more to address America’s exploding student loan debt crisis that is reducing homeownership, jeopardizing retirement security, limiting the formation of small businesses, and leading to more income inequality in this country.  On a conference call with reporters, the three Senators discussed the higher education priorities they will focus on next year to help working families better manage their student loan debt and ensure basic protections for new students.    “When we voted to stop interest rates on federal student loans from doubling, we promised to address the underlying causes of skyrocketing higher education costs and the resulting unsustainable student debt in America,” said Durbin.  “Over the last six months, our group of Senators has been working together on a legislative agenda to encourage reform to help students and their families.  Students should not have to sign their lives away to pay for their education.”   On today’s call, Senator Reed announced that he, along with Senators Durbin and Warren, is introducing the Protect Student Borrowers Act of 2013 to help make institutions of higher education more accountable for student indebtedness by requiring institutions to assume some of the risk of a student loan default.   “The biggest driver of student loan debt is the rising cost of college and we needed to tackle this issue from a variety of angles.  I am pleased to join with Senators Durbin and Warren to offer a series of solutions to improve servicing and support for borrowers who are struggling to repay their loans and an opportunity to refinance.  We also want states to step up and reinvest in higher education to stop the skyrocketing increases in public school tuition and we want institutions to have more skin in the game to provide a better and more affordable education to students, which will help put the brakes on rising student loan defaults.  And look, there is a real incentive to get this right: not just to help students, but to boost our economy.  Making college more affordable and ensuring hard working graduates can retire their student debt in a reasonable fashion will unlock a great deal of economic potential and consumer demand and that will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy,” said Senator Reed, who today introduced the Partnerships for Affordability and Student Success (PASS) Act, which will help revitalize the federal-state partnership through a formula grant to states with a focus on need-based aid, grants to institutions to improve student outcomes and reduce college costs, and public accountability.   States will be required to have a comprehensive plan for higher education with measurable goals for enrollment, affordability, and outcomes for students.    “Our higher education system is broken, and we need to make fixing it a real priority. We can start by restoring consumer protections to student loans to relieve the burden of existing student loan debt, which is crushing our families. We can also bring down the cost of tuition by investing in our next generation and leveraging federal dollars to incentivize states and institutions to keep costs low and quality high. I will continue to prioritize these goals and look for ways to tackle the rising cost of college through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act,"" Warren said.   Americans have accumulated $1.2 trillion in student loan debt.  This is now the largest household debt after mortgages, outpacing credit cards and showing no signs of slowing.  Seven in ten college seniors who graduated last year had student loan debt, with an average of $29,400 per borrower.  From 2008 to 2012, debt at graduation increased an average of 6% each year.   “Right now, young people are trapped between needing a college degree and burying themselves in debt to earn it,” said Ethan Senack, higher education associate for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, an organization with student members on seventy-five college campuses. “If we’re going to tackle college affordability and our monstrous student debt, we need more lawmakers to make the real commitment to higher education that Senators Durbin, Reed, and Warren made today.”   “Millennials are the first generation in American history expected to be financially worse off than their parents, and much of this has to do with student loan debt,” said Matthew Segal, co-founder of OurTime.org. “The time has arrived for us to step back and ask ourselves: should higher education merely be a commodity for the banking sector or a public good that benefits us all? The answer, at the moment, is far too skewed in one direction.”   Ensuring Basic Rights for Student Loan Borrowers   Earlier this month, Durbin, Reed and Warren joined U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in introducing the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them.  The legislation provides six basic rights for all federal and private student loan borrowers:   The right to have options such as alternative payment plans to avoid default.   The right to be informed about key terms and conditions of the loan and any repayment options to ensure changing plans won’t cost more.   The right to know your loan’s servicer and who to reach out to when there is a problem.   The right to consistency when it comes to how monthly payments are applied. Lenders and servicers should also honor promotions and promises that are advertised or offered.    The right to fairness, like grace periods when loans are transferred or debt cancellation when the borrower dies or becomes disabled.   The right to accountability, including timely resolution of errors and certification of private loans.   Restoring Bankruptcy Relief by Treating Student Loan Debt Like Other Private Debt   Durbin, Reed and Warren also discussed the need to pass the Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2013 which would restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of private debt.  Since 1978, government issued or guaranteed student loans have been treated as nondischargeable during bankruptcy in order to safeguard federal investments in higher education.  In 2005, the law was unjustifiably changed to give private student loans the same privileged bankruptcy treatment as government loans, even though private student loans have vastly different terms and fewer consumer protections.  The bill introduced by Durbin in January and cosponsored by Reed and Warren would restore the bankruptcy law, as it pertains to private student loans, to the language that was in place before 2005 so that privately issued student loans will once again be dischargeable in bankruptcy like nearly all other forms of private debt.    There are very few types of debts that the bankruptcy law subjects to a different standard, allowing for discharge in only the most extreme circumstances.  For example, the bankruptcy code makes it especially difficult for people to discharge child support responsibilities, overdue taxes, and criminal fines.  Privately issued student loans should not be on that list.   Other cosponsors of the Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2013 include the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), John Rockefeller (D-WV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).    Brining to Light the Stark Differences Between Federal and Private Student Loans   The Know Before You Owe Act of 2013, which was included as part of the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act, would require schools to counsel students before they sign on to expensive, even unnecessary, private student loan debt and inform them if they have any untapped federal student aid eligibility.  It would also require the prospective borrower’s school to confirm the student’s enrollment status, cost of attendance and estimated federal financial aid assistance before the private student loan is approved.    There are several stark differences between private student loans and federal student loans. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates and offer an array of consumer protections and favorable terms, including deferment and forbearance in times of economic hardship, as well as manageable repayment options, such as the Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.   In contrast, private student loans involve only private profit and often resemble credit cards rather than financial aid with uncapped variable interest rates (which spiked as high as 18% in recent years), hefty origination fees and few, if any, consumer protections.  Private student loans are ineligible for federal forgiveness, cancellation or repayment programs.   Durbin introduced and Reed cosponsored the Know Before You Owe Act of 2013 in January.  It is also cosponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=bf35ff17-5cf6-41e3-8a79-35b82cc53e61,"Durbin, Kirk, Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Public Assistance for Southern and Central Illinois Counties",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin, Kirk, Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Public Assistance for Southern and Central Illinois Counties [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation today sending a letter to President Obama asking him to provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance to help nine Illinois counties recover from the deadly tornadoes that struck the state on November 17, 2013.   “The tornado damage from severe storms this fall in Central and Southern Illinois that I saw firsthand was some of the worst I have ever seen,” said Durbin. “It will take months and even years to rebuild. Additional help is needed to give families in Central and Southern Illinois some relief, especially so close to the holiday season. I thank President Obama for declaration of Individual Assistance and hazard mitigation assistance last month, which is already helping many in my state recover from these horrible storms.”   ""Having seen firsthand the devastation that November's tornadoes brought to thousands of Illinois families, I strongly urge President Obama to provide adequate public assistance and relief to the families and communities affected by these storms,"" Sen. Kirk said. ""The counties affected are facing millions of dollars in damage repairs, and would greatly benefit from further assistance by our Federal government in order to begin the process of rebuilding.""   Today, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn sent a letter to President Obama requesting FEMA Public Assistance for nine Illinois counties – Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford – due to immense storm damage. Governor Quinn noted that the federal Public Assistance would remove debris, repair damage to public water systems, and continue day-to-day operations as recovery from the disaster continues over the next several months.   Members signing on to today’s letter include Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bill Enyart (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL) Aaron Schock (R-IL), and John Shimkus (R-IL).   [Text of the letter below]   December 19, 2013   The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, DC   Dear Mr. President:   We write in support of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance for nine Illinois counties to help them recover from the deadly tornadoes that struck our state on November 17, 2013.  Federal assistance is needed in Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford Counties.  Governor Quinn indicates that federal Public Assistance is needed to help the affected communities remove debris, repair damage to public water systems, and continue day-to-day operations as recovery from the disaster continues over the next several months.   Twenty-five tornadoes touched down in Illinois that day, killing six people in our state.  Two of the tornadoes were category EF4, with wind speeds up to 200-miles per hour.  The weather event was the fourth largest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history and the largest in Illinois history.  The state has dedicated significant resources to the response and recovery effort, but federal help is needed.   Thank you for your disaster declaration on November 26, in which 15 counties were given federal Individual Assistance.  Grants from this program are helping people in Illinois find temporary housing and begin repairing their homes.  About 1,000 homes in the state were rendered uninhabitable due to the tornadoes.    We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that these counties can receive the assistance they need.  We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=d8be44f7-4945-4fa5-b2ca-9938382104a2,Durbin Discusses Priorities for Creating Jobs and Growing America's Middle Class,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.13 Durbin Discusses Priorities for Creating Jobs and Growing America's Middle Class [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – During a press conference with Senate Democratic Leadership, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) discussed Senate Democrats’ commitment to creating jobs and providing economic certainty for America’s middle class. Senator Durbin spoke on several issues including extending federal unemployment benefits, helping hardworking families tackle the burden of student loan debt, and raising the federal minimum wage. The first bill the Senate will consider when it returns in January will be an extension of unemployment benefits for those still struggling to get back on their feet.   “This issue of unemployment benefits means that about 1.3 million Americans are going to see their benefits cut, 63,000 in my home state of Illinois. For many of these people, unemployment benefits are their only source of income. It may mean the difference of whether they're homeless or have a place to live. Including workers' families, nearly 69 million people, including 17 million children, were supported by extended unemployment insurance benefits. If we really care about working families and those who are on their way back to work, we've got to extend these unemployment benefit.”   “And the last point I want to make, if we're sensitive to the needs of working families, we cannot ignore the burden that many of these families face because of student loan debt. I just completed a press conference this morning with Elizabeth Warren and Jack Reed. Barbara Boxer is joining us in this effort. It is time for us to tackle head-on this unfair treatment of students and their families across America and the economic burden it creates for them and the drag it creates on our economy. When we return next year, we need to make working families our highest priority.”   Earlier this month, Durbin, Reed and Warren joined U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in introducing the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them.  Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/illinois-members-release-county-by-county-numbers-of-those-affected-by,Illinois Members Release County-By-County Numbers of Those Affected by Not Extending Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 28th almost 82,000 people in Illinois are set to lose their unemployment insurance coverage because House Republicans blocked an effort to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program into 2014.  An additional 89,000 people in Illinois will lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program. Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.  The CEA estimates that in Illinois alone, failing to extend the program will cost 13,345 jobs.  The county-by-county breakdown, based on the total number of people in Illinois currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. “Three days after Christmas, 1.3 million people will lose their emergency unemployment benefits,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky.  “That is inexcusable and Congress has an obligation to ensure that millions of people can keep their modest benefits.  I continue to urge Speaker Boehner to call the House back into session to take a vote on extending these crucial unemployment benefits, which if not extended will harm both families and local economies, and result in the loss of 240,000 more jobs.” “Unemployed Americans shouldn’t have to wait around for Congress to do the right thing and protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Rep. Mike Quigley.  “Failure to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program would hurt job growth and devastate recipients in the Chicago area at a time when they need this critical benefit the most.” “I am very disappointed that Congress went home for the year without extending unemployment insurance,” said Rep. Bill Foster.  “Our economy is still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression.  Now is not the time to pull this important safety net out from under thousands of Illinois residents who are still searching for employment. ” “It's simply unconscionable to think that, as we head into the holidays and with the economy continuing to slowly recover, Congress would fail to act to extend these critically important emergency unemployment benefits,” said Rep. Brad Schneider.  “Many of the families in my district and throughout the country continue to struggle and depend on these benefits, which is why I call on all of my colleagues to support an extension as soon as possible.” “With our economy still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression, and with far too many families across our region still looking hard for work this holiday season, now is not the time to cut off this important lifeline,” said Rep. Cheri Bustos. “While national unemployment is improving, Illinois' unemployment rate of 8.9% is still well above the national average. Unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline for thousands of Illinois families who are working hard to get back on their feet in this economy,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “Now is not the time to pull the rug out from under these families. We must extend unemployment insurance to give them the support they need to find work as our economy recovers.” County # OF PEOPLE LOSING COVERAGE DEC. 28 Adams                              258 Alexander                          33 Bond                               92 Boone                              328 Brown                               13 Bureau                             205 Calhoun                            27 Carroll                            50 Cass                               76 Champaign                          789 Christian                          233 Clark                              62 Clay                               62 Clinton                            158 Coles                              218 Cook                                38,260 Crawford                           92 Cumberland                         55 DeKalb                             538 DeWitt                             89 Douglas                            59 Du Page                             4,965 Edgar                              92 Edwards                            13 Effingham                          165 Fayette                            146 Ford                               52 Franklin                           349 Fulton                             243 Gallatin                           39 Greene                             68 Grundy                             320 Hamilton                            43 Hancock                            52 Hardin                             34 Henderson                          10 Henry                              226 Iroquois                           146 Jackson                             233 Jasper                             39 Jefferson                          227 Jersey                             130 Jo Daviess                         52 Johnson                            66 Kane                                3,086 Kankakee                           838 Kendall                            717 Knox                               281 La Salle                           933 Lake                               3,546 Lawrence                           54 Lee                                206 Livingston                         147 Logan                              134 Macon                              1,161 Macoupin                            291 Madison                            1,618 Marion                             231 Marshall                           71 Mason                              95 Massac                             48 McDonough                          87 McHenry                            1,642 McLean                             572 Menard                             55 Mercer                             40 Monroe                              88 Montgomery                         191 Morgan                             187 Moultrie                           58 Ogle                               326 Peoria                             1,546 Perry                               131 Piatt                              78 Pike                               59 Pope                               10 Pulaski                            34 Putnam                             44 Randolph                            152 Richland                           73 Rock Island                        515 Saint Clair                        1,667 Saline                             220 Sangamon                           1,059 Schuyler                           38 Scott                              26 Shelby                             113 Stark                              29 Stephenson                         337 Tazewell                            891 Union                              101 Vermilion                          533 Wabash                             19 Warren                             53 Washington                         56 Wayne                               65 White                              62 Whiteside                          351 Will                               4,474 Williamson                         440 Winnebago                          2,388 Woodford                           193     Total 81,867",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398974,Kinzinger supports bipartisan deficit-reduction deal,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) today voted in support of a bipartisan budget deal to reduce the deficit, fund the government through 2015, and replace damaging cuts to national security programs with targeted reforms to mandatory spending. share: f t WASHINGTON D.C. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) today voted in support of a bipartisan budget deal to reduce the deficit, fund the government through 2015, and replace damaging cuts to national security programs with targeted reforms to mandatory spending. The deal was authored by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) and represents the first bipartisan budget agreement produced by a divided Congress in 27 years. While I would have liked to see our long-term fiscal problems more fully addressed, this bill takes important steps to replace the damaging cuts to our national security and reduce the deficit all without raising taxes on hardworking Americans, said Kinzinger. Americans elected a divided government and they still expect us to work together to do our job. With this deal done, I hope we can turn our focus to other challenges facing our country, such as addressing our long-term fiscal health and creating the jobs that Americans are desperately asking for. The budget agreement, also known as the The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, would result in a $23 billion reduction to our deficit over ten years through a combination of changes to federal programs and mandatory spending cuts. The deal also replaces $63 billion in across-the-board spending cuts over the next two years, which, according to defense experts, would have disastrous effects on our military readiness and modernization programs. The bipartisan agreement overwhelmingly passed the House 332 to 94. The agreement will now move to the Senate, where Senators are expected to take up the legislation next week. For a full summary of the legislation, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398975,"Kinzinger tours nonprofits that serve as ""lifelines"" for struggling families",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) today visited local nonprofit agencies as part of a day-long tour of organizations that provide services for struggling families and individuals. share: f t ROCKFORD Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) today visited local nonprofit agencies as part of a day-long tour of organizations that provide services for struggling families and individuals. The nearly 100-mile tour began in Rockford at the Rockford Rescue Mission and included stops at the Salvation Army DeKalb Corps Community Center and We Care of Grundy County. For families struggling to get by, the holidays can be especially difficult, which is why the work of these incredible groups is so important, said Kinzinger. They fill in as a lifeline for vulnerable families and individuals, and the work they do to provide a meal, a bed, or counseling for someone who would otherwise go without shows what it truly means to be part of a community. In Rockford, Rep. Kinzinger joined Executive Director Sherry Pitney to tour the Rockford Rescue Mission, an organization that has been providing services to the homeless and less fortunate in Rockford for nearly 50 years. During fiscal year 2013, the Mission served 164,455 meals, provided 58,767 nights of lodging, and held 10,019 counseling sessions for those in need.Rep. Kinzinger meets with Rockford Rescue Mission Executive Director Sherry PitneyRep. Kinzinger then travelled to DeKalb to tour the Salvation Army DeKalb Corps Community Center, which offers emergency financial assistance, seasonal programs, and nutrition assistance. The food pantry, founded in 1983, is the largest in DeKalb County, serving over 2,000 individuals a month.Touring the Salvation Army DeKalb Corps Community CenterLastly, Rep. Kinzinger toured We Care of Grundy County, where each year the organization assists 7,000 families with food, rent, utilities, prescriptions, and holiday assistance.Discussing nutrition assistance provided at We Care of Grundy CountyIn addition to highlighting the important work being done around the Sixteenth District to help families in need, the tour allowed Rep. Kinzinger to hear firsthand the challenges faced by these groups in their efforts to serve the poor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-protesting-epas-renewable-fuel-standard-proposal,Durbin Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Protesting EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.13 Durbin Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Protesting EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined a bipartisan group of Senators in a meeting on Capitol Hill with the Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Gina McCarthy, to protest the agency's recent proposal reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). After the meeting, Durbin made the following statement: I was proud to join a bipartisan group of Senators today in opposing the EPA's effort to undermine the Renewable Fuels Standard that was created by Congress in 2002 to drive growth in the biofuels industry, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate rural economies across America. It's a standard that has been working. Last year, we used 13.3 billion gallons of ethanol to displace 465 million barrels of oil. That is 12% of the total US crude oil imports. In 2012, ethanol reduced emissions from cars and trucks by 33.4 million tons. That's the equivalent of taking 5.2 million cars off the road. And steady biofuels production in Illinois means new jobs in communities that were having trouble economically even before the recession. The 14 ethanol plants in Illinois have led to 5,400 direct jobs and payroll exceeding $250 million. Biofuels are an important part of our energy future and the right path for our country. But, if the proposed rule is made final, we may never realize the full benefits of Renewable Fuels Standard. In November, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Prior to the ruling, Durbin joined with thirty-one members of the U.S. Senate in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell encouraging the agencies not to decrease the RFS. In late October, Durbin sent a similar letter to Burwell. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-chair-hearing-on-ongoing-syrian-refugee-crisis,Durbin to Chair Hearing on Ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.13 Durbin to Chair Hearing on Ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis 2.3 Million Refugees Have Fled Civil War; Worst Refugee Crisis Since Rwanda in 1994 Washington, D.C. Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that he will hold a hearing on the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. The hearing will be held at 2:30pm in room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. The hearing will focus on the plight of Syrian refugees fleeing the violent civil war in their home country. Approximately 2.3 million Syrian refugees have fled the country since the outbreak of the civil war, a number projected to reach 3.5 million by the end of the year. According to the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, it is the worst refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Of these refugees, three-quarters are women and children, including 1.1 million children. The hearing will examine the scope of the humanitarian crisis, including significant obstacles to humanitarian assistance and challenges facing host nations. The hearing will also focus on the prospects for the United States accepting Syrian refugees. UNHCR is seeking to resettle approximately 40,000 particularly vulnerable refugees in FY 2014. The United States typically accepts about half of resettled refugees. The hearing will explore additional steps Congress and the Administration should take to address the Syrian refugee crisis. Witnesses will be announced at a later date. The hearing will be webcast at www.judiciary.senate.gov. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5edd68b8-cf9f-4788-9084-9e2e17904afc,Durbin to Chair Hearing on Ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.13 Durbin to Chair Hearing on Ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis 2.3 Million Refugees Have Fled Civil War; Worst Refugee Crisis Since Rwanda in 1994 Washington, D.C. – Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that he will hold a hearing on the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. The hearing will be held at 2:30pm in room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington.   The hearing will focus on the plight of Syrian refugees fleeing the violent civil war in their home country. Approximately 2.3 million Syrian refugees have fled the country since the outbreak of the civil war, a number projected to reach 3.5 million by the end of the year.  According to the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, it is the worst refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Of these refugees, three-quarters are women and children, including 1.1 million children.   The hearing will examine the scope of the humanitarian crisis, including significant obstacles to humanitarian assistance and challenges facing host nations. The hearing will also focus on the prospects for the United States accepting Syrian refugees.  UNHCR is seeking to resettle approximately 40,000 particularly vulnerable refugees in FY 2014.  The United States typically accepts about half of resettled refugees. The hearing will explore additional steps Congress and the Administration should take to address the Syrian refugee crisis.   Witnesses will be announced at a later date. The hearing will be webcast at www.judiciary.senate.gov. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140228010716/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=595,"DeKalb Daily Chronicle: Congressmen discuss food stamps, food pantries",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"DeKALB – Congressman Adam Kinzinger was heartened to see shelves at the DeKalb Salvation Army Food Pantry were well stocked when he visited Monday. Kinzinger, a Channahon Republican whose 16th District includes northwest DeKalb County, went on a daylong tour of organizations that provide services for struggling individuals and families. Along with the stop in DeKalb, Kinzinger also visited the Rockford Rescue Mission and We Care of Grundy County, a food pantry. “For three decades, my father ran a shelter, the Home Sweet Home Mission in Bloomington,” Kinzinger said. “I understand need and how agencies leverage private dollars.” Both Kinzinger and his colleague, Rep. Randy Hultgren, a Winfield Republican, complimented the work of community food pantries while emphasizing their support for closing loopholes in eligibility for food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Beyond assistance, government officials need to strengthen the economy to provide good jobs for those in need, both Hultgren and Kinzinger said. “Ultimately, the surest weapon against hunger and poverty is a thriving economy,” said Hultgren, whose 14th District includes DeKalb, Sycamore and southern DeKalb County. “When one in seven Americans is on food stamps, we need to redouble our efforts to create jobs for those without them.” Food stamps comprise roughly 75 percent of the Farm Bill that has been extended into January, as the House and Senate attempt to craft a new five-year measure, Kinzinger said. Both the Senate and the House have passed farm bills this year, but they differ on how much to cut the nation’s food stamp program and how to restructure farm subsidies. The House passed a bill in September that would cut $4 billion from food stamps annually and allow states to create new work requirements for some recipients, a measure both Kinzinger and Hultgren supported. The Democratic Senate, backed by President Barack Obama, passed a farm bill with a $400 million annual cut, or a tenth of the House cut. “The compromise between the House and Senate contains only slight cuts to food stamps,” Kinzinger said. “It’s not cutting benefits for those in need; it’s working to close loopholes in eligibility.” Hultgren said he supports reform measures that limit food stamps to the neediest Americans. “Recipients should meet eligibility guidelines to participate, and I will continue to support SNAP benefits to those who quality, preserving the safety net for those who need it most,” Hultgren said. Kinzinger said there’s a faint light at the end of the tunnel on the economic front, with “the slowest recovery we’ve ever seen.” Although unemployment benefits have been extended far longer than before the 2008 recession, Hultgren said he’s awaiting a request from President Barack Obama with recommendations on how to pay for a $25 billion extension of unemployment benefits. “This request and budget offsets for increased spending should be the first item of business for the president in the new year,” Hultgren said. Kinzinger believes the No. 1 thing government should do is “get out of the way of entrepreneurs and small businesses by encouraging people to take risks so they can hire people.” The Associated Press contributed to this story. For the full posting, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301230958/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=596,Morris Daily Herald: Kinzinger visits We Care facility to check on holiday needs,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, said he knows firsthand the importance of local food pantries and other organizations that help the needy. “My father ran a homeless shelter for 30 years so it’s something I’m specifically in-tune with and care about,” Kinzinger said after his tour of the We Care of Grundy County facility. We Care assists about 7,000 families with food, rent, utilities, prescriptions and holiday assistance each year. Kinzinger also toured the Rockford Rescue Mission and the DeKalb Salvation Army food pantry Monday to see how the organizations are working to meet needs in their communities this holiday season. “It’s the holiday season, it’s a tough time ... so I think it’s important to highlight how the private sector – through donations and community involvement – can help folks who are down and out,” Kinzinger said. Kinzinger spent about an hour at the We Care facility, talking with Executive Director Denise Gaska and meeting volunteers. “You get to see communities come together and unite behind what is an unfortunately growing need and has been growing especially in the last few years,” Kinzinger said. Kinzinger said the United States has a generous population base that makes a big impact during the holiday season. Gaska said she was happy to see a congressman recognize the work being done at the community level to fill the gaps in assistance. For the full posting, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140427175031/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/illinois-members-release-county-by-county-numbers-of-those-affected-by,Illinois Members Release County-By-County Numbers of Those Affected by Not Extending Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Bill Foster (IL-11), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following county-by-county numbers of people who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance: On December 28th almost 82,000 people in Illinois are set to lose their unemployment insurance coverage because House Republicans blocked an effort to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program into 2014.  An additional 89,000 people in Illinois will lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program. Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.  The CEA estimates that in Illinois alone, failing to extend the program will cost 13,345 jobs.  The county-by-county breakdown, based on the total number of people in Illinois currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. “It's simply unconscionable to think that, as we head into the holidays and with the economy continuing to slowly recover, Congress would fail to act to extend these critically important emergency unemployment benefits,” said Rep. Brad Schneider.  “Many of the families in my district and throughout the country continue to struggle and depend on these benefits, which is why I call on all of my colleagues to support an extension as soon as possible.” “Three days after Christmas, 1.3 million people will lose their emergency unemployment benefits,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky.  “That is inexcusable and Congress has an obligation to ensure that millions of people can keep their modest benefits.  I continue to urge Speaker Boehner to call the House back into session to take a vote on extending these crucial unemployment benefits, which if not extended will harm both families and local economies, and result in the loss of 240,000 more jobs.” “Unemployed Americans shouldn’t have to wait around for Congress to do the right thing and protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Rep. Mike Quigley.  “Failure to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program would hurt job growth and devastate recipients in the Chicago area at a time when they need this critical benefit the most.” “I am very disappointed that Congress went home for the year without extending unemployment insurance,” said Rep. Bill Foster.  “Our economy is still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression.  Now is not the time to pull this important safety net out from under thousands of Illinois residents who are still searching for employment. ” “With our economy still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression, and with far too many families across our region still looking hard for work this holiday season, now is not the time to cut off this important lifeline,” said Rep. Cheri Bustos. “While national unemployment is improving, Illinois' unemployment rate of 8.9% is still well above the national average. Unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline for thousands of Illinois families who are working hard to get back on their feet in this economy,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “Now is not the time to pull the rug out from under these families. We must extend unemployment insurance to give them the support they need to find work as our economy recovers.”  County # OF PEOPLE LOSING COVERAGE DEC. 28 Adams                              258 Alexander                          33 Bond                               92 Boone                              328 Brown                               13 Bureau                             205 Calhoun                            27 Carroll                            50 Cass                               76 Champaign                          789 Christian                          233 Clark                              62 Clay                               62 Clinton                            158 Coles                              218 Cook                                38,260 Crawford                           92 Cumberland                         55 DeKalb                             538 DeWitt                             89 Douglas                            59 Du Page                             4,965 Edgar                              92 Edwards                            13 Effingham                          165 Fayette                            146 Ford                               52 Franklin                           349 Fulton                             243 Gallatin                           39 Greene                             68 Grundy                             320 Hamilton                            43 Hancock                            52 Hardin                             34 Henderson                          10 Henry                              226 Iroquois                           146 Jackson                             233 Jasper                             39 Jefferson                          227 Jersey                             130 Jo Daviess                         52 Johnson                            66 Kane                                3,086 Kankakee                           838 Kendall                            717 Knox                               281 La Salle                           933 Lake                               3,546 Lawrence                           54 Lee                                206 Livingston                         147 Logan                              134 Macon                              1,161 Macoupin                            291 Madison                            1,618 Marion                             231 Marshall                           71 Mason                              95 Massac                             48 McDonough                          87 McHenry                            1,642 McLean                             572 Menard                             55 Mercer                             40 Monroe                              88 Montgomery                         191 Morgan                             187 Moultrie                           58 Ogle                               326 Peoria                             1,546 Perry                               131 Piatt                              78 Pike                               59 Pope                               10 Pulaski                            34 Putnam                             44 Randolph                            152 Richland                           73 Rock Island                        515 Saint Clair                        1,667 Saline                             220 Sangamon                           1,059 Schuyler                           38 Scott                              26 Shelby                             113 Stark                              29 Stephenson                         337 Tazewell                            891 Union                              101 Vermilion                          533 Wabash                             19 Warren                             53 Washington                         56 Wayne                               65 White                              62 Whiteside                          351 Will                               4,474 Williamson                         440 Winnebago                          2,388 Woodford                           193     Total 81,867",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-applaud-cfpbs-call-for-transparency-regarding-campus-debit-card-programs,Durbin Applaud CFPB'S Call for Transparency Regarding Campus Debit Card Programs,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.13 Durbin Applaud CFPB'S Call for Transparency Regarding Campus Debit Card Programs Durbin request sparked CFPB inquiry into risky campus financial products [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today commended the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) call for financial institutions to publicly disclose agreements with colleges and universities to market financial products to students, including debit, prepaid, and other products. Durbin and U.S. Representative George Miller (D-CA), the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, have been leaders in calling attention to this issue, and submitted a request to CFPB last year asking that the agency investigate the impact of campus financial products marketed to college students. Helping protect students from risky campus financial products is exactly the kind of work the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was designed to do, Durbin said. I applaud the CFPB for taking steps to ensure that students are protected from predatory marketing practices and hidden fees, and I second their call for increased transparency regarding campus debit card programs that may be leaving students already burdened by loans even deeper in debt. In June 2012, Durbin and Miller sent letters to CFPB Director Richard Cordray, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Department of Education Inspector General Kathleen Tighe, expressing concern over the adverse financial impact debit card agreements between banks and institutions of higher education may be having on college students. Durbin and Miller urged the Department of Education and CFPB to carefully examine the bank-affiliated student debit card practices at over 900 colleges and universities. A copy of the letter to Secretary Duncan is available here and a copy of the letter to Director Cordray andInspector General Tighe is available here. In response to Durbin and Miller's request, the CFPB announced that it would be launching an inquiry into the impact of campus financial products marketed to students by colleges to determine whether these arrangements are in the best interest of students. In September, the CFPB hosted a public forum to present its initial findings, based on public comments and other market information. Already, CFPB has found a shift in financial product marketing partnerships from college credit card agreements to student checking and debit and prepaid card products. Also, in September, Durbin and Miller sent letters to some of the nation's largest banks asking bank executives to explain the scope of their financial arrangements with colleges, how much money the deals pay to colleges, and how much in fees are charged to students. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (DOH) and Elizabeth Warren (DMA) and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and Peter Welch (D-VT). A copy of that letter is available here. According to a report released from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) Education Fund, more than 9 million students across the country are at risk of being nickel-and-dimed with unreasonable fees because their campus debit cards may come with high user fees, hidden transaction costs and insufficient consumer protections adding to the mountain of debt many higher-education students are already taking on. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6337ad2b-dd14-4aad-aa69-5e0bf5ad7e1e,Durbin Applaud CFPB'S Call for Transparency Regarding Campus Debit Card Programs,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.13 Durbin Applaud CFPB'S Call for Transparency Regarding Campus Debit Card Programs Durbin request sparked CFPB inquiry into risky campus financial products [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today commended the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) call for financial institutions to publicly disclose agreements with colleges and universities to market financial products to students, including debit, prepaid, and other products. Durbin and U.S. Representative George Miller (D-CA), the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, have been leaders in calling attention to this issue, and submitted a request to CFPB last year asking that the agency investigate the impact of campus financial products marketed to college students.   “Helping protect students from risky campus financial products is exactly the kind of work the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was designed to do,” Durbin said. “I applaud the CFPB for taking steps to ensure that students are protected from predatory marketing practices and hidden fees, and I second their call for increased transparency regarding campus debit card programs that may be leaving students already burdened by loans even deeper in debt.”   In June 2012, Durbin and Miller sent letters to CFPB Director Richard Cordray, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Department of Education Inspector General Kathleen Tighe, expressing concern over the adverse financial impact debit card agreements between banks and institutions of higher education may be having on college students.  Durbin and Miller urged the Department of Education and CFPB to carefully examine the bank-affiliated student debit card practices at over 900 colleges and universities. A copy of the letter to Secretary Duncan is available here and a copy of the letter to Director Cordray and Inspector General Tighe is available here.   In response to Durbin and Miller’s request, the CFPB announced that it would be launching an inquiry into the impact of campus financial products marketed to students by colleges to determine whether these arrangements are in the best interest of students. In September, the CFPB hosted a public forum to present its initial findings, based on public comments and other market information. Already, CFPB has found a shift in financial product marketing partnerships from college credit card agreements to student checking and debit and prepaid card products.   Also, in September, Durbin and Miller sent letters to some of the nation’s largest banks asking bank executives to explain the scope of their financial arrangements with colleges, how much money the deals pay to colleges, and how much in fees are charged to students. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D–OH) and Elizabeth Warren (D–MA) and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and Peter Welch (D-VT). A copy of that letter is available here.   According to a report released from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) Education Fund, more than 9 million students across the country are at risk of being nickel-and-dimed with unreasonable fees because their campus debit cards may come with high user fees, hidden transaction costs and insufficient consumer protections – adding to the mountain of debt many higher-education students are already taking on. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301092842/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schneider-helps-introduce-veterans-entrepreneurs-act,Rep. Schneider Helps Introduce Veterans Entrepreneurs Act,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) helped introduce the Veterans Entrepreneurs Act (H.R. 3725) to reduce fees for veterans looking to open franchises. The Veterans Entrepreneurs Act creates a tax credit for veterans worth 25 percent of the total franchise fee. “Making it easier for veterans to become small business owners is a simple and effective way to help grow our economy and expand opportunities for the men and women of our armed forces,” Schneider said. “Our veterans offer unique skills and leadership abilities, yet far too many face stubbornly-high unemployment and prohibitively-high costs of starting a small business. This bill will help partially relieve those costs and help put more veterans back to work.” There are nearly 750,000 unemployed veterans in the country, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. In Illinois, 6.8 percent of veterans were unemployed last year, with the rate much higher for veterans 18-34 years old. Schneider, a member of the House Small Business Committee, hosted a veterans jobs fair in August and, through his “Brad at Your Business” initiative, has met with many veteran business owners.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140425150207/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=4d83895e-b1c8-46aa-a341-07f3d204b670,Pet Coke,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Following a visit to communities near open-air petroleum coke storage sites in Chicago, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) announced they had asked the Centers for Disease Control to study the threat to public health posed by the substance on Monday, December 16. Durbin was joined on his tour by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-and-kelly-urge-centers-for-disease-control-to-study-threat-to-public-health-posed-by-pet-coke,Durbin and Kelly Urge Centers for Disease Control to Study Threat to Public Health Posed by Pet Coke,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.13 Durbin and Kelly Urge Centers for Disease Control to Study Threat to Public Health Posed by Pet Coke Following Visit to Communities Near Open-Air Storage Sites, Senator and Congresswoman Also Send Letter to Illinois EPA Weighing In On KCBX Permit Application [CHICAGO] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today sent a pair of letters in response to the potential threat posed to Southeast Chicago residents by nearby petroleum coke storage sites. Petroleum coke, a potentially harmful byproduct of petroleum refining more commonly known as pet coke, is stored in open-air sites near residential blocks in the area. Durbin visited some of those communities today. Kelly visited the communities previously. Today I had a chance to see and hear firsthand how open-air pet coke storage sites are affecting residents of Chicago's far southeast side, Durbin said. On windy days, families are forced to keep their children inside to keep them away from the toxic dust blowing off these pet coke piles. Homeowners have cause to be concerned they are being repeatedly exposed to a dangerous dust as high levels of particulate matter are known to aggravate asthma, lead to premature deaths in people with heart or lung disease, and cause nonfatal heart attacks. I have co-sponsored legislation to ensure we understand the effects of pet coke and today am sending letters calling on other government agencies to closely examine its potential threat to public health. I hope these actions will help protect the communities I visited today from any harmful effects of pet coke. Residents of the 10th Ward have had to endure pet coke dust storms blowing across their neighborhoods, air pollution that has the potential to cause serious health problems for families. Regulations must be enacted to ensure that pet coke is properly stored and does not pose a risk to the health of our children or contaminate the environment, Kelly said. I'm currently co-sponsoring legislation calling for testing of the health and environmental effects of pet coke. It is the first step toward regulating pet coke as a hazardous substance. It is vital that pet coke is securely enclosed and no longer a potential danger to the community. In their first letter, to Dr. Tom Frieden, Administrator of the Center for Disease Control's Agency or Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Durbin and Kelly ask the agency to study the public health risks posed by the unenclosed storage of petroleum coke in the community. I am concerned that many Chicagoans living around facilities that store petroleum coke are regularly being exposed to dust pollution that is extraordinarily dangerous, they wrote to the CDC. I urge ATSDR to thoroughly examine any potential negative public health impacts caused by the storage of petroleum coke in Southeast Chicago and other residential areas. The Senator and Congresswoman also sent a letter to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett, weighing in on the new air permit application filed by energy company KCBX for its open-air petroleum coke storage site in the neighborhood. The letter urges IEPA to carefully review the application to ensure KCBX's permit complies with all federal air quality standards and regulations. Air quality monitors in the area surrounding the KCBX facility often register record high levels of particulate matter which is known to aggravate asthma, lead to premature deaths in people with heart or lung disease, and cause nonfatal heart attacks, the legislators wrote. Due to these health risks, homeowners in the neighborhoods surrounding KCBX are concerned that they are being repeatedly exposed to hazardous particles and have filed a class-action lawsuit against KCBX for air pollution violations. In light of these developments, I urge IEPA to critically review KCBX's new air permit application to ensure that it complies with all Clean Air Act regulationsincluding the National Ambient Air Quality Standardsand protects the public from any negative health impacts. Pet coke particles contain hazardous contaminants, including sulfur, non-volatile organics and heavy metals, which can cause adverse health effects. It is currently stored at three facilities in Southeast Chicago KCBX North, KCBX South, and Beemsterboer. In response to the dust from the storage sites being blown on to neighborhoods, homeowners have filed a lawsuit against the companies. In July, Durbin co-sponsored the Petroleum Coke Transparency and Public Health Act, a bill that would require the EPA and the U.S. Departments of Health and Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on petroleum coke. Last month, the Senator sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator McCarthy asking the agency to respond immediately to the issues in Chicago using all available authorities. Shortly after receiving the letter, the EPA sent a notice to KCBX requiring it to install additional air monitors to measure particulate matter at the site for one year. Kelly has also co-sponsored legislation calling for testing of the health and environmental effects of pet coke. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/guti%C3%A9rrez-bipartisan-budget-deal-raises-hopes-immigration-reform-2014,GUTIÉRREZ: BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL RAISES HOPES FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN 2014,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Luis Gutiérrez,G000535,gutierrez.house.gov,,,legacy,"""We need to see the same level of commitment from House and Senate Leadership, the White House, and the continued push of the American people to move us to action and compromise on immigration reform.""   Washington, DC – This afternoon, Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) voted for the bipartisan budget deal worked out between Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Paul Ryan.  The following is a statement from Rep. Gutiérrez: ""I voted for the budget deal because it renews my faith in bipartisanship and in getting things done on difficult policy issues, even though there are aspects of the deal that I do not like.  But that is the nature of compromise and the deal keeps us moving forward and allows the Congress to focus on other important issues like the economy, immigration reform, health care and gun-violence.  ""The two Houses of Congress and the two parties can work out immigration reform in 2014 in a similar manner.  It takes commitment from the leaders in both parties and it takes hard work and the willingness to compromise.  I think Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi should appoint a team to lead the effort to get immigration reform across the finish line. ""I am still optimistic about the prospects for immigration reform in 2014 because immigration reform is easier than the budget.  There is much more consensus among voters and among Members of Congress in both parties.  My informal talks with Republicans are encouraging because there is a critical mass that wants to reach a compromise.  And among Democrats, there is more unity than ever before behind reform. ""It will still not be easy, but the polls, the policy, and the political winds all point towards action in 2014.  We need to see the same level of commitment from House and Senate Leadership, the White House, and the continued push of the American people to move us to action and compromise on immigration reform.  The budget deal gives me a sense of hope that compromise and progress are still possible in Washington.""   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301120202/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/bustos-leads-common-sense-effort-to-ensure-all-illinoisans-have,Bustos Leads Common Sense Effort To Ensure All Illinoisans Have Access To Health Care Come January 1st,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bustos Fix Would Protect Those Who Were Unable To Sign Up For Health Insurance Due To Exchange Glitches   “Like folks across Illinois, I’ve been frustrated by the poor implementation of the Affordable Care Act - health care consumers truly deserve better,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  “This common sense fix I introduced today would ensure people across our region of Illinois, and the country, aren’t unfairly penalized for a situation beyond their control.  It offers a reasonable solution to protect those who put in a good faith effort to enroll in the marketplace by ensuring they have health coverage next year.  I’ll keep fighting to do my part to make sure all Americans have access to the quality and affordable health care they deserve.”    Bustos’ bill would provide retroactive insurance coverage to January 1st, 2014, for individuals who tried to enroll in an exchange health plan prior to December 23rd, 2013, and were not able to through no fault of their own despite a good faith effort, as long as they enroll and pay their premium by January 31st, 2014.  The bill would also ensure that people who enrolled correctly, but do not yet have their insurance card, are not discriminated against when they seek health care.  It would also protect those who were incorrectly determined to be eligible for Medicaid and prevented from enrolling though the marketplace.  Bustos is a strong supporter of making sure all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care and has fought for common sense adjustments to the health care law such as allowing all Americans who like their insurance to have the option of keeping it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140727171332/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/video-congresswoman-cheri-bustos-thanks-service-members-serving,Video: Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Thanks Service Members Serving Overseas This Holiday Season,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives thanking all of our service members who are serving overseas and are not with their families this holiday season.   Bustos’ prepared remarks are below: I rise today to thank all of our brave heroes who are serving overseas and are not with their families this holiday season. While most of us will return to our homes to celebrate with family and friends, let us not forgot about all the men and women serving our country who will not be with their loved ones. My region of Illinois is home to thousands of veterans who have served honorably in both wartime and peacetime. It is also home to many active duty service members, National Guard members and Ready Reservists.  I was heartened to learn recently that the Peoria, Illinois, based Army National Guard unit is expected to come home before the holidays.  This will surely be an early Christmas present for many families across the region of the country I am here to serve. I look forward to helping welcome them home. All our service members deserve our full support year-round, but let us all take this holiday season as an opportunity to thank them once again for all the sacrifices they and their families make for us. They’ve been there for us, so let’s be there for them. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-all-foreign-medical-schools-are-held-to-same-standards,Durbin Introduces Legislation to Ensure All Foreign Medical Schools are Held to Same Standards,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.13 Durbin Introduces Legislation to Ensure All Foreign Medical Schools are Held to Same Standards Investigation by Bloomberg Markets revealed offshore loophole that for-profit colleges have been exploiting to access additional federal funding [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced legislation that would close a loophole that has given special treatment to a small number of medical schools in the Caribbean that, last year, took in more than $450 million in U.S. Department of Education Title IV funding. Durbin's Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act would require five Caribbean medical schools - four of which are for-profit institutions - to meet the same minimum requirements that every other medical school outside of the U.S. and Canada must meet in order to receive federal funding. The Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act is a simple fix that would apply the following two requirements to all medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada: at least 60% of the enrollment must be non-U.S. citizen and students must have at least a 75% pass rate on the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam. Congress has failed taxpayers and students by subsidizing these Caribbean schools with billions in federal dollars for years without adequate accountability and oversight, said Durbin. Despite not meeting these minimum standards, the biggest three for-profit schools impacted by my bill - St. George's, Ross, and American University of the Caribbean - have taken in two-thirds of federal funding that went to foreign medical schools. These schools are just another example of the systemic problem we have with for-profit colleges trying to make a profit off of the federal taxpayers while saddling students with questionable degrees and unreasonable debt loads that follow them for the rest of their lives. A September 2013 investigative report in Bloomberg Markets highlighted two foreign medical schools owned by DeVry, Inc. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and Ross University School of Medicine which admit hundreds of students, many of whom were rejected by U.S. medical colleges. According to the report, students at for-profit medical schools operating outside of the United States and Canada amass more student debt than those at medical schools in the United States. Student debt at AUC averages $253,000 compared to U.S. medical schools where the average debt is $170,000. These foreign medical schools are also much less successful ensuring students progress all the way through the program. The average attrition rate at U.S. medical schools is 3%. At DeVry's two Caribbean medical schools the attrition rate is 20% and 27%. Even if students do finish at these schools, with much more debt, they often have difficulty finding a residency mandatory for actually practicing medicine in the United States. In 2013, foreign-trained, American graduates had a residency match rate of 53% compared to 94% of graduates of U.S. medical schools. The only thing harder than graduating with four years of medical school debt is not graduating and still having one or two years of medical school debt from these schools, said Durbin. I have a message for those schools down in the sunny Caribbean who may have thought they could continue to exploit taxpayers and students without anybody noticing Congress is watching. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=581d9c52-556c-42be-8b95-bab90c9aa089,Durbin Introduces Legislation to Ensure All Foreign Medical Schools are Held to Same Standards,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.13 Durbin Introduces Legislation to Ensure All Foreign Medical Schools are Held to Same Standards Investigation by Bloomberg Markets revealed offshore loophole that for-profit colleges have been exploiting to access additional federal funding [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced legislation that would close a loophole that has given special treatment to a small number of medical schools in the Caribbean that, last year, took in more than $450 million in U.S. Department of Education Title IV funding.  Durbin’s Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act would require five Caribbean medical schools - four of which are for-profit institutions - to meet the same minimum requirements that every other medical school outside of the U.S. and Canada must meet in order to receive federal funding.   The Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act is a simple fix that would apply the following two requirements to all medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada: at least 60% of the enrollment must be non-U.S. citizen and students must have at least a 75% pass rate on the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam.  “Congress has failed taxpayers and students by subsidizing these Caribbean schools with billions in federal dollars for years without adequate accountability and oversight,” said Durbin.  “Despite not meeting these minimum standards, the biggest three for-profit schools impacted by my bill - St. George’s, Ross, and American University of the Caribbean - have taken in two-thirds of federal funding that went to foreign medical schools.  These schools are just another example of the systemic problem we have with for-profit colleges trying to make a profit off of the federal taxpayers while saddling students with questionable degrees and unreasonable debt loads that follow them for the rest of their lives.”   A September 2013 investigative report in Bloomberg Markets highlighted two foreign medical schools owned by DeVry, Inc. – American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and Ross University School of Medicine – which admit hundreds of students, many of whom were rejected by U.S. medical colleges.  According to the report, students at for-profit medical schools operating outside of the United States and Canada amass more student debt than those at medical schools in the United States.  Student debt at AUC averages $253,000 compared to U.S. medical schools where the average debt is $170,000.    These foreign medical schools are also much less successful ensuring students progress all the way through the program.  The average attrition rate at U.S. medical schools is 3%.  At DeVry’s two Caribbean medical schools the attrition rate is 20% and 27%.  Even if students do finish at these schools, with much more debt, they often have difficulty finding a residency – mandatory for actually practicing medicine in the United States.  In 2013, foreign-trained, American graduates had a residency match rate of 53% compared to 94% of graduates of U.S. medical schools.   “The only thing harder than graduating with four years of medical school debt is not graduating and still having one or two years of medical school debt from these schools,” said Durbin.  “I have a message for those schools down in the sunny Caribbean who may have thought they could continue to exploit taxpayers and students without anybody noticing – Congress is watching.” Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-joins-house-democrats-fast-4-families-to-demand-action-on,"Foster Joins House Democrats, Fast 4 Families To Demand Action On Comprehensive Immigration Reform",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) joined House Democrats and members of Fast 4 Families on the steps of the capitol in calling on Congress to take action and pass comprehensive immigration reform. “It is time to act,” said Foster. “How much longer can Speaker Boehner continue to ignore the outcry of support from the business community, law enforcement, the religious community and people from all walks of life? The time is now to pass comprehensive immigration reform which secures our borders, improves our legal immigration system and provides a path to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants who are currently in limbo.” Foster has long been an advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and is a co-sponsor of H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act – a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would strengthen our borders, improve our legal immigration system and provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. H.R. 15 has been sponsored by 193 Members of Congress, including three Republicans. A study done by the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy showed that immigration reform would increase state and local taxes in Illinois by almost $150 million a year. On the other hand, if all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Illinois, the state would lose $25.6 billion in economic activity, $11.4 billion in gross state product, and approximately 120,000 jobs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-for-bipartisan-budget-agreement,Foster Votes For Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 to fund the government for the next two years.  “I am pleased that Congress was finally able to do its job and pass a bipartisan budget agreement.  While this bill isn’t perfect, it reduces the deficit and provides relief from the drastic sequestration cuts that have hurt vital programs in the 11th District of Illinois.  The agreement protects Medicare and Social Security benefits, despite efforts by Republicans to drastically reduce these essential programs that millions of seniors in Illinois rely on,” said Foster.  “Most importantly, it allows Congress to stop governing from crisis to crisis and focus on the work the people sent us here to do, like tackling the debt, creating jobs, growing our economy, and getting a comprehensive immigration bill signed into law.” “While I am pleased this agreement passed with strong bipartisan support, I am disappointed that Congress is going home for the year without taking action on many important issues.  Congress has failed to pass an extension of unemployment insurance, pulling a critical safety net out from under 1.3 million people on December 28.  They failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, leaving 11 million immigrants in limbo.  They failed to pass commonsense legislation to prevent gun violence.  And they failed to pass meaningful legislation to support jobs and economic growth,” added Foster.  “Now that we have passed a budget, I hope that we can work together to take action on these important issues.” The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 provides a framework for funding the government for two years.  Spending for the current fiscal year is set at $1.012 trillion -- $520.5 billion for defense discretionary spending and $491.8 billion for non-defense discretionary spending.   The legislation provides $63 billion in sequester relief over the next two years and will reduce the deficit by $23 billion over 10 years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-supports-bipartisan-budget-act,Shimkus Supports Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) voted for House passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that sets spending guidelines for the current fiscal year (2014) and the next fiscal year (2015.)  House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan reached the deal with Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray. “While the agreement increases the security spending slightly, there is an overall net deficit reduction of an additional $23 billion on top of the previous Budget Control Act that I also supported,” Shimkus explained. “In addition, some pension controls are instituted as well as other savings.” Some of the cost saving provisions include: stopping criminals from receiving unemployment checks; stopping dead people from receiving government payments; and ending interest rate bonuses for some energy company deposits with the government. With regard to federal pension savings…future federal employees will pay 1.3 percent more toward their retirement, and working age military retirees will get a slightly lower cost-of-living increase. “These are all modest reforms, yet they are reforms that will pass a Democrat Senate and get signed into law by the President,” Shimkus noted.  “We continue to reduce the deficit without raising income taxes.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-calls-on-faa-city-of-chicago-and-airlines-to-address-noise,"Quigley Calls on FAA, City of Chicago and Airlines to Address Noise Concerns Around O'Hare Airport",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) took to the floor of the House of Representatives to highlight the growing concerns from communities surrounding Chicago O'Hare Airport that are experiencing a severe increase in noise pollution and air traffic stemming from the O'Hare Modernization Program. I understand and support the need to modernize O'Hare. The new parallel runway configuration means safer, more efficient operations and fewer delays. But I also understand the importance of livable neighborhoods. The two are not mutually exclusive, said Quigley. We are a region of distinctive neighborhoods, where hard-working people have built their lives and invested much of their earnings into their homesI know air traffic noise is a fact of life in our metropolitan area. But it is also a fact that neighborhoodsnot noisy aircraftmake life in Chicago and its suburbs special. To read the full transcript and watch video of Rep. Quigley's speech, please click here. Quigley highlighted the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to overhaul its outdated metric for determining acceptable noise levels and for the city of Chicago to revisit the Fly Quiet program for runway usage at night. He has previously called on the FAA and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to further examine ways to mitigate noise pollution. O'Hare became a part of Illinois' 5th Congressional District in January of this year. Since then, Rep. Quigley has met continuously with neighborhood organizations and aviation officials to discuss solutions to the noise concerns. Last week he introduced the Silent Skies Act, which will require the FAA to issue regulations by the end of 2015 requiring all commercial airplanes to meet Stage 4 noise standards, which are significantly lower decibel levels than those currently in use. Rep. Quigley serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he has made Chicago-area infrastructure investment a top priority as a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-act,Quigley Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement following his vote in support of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: This bipartisan proposal is by no means perfect. I would have preferred a deal that provides more relief from the self-inflicted wounds of the sequester, which has slowed our economic growth, limited job creation and cut important investments in infrastructure, education and research. The lack of action to extend emergency long-term unemployment benefits is also a tremendous disappointment. But ultimately I recognize the need for compromise, and as an appropriator I am encouraged by the opportunity to finally return Congress to regular order in the budget process. Rep. Quigley serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he has made Chicago-area infrastructure investment a top priority as a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD). He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210323/http://hultgren.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=588,Hultgren Statement on Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement after he voted in support of the budget agreement that passed the House 332-94: “This budget agreement preserves fiscally conservative principles, ensures our military readiness and makes the first step toward breaking the cycle of government by crisis. By actually capping discretionary spending levels below two previously passed House budgets and the caps put in place by the Budget Control Act of 2011—without raising taxes—we are preserving fiscal responsibility and opening the door to true reform of our $17 trillion debt problem. Governing by continuing resolutions and short-term budgets hurts our ability to properly oversee federal spending, endangers our national defense and squelches opportunities to pass debt solutions that require looking further than six months down the road. Americans generally can agree on 80 percent of any given issue. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan’s fiscally responsible approach has helped break our current impasse, encouraging Congress to stand together on the 80 percent we agree on, and pushing us to roll up our sleeves on the other 20 percent so we can attain true reform. This will be the first time since 1986 that a divided Congress has passed a budget.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213443/http://hultgren.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=587,Committee Questions President Obama over Healthcare.gov Security Threats,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), along with 21 members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, sent a letter to President Obama raising concerns over the security and privacy risks surrounding Healthcare.gov, the online Obamacare portal. The data passing through the Healthcare.gov website is one of the largest collections of personal information ever assembled, linking information from seven different federal agencies along with state agencies and government contractors. Americans who use the site must input personal contact information, birth dates and social security numbers, as well as income, tax and other financial information. The letter reads: ""Though we appreciate the Administration's efforts to address the flaws with the site's capacity, we are concerned that the larger security and privacy issues remain unaddressed. While more people may be able to access the site, without much-needed security enhancements, this simply means that more Americans are vulnerable to online criminals and identity theft.""  “Unfortunately, in its haste to launch the Healthcare.gov website, it appears that your Administration has cut corners that have left the website open to hackers and other online criminals,” the letter continues. “If the security flaws go unaddressed, the more people who use the site will simply mean more Americans vulnerable to identity theft.” The full letter is available here: http://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/2013%2012%2011%20-%20SST%20-%20President%20Obama.pdf ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301080923/http://rodneydavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-davis-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-act-of-2013,Rep. Davis Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a vote of 332 to 94 “The Bipartisan Budget Act shouldn’t be considered a ‘great’ or even a ‘good' deal,” said Davis. “This bill doesn’t do enough to address our debt and deficit spending and offers little in long-term reforms to the way Washington spends money. But, in a divided government, neither side will get everything they want, and that’s the commonsense solution that we approved today. “While this budget agreement is far from perfect, it’s a small step in the right direction. It will finally put a stop to the cycle of continuing resolutions and governing from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis. So instead of preparing for the next fiscal cliff or threat of a government shutdown, our appropriators can do their work and we can focus our efforts on other important issues like the Farm Bill and Water Resources Reform and Development Act. “Most importantly, we can now return to regular order and move through the constitutional appropriations process, giving us the chance to go line-by-line through the budget, keeping what works and getting rid of what doesn’t. This keeps the power of the purse with Congress and provides a crucial check and balance on the administration. Congress is showing that we’re able to work together to get things done for the hardworking taxpayers of this country, and I hope we can continue to build off of this momentum.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301114540/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/bustos-supports-bipartisan-plan-to-ease-sequestration-protect-jobs,"Bustos Supports Bipartisan Plan To Ease Sequestration, Protect Jobs & Economy, Avoid Government Shutdown",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan budget proposal that eases sequestration and avoids another politically induced, unnecessary government shutdown: “As someone who has long advocated for a bipartisan budget that reduces the deficit in a balanced way while protecting the economy and the middle class, today’s budget resolution is a step in the right direction.  Compromises are rarely perfect, and this is no exception, but easing the harmful impact of sequestration on our region was critical.  Our economy should also not have to suffer at the hands of another government shutdown and today’s budget will create more certainty for expected funding that impacts jobs in communities across Illinois.  I’ll continue to work with both Democrats and Republicans who share my commitment to working together to find common sense solutions to our nation’s problems that place the needs of our constituents ahead of politics.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140727171422/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-fights-for-troops-military-families-to,"Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Fights For Troops, Military Families & To Address Sexual Assaults In Military",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) fought for our troops, military families and to address the growing sexual assault crisis in the military by supporting the bipartisan FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  “Providing support for brave service members and their families will always be a top priority for me,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  “The bill I voted for today takes care of those who selflessly serve our country, strengthens the Rock Island Arsenal and Illinois National Guard and takes meaningful steps to address the growing sexual assault crisis in the military.” Specifically, the bill: Strengthens the Rock Island Arsenal- provisions protect and secure defense industrial base capacity and security, and strengthen the Procurement Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Better equips the Illinois National Guard- provisions support modernizing National Guard and Reserve Components by providing additional funding in a National Guard and Reserve Component Equipment Account. Prevents a BRAC from being conducted in FY2014. Combats sexual assault in the military. Provides for quality care and support promised to our troops and their families. Supports counter-terrorism programs.   Last month, Bustos traveled Illinois’ 17th District as part of her “Standing up for our Veterans” tour to meet with local veterans to listen to their priorities and concerns.  She also discussed her work to cut down on the growing VA claims backlog, put veterans to work in good-paying jobs, make sure education and job training programs remain affordable and accessible, and put an end to veterans’ homelessness.  During her tenure in Congress, Bustos has made our nation’s veterans a top priority and has relentlessly fought to protect the benefits they’ve earned and deserve.  In August, Bustos joined with Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to introduce a new bipartisan bill that would help put veterans back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels and rail lines.  The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act [H.R. 2906] continues Bustos’ fight on behalf of our veterans by helping to ensure that they play a critical role in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure by providing them with access to existing contracting preferences authorized for transportation projects.  Last week, Bustos spearheaded a new effort to create jobs for our nation’s veterans by introducing the Jobs for Heroes Act.  This bill would not only extend, but also expand two expiring federal business tax credits designed to spur veteran employment.  If Congress fails to act the federal tax credits will expire at the end of December.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-resolution-encouraging-peaceful-resolution-of-crisis-in-ukraine,Durbin Statement on Senate Resolution Encouraging Peaceful Resolution of Crisis in Ukraine,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.13 Durbin Statement on Senate Resolution Encouraging Peaceful Resolution of Crisis in Ukraine [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and others this week in introducing a Senate Resolution urging the government of Ukraine and members of the opposition to find a peaceful and democratic resolution to the country's current political crisis. The mounting political impasse in Ukraine is deeply troubling, Durbin said. Ukraine is an important friend and ally of the United States that I believe has a promising future with the West. Such decisions should be made without coercion from other nations and through a peaceful and democratic process. I urge all parties to this current political challenge to refrain from violence, adhere to democratic norms, and strive to focus on long term solutions to the country's economic challenges."" A copy of the Senate's resolution is attached. After years of negotiations with the European Union over a historic trade and political agreement, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abruptly suspended his country's preparations for signing the agreement last month, in part under increased pressure from Russia. The decision prompted hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to protest the decision -- some of which were met by violence from state police on Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 11. Last month, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution Durbin introduced calling for the release of Ukraine's former Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, who has been held on selective charges of abusing her power in a state-sponsored contract since 2011. Numerous human rights groups and governments around the world, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, have called the charges politically motivated and called for Ms. Tymoshenko's release. Durbin visited Ukraine last year, meeting separately with both President Yanukovych and former Prime Minister Tymoshenko's daughter to discuss the political situation in the country. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=23e0a470-7143-44b5-bac1-de1925a26c2a,Durbin Joins Fast in Support of Immigration Reform,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home 404 We’re sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-urges-congress-to-extend-unemployment-benefits,Foster Urges Congress To Extend Unemployment Benefits,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) became a cosponsor of H.R. 3546, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013.  The legislation would renew the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program for an additional year.  If no action is taken, on December 28th, 1.3 million Americans, including 20,000 military veterans, will immediately lose their unemployment benefits.  In 2014, 3.6 million additional people will also lose their unemployment benefits beyond 26 weeks.  In Illinois, an estimated 230,500 people would lose their unemployment benefits through 2014. The legislation would effectively extend current law through 2014, providing unemployed Americans with a vital lifeline as they continue to recover from the recession.  An identical bill has been introduced in the Senate. “Our economy is still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said Foster. “Now is not the time to cut off this important lifeline.  It is critical that we extend unemployment benefits and prevent 1.3 million Americans still searching for employment from having their safety nets pulled out from under them on December 28th.” Even after 45 consecutive months of private-sector job growth, and reaching the lowest unemployment rate in 5 years, we still have work to do to reach pre-crisis employment levels.  Average weekly unemployment benefits have already been dropped $42 to $256 a week due to sequestration.  Not only does unemployment insurance help those struggling to find employment, it helps our economic recovery by supporting consumer demand.  It’s estimated that failing to extend unemployment benefits would cost 240,000 jobs in 2014, including 13,345 jobs in Illinois.  Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office and JP Morgan estimate that failure to extend benefits would lower GDP by .2 to .4 percentage points. More information on the economic benefits of extending unemployment insurance is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/constituent-spotlight-al-and-mary-kay-joens,Constituent Spotlight: Al and Mary Kay Joens,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Couple brings community’s youth back to baseball                 For eight years, Al and Mary Kay Joens lived quietly in the south suburban community of Park Forest. Then they became involved in youth baseball. Today, they can’t go to the grocery store without running into an army of people they know.             “We went from being unknown to everybody knowing who we are,” said Al, whose son A.J. joined Park Forest Baseball at the age of five and continues to play at age 12. “I’ll be a part of baseball till the day I take my last breath. I love the kids.”             Mary Kay agrees that the couple’s involvement in baseball was life changing.             “It’s in our blood and we can’t let it go,” she said. “Our life is the baseball field. Where most people take kids to the movies, we take ours to the baseball field. It brings out the kid in you. It’s so enjoyable and we’ve made such great friends. We’ll always be able to look back and have wonderful memories of our time in the league with our son.”                        Al currently serves as a division director in the Pony Baseball and Softball Association, overseeing more than 700 teams in Wisconsin and Illinois. He even sits on the association’s international board of directors             The Joenses love baseball so much, they even umpire on the side for other associations and leagues. Al umpires both baseball and basketball games throughout the Southland for the Illinois High School Association. Mary Kay umpires for teams within the Greater South Suburban Baseball League, traveling regularly to Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest and Matteson.             Youth baseball has been a tradition in Park Forest since 1951, but during the last decade, the numbers steadily declined. Park Forest Baseball is even the subject of a recent documentary by Mark Kundla, a media producer and adjunct professor of media studies at Governors State University, and vice chairman of Park Forest Baseball.             “Park Forest was known for its huge baseball tournaments for many years,” said Mary Kay. “But now kids have so many choices of activities. But baseball is starting to gain again. We’re making good progress.”             Park Forest Manager Tom Mick credits the couple for bringing the Village’s youth back to baseball.                 “Al and Mary Kay Joens are stalwart volunteers in the Park Forest youth baseball organization,” Mick said. “They have been the leaders of this organization for the past several years and have spearheaded a rebirth of youth baseball in our community. Their volunteer time is seemingly endless in spite of baseball season, which is supposed to run from April to July.”             The couple also brings the joy of baseball to children who otherwise would not be exposed to the game.                            “Sunday is dedicated to special needs children,” said Al, an account executive with World Data System. “We invite the kids to Central Park and teach them the skills of baseball and softball, how to catch and throw, bat and run bases. We have a cookout for them. Then we split up the players and play a game.”             The couple’s dream is to build an indoor baseball training facility for children in the Southland. Its estimated cost of $350,000 doesn’t seem to frighten or discourage them. They’re currently working to raise money and secure a grant.                 “It’s a big endeavor, but eventually we’ll get there,” Mary Kay said.             To help raise funds, a spaghetti dinner and silent auction are scheduled for May 9, beginning at 5 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Matteson. Some of the impressive prizes include a weekend at Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort in Door County, Wisconsin. More information about the fundraiser is at www.parkforestbaseball.org.             Everything the Joenses do seems to go toward the same end: to bring the game of baseball into the lives of young people, in the hope that it will give them as much joy as it has given their family.             “We’re blessed,” said Al. “We’ll be in baseball for as long as we’re physically able. We’re a baseball family.”   Al and Mary Kay Joens with son A.J.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140322011545/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schneiders-bill-to-strengthen-us-israel-defense-partnership-passes,Rep. Schneider's Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership Passes U.S. House,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Rep. Doug Collins’s (R-GA) legislation to increase military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 399 to 0.  The Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act ensures Israel retains a strategic and tactical advantage, including the weapons necessary to protect herself from both conventional as well as cyber threats. “Our strategic partnership with and support of the democratic, Jewish State of Israel is crucial for both countries,”Schneider said. “As Israel continues to face a broad spectrum of threats, including Hizbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, increasing extremist presence in Syria and Sinai, and of greatest concern, the threat of a nuclear Iran, we must reinforce our unbreakable, strategic bond, and this bill will help Israel preserve her ability to defend herself by herself.” By increasing the frequency of the formal assessment of Israel's strategic position vis-a-vis existing and emerging threats from every four to every two years, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act will better guarantee that Israel is always prepared to confront constantly evolving conventional and asymmetrical threats. The specific inclusion of cyber warfare in the assessment reflects the dramatic change in the nature of threats and ensures Israel maintains the qualitative edge against all nature of threats to her security. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Schneider is active in advocating for a strong U.S.-Israel partnership and for increasing sanctions against Iran. He coauthored new, broader sanctions against Iran and, in October, led 77 of his colleagues in urging the Obama Administration to authorize additional sanctions on Iran. In May, Schneider and Collins penned an op-ed about the need for the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. To view a copy, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140322021439/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schneider-announces-support-for-bipartisan-budget-deal,Rep. Schneider Announces Support for Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced his support today for Congressman Paul Ryan's (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) bipartisan budget deal. ""I came to Congress to move this country forward, and the budget deal helps do just that,"" Schneider said. ""While far from perfect, it represents a good faith effort to provide our businesses, families and communities with the stability and certainty that’s been sorely lacking from Washington. The deal isn't a solution to our biggest challenges, and it doesn’t extend critically important unemployment benefits, but it does avert another irresponsible government shutdown, replace a portion of the harmful sequester cuts and invest in core initiatives like infrastructure and research and development that help our economy grow.""  The deal provides a budget for the next two fiscal years, setting overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion, halfway between the House budget level of $967 billion and the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion. It provides $63 billion in sequester relief over two years that will be split between defense and non-defense programs and reduces the deficit by between $20 and $23 billion. Rep. Schneider, a member of the House Small Business Committee, has long called for a sensible budget that gives certainty to our small businesses and has been vocal about his opposition to the harmful sequester cuts. He was also active in calling for an end to the unnecessary government shutdown in October and returned his salary for the duration of the 16-day shutdown.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-amtrak-ridership-in-illinois-is-on-the-rise,Durbin: Amtrak Ridership in Illinois is on the Rise,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin: Amtrak Ridership in Illinois is on the Rise Durbin meets with Amtrak Board Chairman and Board Member Tom Carper to discuss passenger rail's continued growth [WASHINGTON, D.C.] As Amtrak ridership numbers continue to grow, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met today with Amtrak Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Coscia and former Mayor of Macomb, Illinois and current member of the Amtrak Board of Directors, Thomas Carper. A photo of today's meeting is available here. Amtrak made incredible progress under Chairman Carper's leadership, and we have already seen that trend continue with Chairman Coscia, Durbin said. Congress must also do its part by providing Amtrak with the resources it needs to continue modernizing our transportation system and creating jobs. When we invest in passenger rail, we help generate new economic activity that job-creating businesses across Illinois rely on. Nationwide, Amtrak routes posted significant ridership increases in fiscal year 2013 hitting a record of 31.4 million passengers. Ridership on Illinois subsidized routes over the last twelve months showed a 2.1% increase over the previous year with a total of nearly 2.6 million passengers. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-more-than-33-million-for-illinois-health-centers-to-expand-healthcare-enrollment-assistance,Durbin Announces More Than $3.3 Million for Illinois Health Centers to Expand Healthcare Enrollment Assistance,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin Announces More Than $3.3 Million for Illinois Health Centers to Expand Healthcare Enrollment Assistance Chicago health centers to receive grants totaling nearly $1.5 million [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $3,358,809 in funding through the Affordable Care Act to hire 132 additional healthcare workers at community health centers throughout Illinois to help individuals and families enroll into affordable health insurance plans. This funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help these centers expand outreach and enrollment assistance efforts as more Illinoisans are able to access affordable health insurance coverage through the healthcare reform law. Community health centers serve an important purpose for families in Illinois and across the country, Durbin said. With the help of these federal resources, made available through the Affordable Care Act, Illinois health centers can provide expanded assistance for individuals looking for resources to help them understand their insurance options and enroll into affordable health insurance plans coverage. Illinois has 42 health centers with 548 sites that served 1,142,381 patients last year, nearly 30 percent of them uninsured. With their Outreach and Enrollment funding, the health centers listed below expect to hire 132 additional workers, who will assist 195,745 people with enrollment into affordable health insurance coverage. Central Illinois Chestnut Health Systems (Bloomington, IL): $61,761 in funding; Comm Health Center (Springfield, IL): $71,613 in funding; Southern Illinois University (Springfield, IL): $28,675 in funding; Community Health Improvement Center (Decatur, IL): $64,375 in funding; Cass County (Virginia, IL): $29,865 in funding; Heartland Community Health Clinic (Peoria, IL): $53,168 in funding; Henderson County Rural Health Center (Oquawka, IL): $35,332 in funding; Knox County (Galesburg, IL): $27,548 in funding; Macoupin County (Carlinville): $36,417 in funding; Whiteside County (Rock Falls, IL): $56,157 in funding; Southern Illinois Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp (Christopher, IL): $106,634 in funding; Community Health & Emergency SVCS, Inc (Carbondale, IL): $60,637 in funding; Rural Health, Inc (Anna, IL): $41,891 in funding; Shawnee Health Service And Development Corporation (Carterville, IL): $69,422 in funding; Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation, Inc (East St. Louis, IL): $170,796 in funding; Northern Illinois Crusaders Central Clinic Association (Rockford, IL): $112,976 Chicagoland Access Community Health Network (Chicago, IL): $250,000 in funding; Alivio Medical Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $90,905 in funding; Asian Human Services Family Center (Chicago, IL): $58,299 in funding; Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center, Inc (Olympia Fields): $202,898 in funding; Beloved Community Family Wellness Center (Chicago, IL): $29,165 in funding; Centro De Salud Esperanza (Chicago, IL): $46,672 in funding; Chicago Family Health Center (Chicago, IL): $89,904 in funding; Circle Family Care, Inc (Chicago, IL): $45,272 in funding; Community Health Partnership of Illinois (Chicago, IL): $76,212 in funding; Community Nurse Health Association (La Grange, IL): $34,919 in funding; Erie Family Health Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $122,027 in funding; Friend Family Health Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $40,414 in funding; Family Christian Health Center (Harvey, IL): $40,533 in funding; Greater Elgin Family Care Center (Elgin, IL): $122,027 in funding; Heartland Health Outreach, Inc (Chicago, IL): $79,243 in funding; Heartland International Health Centers (Chicago, IL): $88,336 in funding; Lake County (Waukegan, IL); $155,109 in funding; Lawndale Christian HealthCenter (Chicago, IL): $143,860 in funding; Near North Health Service Corporation (Chicago, IL): $156,684 in funding; Primecare Community Health, Inc (Chicago, IL): $58,460 in funding; PCC Community Wellness Center (Oak Park, IL): $82,715 in funding; Roseland Christian Health Ministries, Inc (Chicago, IL): $44,915 in funding; TCA Health Inc., NFP (Chicago, IL): $26,526 in funding; University of Illinois (Chicago, IL): $40,547 in funding; Will County Health Center (Joliet, IL): $85,536 in funding; Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-biofuels-critical-to-achieving-energy-independence-protecting-our-environment-and-supportin-rural-economy,"Durbin: Biofuels Critical to Achieving Energy Independence, Protecting Our Environment, and Supportin Rural Economy",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin: Biofuels Critical to Achieving Energy Independence, Protecting Our Environment, and Supportin Rural Economy Senate EPW Committee holds hearing today examining EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Following an oversight hearing today held by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to examine the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reiterated his commitment to working with his Congressional colleagues and Illinois' industry stakeholders to improve the proposal. The biofuels industry is a major job creator, especially in rural areas, and directly supports 5,400 jobs in Illinois alone. Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee held an oversight hearing on a concerning proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the Renewable Fuels Standard. If the proposed rule is made final, it would undermine a successful policy tool that supports energy independence, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilizes our rural economy. That is why I am working with like-minded Senators on both sides of the aisle to urge the EPA to reconsider this rule before it is finalized, Durbin said. We have come too far to take this giant step backward. Biofuels are an important part of our energy future and the right path forward for our country. In November, Durbin joined with thirty-one members of the U.S. Senate in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell encouraging the agencies not to decrease the RFS. That letter can be accessed here. In late October, Durbin sent a similar letter to Burwell which can be accessed here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-transportation-department-to-verify-safety-of-enbridge-pipeline-in-great-lakes,Durbin Urges Transportation Department To Verify Safety of Enbridge Pipeline in Great Lakes,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin Urges Transportation Department To Verify Safety of Enbridge Pipeline in Great Lakes [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) today in urging the Department of Transportation to verify the safety of an Enbridge pipeline running through Great Lakes waters. Enbridge recently increased the amount of oil the 60-year old pipeline is carrying. In a letter to the Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Senators noted that Enbridge Energy Partners' Line 5 pipeline recently began transporting an additional 1.2 million gallons of oil per day. That pipeline, which was built in 1953, passes along environmentally sensitive areas and beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which PHMSA has identified as a high consequence area. If the aging pipeline were to leak or burst, it could have devastating effects on the Great Lakes ecosystem and the entire region's economy. Three years ago, Enbridge's Line 6B ruptured near the Kalamazoo River in Marshall, Michigan. Nearly 843,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Kalamazoo River, causing the largest inland oil spill in United States history, the Senators wrote. If the pipeline running beneath the Straits of Mackinac were to leak or burst, it could have devastating effects on the Great Lakes and the entire region's economy. The Great Lakes constitute 95% of the nation's surface fresh water supply and are directly connected to over 1.5 million jobs, with $62 billion in annual wages. The full text of the letter follows: December 11, 2013 The Honorable Cynthia I. Quarterman Administrator Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration U.S. Department of Transportation East Building, 2nd Floor 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Administrator Quarterman: We are writing in regards to PHMSA's recent approval of hydrostatic testing along Enbridge Energy Partners' Line 5 pipeline. As you know, Enbridge increased the amount of oil transported through Line 5 by an additional 50,000 barrels per day, equal to 1.2 million gallons per day. This pipeline is 60 years old and runs from Superior, Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ontario. It passes inland along environmentally sensitive areas and beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which PHMSA has identified as a high consequence area. The increase in oil transported adds pressure to the aging pipeline, which has undergone only a few upgrades since it was first installed in 1953. We are concerned that these changes could compromise the integrity of the pipeline. We are particularly concerned with the risks a leak or break in the pipe could pose to the Straits of Mackinac given this area's strong currents, variable water temperatures, and connections to both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Three years ago, Enbridge's Line 6B ruptured near the Kalamazoo River in Marshall, Michigan. Nearly 843,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Kalamazoo River, causing the largest inland oil spill in United States history. This oil spill severely affected local residents, the surrounding environment, and Michigan's economy. In fact, cleanup efforts are still underway. If the pipeline running beneath the Straits of Mackinac were to leak or burst, it could have devastating effects on the Great Lakes and the entire region's economy. The Great Lakes constitute 95% of the nation's surface fresh water supply and are directly connected to over 1.5 million jobs, with $62 billion in annual wages. Therefore, we ask that you provide us with answers to the following questions: We understand that PHMSA requested that Enbridge conduct various tests to ensure that the integrity of the pipeline would not be compromised with an increase in oil pressure. Please provide a list and explanation of all tests that were executed, when and where the testing occurred, and if the tests were performed on the section of pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 requires pipeline operators or owners who own high consequence area pipelines to verify that their records accurately reflect the pipeline's physical and operational characteristics and the pipeline's established Maximum Allowable Operating Pressures (MAOP). Did Enbridge have fully updated MAOP records before it increased the pressure on Line 5? If so, please explain what testing methods Enbridge used to verify the MAOP of Line 5. What measures are in place to detect leaks on Line 5? Have remote-controlled shut-off valves or equivalent technology been installed? How quickly does PHMSA estimate that a leak could be stopped and resolved? Has Enbridge provided PHMSA with an updated emergency response plan? If so, how has the plan been updated? Was the Coast Guard involved in updating the plan? Who will have access to this plan? If available, please provide a copy of the updated emergency response plan. Given the serious risks that an oil spill in this area could pose to the Great Lakes and the surrounding communities, we urge you to give prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your reply. Thank you. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-warren-boxer-reed-introduce-student-loan-borrower-bill-of-rights,"Durbin, Warren, Boxer, Reed Introduce Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin, Warren, Boxer, Reed Introduce Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Legislation Will Reform Disclosure and Servicing Standards for Both Federal and Private Student Loans [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) today in introducing legislation to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them. Student loan debt has tripled over the last decade, Durbin said. With student loan debt far outpacing the rise in starting salaries, many borrowers find that despite their best efforts, they are unable to make their monthly payments. And when lenders refuse to work with them on a repayment plan, they begin a downward spiral that is difficult to turn around. These borrowers and their families should not have to face the burden of additional costs because they cannot resolve errors quickly or gain access to programs meant to help them. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will ensure that all borrowers will have access to basic rights and protections. Our students now face more than $1 trillion in student loan debt, but many young people are asked to pay even more in costs because of unfair treatment by loan servicers. We should be supporting students who have worked hard to get an education, not making it more difficult for them. I'm pleased to join Senators Durbin, Boxer, and Reed to introduce the Student Loan Bill of Rights, which will help make sure student borrowers are treated fairly and have access to the information and resources they need, Warren said. Student borrowers must be treated fairly, Boxer said. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights would ensure that students are provided clear and honest information about how much they owe and what their repayment options are. If we're going to make a dent in making college affordable, we have to hold servicers accountable, increase transparency, and ensure students and their families get a fair deal. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will help establish clear, measurable expectations for servicers and ensure borrowers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about repaying their student loans, said Reed. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released two reports over the last two years that have revealed that servicing standards are in need of reform to ensure borrowers are informed and can access basic information about their loans. The CFPB's 20103 report is available here and the 2012 report is available here. Though many students hold federal student loans with strong consumer protections, a growing number take out private loans that carry no limits on interest rates and offer few, if any, alternative repayment plans. In some cases, even federal student loan borrowers are unaware of options like income-based repayment and public service loan forgiveness. Payments are sometimes misallocated to loans with lower interest rates, preventing borrowers from paying loans off quickly, and borrowers report significant challenges in resolving errors on their accounts in a timely manner. Durbin's bill provides six basic rights for all federal and private student loan borrowers: The right to have options such as alternative payment plans to avoid default. The right to be informed about key terms and conditions of the loan and any repayment options to ensure changing plans won't cost more. The right to know your loan's servicer and who to reach out to when there is a problem. The right to consistency when it comes to how monthly payments are applied. Lenders and servicers should also honor promotions and promises that are advertised or offered. The right to fairness, like grace periods when loans are transferred or debt cancellation when the borrower dies or becomes disabled. The right to accountability, including timely resolution of errors and certification of private loans. The bill places a special focus on servicemember and veteran borrowers by requiring loan servicers to provide each borrower with a liaison specifically trained in the benefits available to military borrowers. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4980c084-5a56-4a8b-a843-e066f12a7bf6,"Durbin, Warren, Boxer, Reed Introduce Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin, Warren, Boxer, Reed Introduce Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Legislation Will Reform Disclosure and Servicing Standards for Both Federal and Private Student Loans [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) today in introducing legislation to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them.   “Student loan debt has tripled over the last decade,” Durbin said. “With student loan debt far outpacing the rise in starting salaries, many borrowers find that despite their best efforts, they are unable to make their monthly payments. And when lenders refuse to work with them on a repayment plan, they begin a downward spiral that is difficult to turn around. These borrowers and their families should not have to face the burden of additional costs because they cannot resolve errors quickly or gain access to programs meant to help them. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will ensure that all borrowers will have access to basic rights and protections.”   “Our students now face more than $1 trillion in student loan debt, but many young people are asked to pay even more in costs because of unfair treatment by loan servicers. We should be supporting students who have worked hard to get an education, not making it more difficult for them. I’m pleased to join Senators Durbin, Boxer, and Reed to introduce the Student Loan Bill of Rights, which will help make sure student borrowers are treated fairly and have access to the information and resources they need,” Warren said.   “Student borrowers must be treated fairly,” Boxer said. “The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights would ensure that students are provided clear and honest information about how much they owe and what their repayment options are.”   “If we're going to make a dent in making college affordable, we have to hold servicers accountable, increase transparency, and ensure students and their families get a fair deal.  The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will help establish clear, measurable expectations for servicers and ensure borrowers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about repaying their student loans,” said Reed.   The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released two reports over the last two years that have revealed that servicing standards are in need of reform to ensure borrowers are informed and can access basic information about their loans. The CFPB’s 20103 report is available here and the 2012 report is available here. Though many students hold federal student loans with strong consumer protections, a growing number take out private loans that carry no limits on interest rates and offer few, if any, alternative repayment plans. In some cases, even federal student loan borrowers are unaware of options like income-based repayment and public service loan forgiveness. Payments are sometimes misallocated to loans with lower interest rates, preventing borrowers from paying loans off quickly, and borrowers report significant challenges in resolving errors on their accounts in a timely manner.   Durbin’s bill provides six basic rights for all federal and private student loan borrowers:   The right to have options such as alternative payment plans to avoid default.   The right to be informed about key terms and conditions of the loan and any repayment options to ensure changing plans won’t cost more.   The right to know your loan’s servicer and who to reach out to when there is a problem.   The right to consistency when it comes to how monthly payments are applied. Lenders and servicers should also honor promotions and promises that are advertised or offered.    The right to fairness, like grace periods when loans are transferred or debt cancellation when the borrower dies or becomes disabled.   The right to accountability, including timely resolution of errors and certification of private loans.   The bill places a special focus on servicemember and veteran borrowers by requiring loan servicers to provide each borrower with a liaison specifically trained in the benefits available to military borrowers.  Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=75d1ed6d-11d8-4a3e-b22c-8f854bb5e5d4,"Durbin: Biofuels Critical to Achieving Energy Independence, Protecting Our Environment, and Supportin Rural Economy",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin: Biofuels Critical to Achieving Energy Independence, Protecting Our Environment, and Supportin Rural Economy Senate EPW Committee holds hearing today examining EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following an oversight hearing today held by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to examine the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reiterated his commitment to working with his Congressional colleagues and Illinois’ industry stakeholders to improve the proposal. The biofuels industry is a major job creator, especially in rural areas, and directly supports 5,400 jobs in Illinois alone. “Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee held an oversight hearing on a concerning proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the Renewable Fuels Standard. If the proposed rule is made final, it would undermine a successful policy tool that supports energy independence, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilizes our rural economy. That is why I am working with like-minded Senators on both sides of the aisle to urge the EPA to reconsider this rule before it is finalized,” Durbin said. “We have come too far to take this giant step backward. Biofuels are an important part of our energy future and the right path forward for our country.”   In November, Durbin joined with thirty-one members of the U.S. Senate in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell encouraging the agencies not to decrease the RFS.  That letter can be accessed here.  In late October, Durbin sent a similar letter to Burwell which can be accessed here.   Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=94aeedf6-a8b4-4664-810c-f71dbab0ad9d,Durbin: Amtrak Ridership in Illinois is on the Rise,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin: Amtrak Ridership in Illinois is on the Rise Durbin meets with Amtrak Board Chairman and Board Member Tom Carper to discuss passenger rail’s continued growth [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Amtrak ridership numbers continue to grow, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met today with Amtrak Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Coscia and former Mayor of Macomb, Illinois and current member of the Amtrak Board of Directors, Thomas Carper. A photo of today’s meeting is available here. “Amtrak made incredible progress under Chairman Carper's leadership, and we have already seen that trend continue with Chairman Coscia,” Durbin said. “Congress must also do its part by providing Amtrak with the resources it needs to continue modernizing our transportation system and creating jobs. When we invest in passenger rail, we help generate new economic activity that job-creating businesses across Illinois rely on.” Nationwide, Amtrak routes posted significant ridership increases in fiscal year 2013 hitting a record of 31.4 million passengers. Ridership on Illinois subsidized routes over the last twelve months showed a 2.1% increase over the previous year with a total of nearly 2.6 million passengers.  Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=daaf013a-2dac-46b3-9cac-85cecd1de8f4,Durbin Announces More Than $3.3 Million for Illinois Health Centers to Expand Healthcare Enrollment Assistance,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.13 Durbin Announces More Than $3.3 Million for Illinois Health Centers to Expand Healthcare Enrollment Assistance Chicago health centers to receive grants totaling nearly $1.5 million [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $3,358,809 in funding through the Affordable Care Act to hire 132 additional healthcare workers at community health centers throughout Illinois to help individuals and families enroll into affordable health insurance plans. This funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help these centers expand outreach and enrollment assistance efforts as more Illinoisans are able to access affordable health insurance coverage through the healthcare reform law.    “Community health centers serve an important purpose for families in Illinois and across the country,” Durbin said. “With the help of these federal resources, made available through the Affordable Care Act, Illinois health centers can provide expanded assistance for individuals looking for resources to help them understand their insurance options and enroll into affordable health insurance plans coverage.”   Illinois has 42 health centers with 548 sites that served 1,142,381 patients last year, nearly 30 percent of them uninsured. With their Outreach and Enrollment funding, the health centers listed below expect to hire 132 additional workers, who will assist 195,745 people with enrollment into affordable health insurance coverage.   Central Illinois   Chestnut Health Systems (Bloomington, IL): $61,761 in funding; Comm Health Center (Springfield, IL): $71,613 in funding; Southern Illinois University (Springfield, IL): $28,675 in funding; Community Health Improvement Center (Decatur, IL): $64,375 in funding; Cass County (Virginia, IL): $29,865 in funding; Heartland Community Health Clinic (Peoria, IL): $53,168 in funding; Henderson County Rural Health Center (Oquawka, IL): $35,332 in funding; Knox County (Galesburg, IL): $27,548 in funding; Macoupin County (Carlinville): $36,417 in funding; Whiteside County (Rock Falls, IL): $56,157 in funding;   Southern Illinois   Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp (Christopher, IL): $106,634 in funding; Community Health & Emergency SVCS, Inc (Carbondale, IL): $60,637 in funding; Rural Health, Inc (Anna, IL): $41,891 in funding; Shawnee Health Service And Development Corporation (Carterville, IL): $69,422 in funding; Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation, Inc (East St. Louis, IL): $170,796 in funding;   Northern Illinois   Crusaders Central Clinic Association (Rockford, IL): $112,976   Chicagoland   Access Community Health Network (Chicago, IL): $250,000 in funding; Alivio Medical Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $90,905 in funding; Asian Human Services Family Center (Chicago, IL): $58,299 in funding; Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, Inc (Olympia Fields): $202,898 in funding; Beloved Community Family Wellness Center (Chicago, IL): $29,165 in funding; Centro De Salud Esperanza (Chicago, IL): $46,672 in funding; Chicago Family Health Center (Chicago, IL): $89,904 in funding; Circle Family Care, Inc (Chicago, IL): $45,272 in funding; Community Health Partnership of Illinois (Chicago, IL): $76,212 in funding; Community Nurse Health Association  (La Grange, IL): $34,919 in funding; Erie Family Health Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $122,027 in funding; Friend Family Health Center, Inc (Chicago, IL): $40,414 in funding; Family Christian Health Center (Harvey, IL): $40,533 in funding; Greater Elgin Family Care Center (Elgin, IL): $122,027 in funding; Heartland Health Outreach, Inc (Chicago, IL): $79,243 in funding; Heartland International Health Centers (Chicago, IL): $88,336 in funding; Lake County (Waukegan, IL); $155,109 in funding; Lawndale Christian Health Center (Chicago, IL): $143,860 in funding; Near North Health Service Corporation (Chicago, IL): $156,684 in funding; Primecare Community Health, Inc (Chicago, IL): $58,460 in funding; PCC Community Wellness Center (Oak Park, IL): $82,715 in funding; Roseland Christian Health Ministries, Inc (Chicago, IL): $44,915 in funding; TCA Health Inc., NFP (Chicago, IL): $26,526 in funding; University of Illinois (Chicago, IL): $40,547 in funding; Will County Health Center (Joliet, IL): $85,536 in funding; Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rush.house.gov/event/all-chicago-memorial-service-president-nelson-mandela,An All Chicago Memorial Service for President Nelson Mandela,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bobby Rush,R000515,rush.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON –– Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) re-introduced ""The African Investment and Diaspora Act of 2011"" (AIDA), a bill that’s designed to further strengthen the trade relationship between the United States and Africa.  ""I am re-introducing this important trade legislation as I believe it represents the legislative affirmation of the strong and growing trade relationship between the United States and the nations on the continent of Africa,"" said Rush who serves as the Ranking Member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee as is co-chair of the Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus (APEGc).  ""I am proud to re-introduce a piece of legislation that has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of men and women in several African nations, as well as entrepreneurs and business leaders in Africa, in the United States and in other parts of the Diaspora.   This legislation seeks to further expand the opportunities for mutual trade and investment between our nation and the people of Africa.  This day also marks a milestone for me and tens of thousands of people in our country who were part of the anti-apartheid movement in the years leading up to the release of Madiba Nelson Mandela 21 years ago, today, on February 11, 1990.  I will work diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this legislation into law as I strongly believe it is in the best interests of the United States and Africa that our relationship moves from that of charitable dependency to economic inter-dependency.""Looking on at this important moment in history were Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali, the permanent representative to the African Union in the United States, and South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool.  In response to today’s bill introduction, Ambassador Ali said, ""The introduction of the African Investment and Diaspora Act of 2011 is historic legislation that I was privileged to see introduced, today, by one of America’s leading civil rights leaders.  This bill is an important and timely development for the African Union both in terms of charting a new paradigm for strengthening U.S.-Africa relations in the 21st century and, specifically, helping to harness the Global African Diaspora to work in partnership with the continent.""In a like manner, Ambassador Rasool said, ""AIDA marks the first step towards unleashing Africa’s vast potential through win-win trade and investment opportunities.  This bill mirrors the spirit of the common history and destiny shared between the USA and Africa.  We commend Congressman Rush for this critical initiative and look forward to continued collaboration that will lead up to the Global African Diaspora Summit, which will be hosted by South Africa in 2012.""On the day Rush introduced this legislation in the 111th Congress, he noted that in today’s economy African countries represent promising export destinations for American products because they possess untapped human and natural resources with the added distinction of representing some of the world’s fastest growing economies.  At the same time, the African Diaspora constitutes a growing economic force for the U.S economy, including African immigrants who have some of the highest levels of education compared to other immigrant populations.""Given the level of expertise that’s available throughout the entire African Diaspora, mobilizing even a small fraction of that capacity would spark increased participation and, I believe, spirited competition among the best and brightest entrepreneurs from diverse industries not only for the economic benefits but also the opportunity to be the first to introduce or develop a diverse array of essential or innovative industries to a nation that already has strong ties in place with the people of the United States,"" said Rush. ""These benefits and more, I believe, represent this century’s new frontier for those entrepreneurs who dare to dream and are willing to engage with the people of Africa in mutually beneficial and respectful terms."" Key provisions of H.R. 656 ""The African Investment and Diaspora Act of 2011"" include the following:•    Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should continue to support efforts to foster socio-economic development and economic growth in Africa by:––pursuing efforts to increase collaboration among United States government departments and agencies in order to more closely integrate and coordinate U.S. programs and policies aimed at promoting trade and investment with Africa; ––fostering United States public-private partnerships and other investments in Africa; and––supporting and fostering citizen-led efforts to form business, technical, academic and socio-cultural ties with Africans and supporting the efforts of all Americans and groups with interests and ties to Africa. •    Creates a U.S. Special Representative for U.S.-Africa Trade, Development and Diaspora Affairs within the Department of State and recommends that this position serve as the head of an interagency working group whose mission would include convening a permanent, interagency United States-Africa Trade and Development Consultative Action Group.•    Establishes five, regional centers to serve the northeastern, southern, plains, Midwest, western and northwestern regions of the continental United States with headquarters in cities with the highest proportion of African Diaspora residents•    Recommends the creation of a report to Congress on the impact of this act on trade investments and job creation in the United States and Africa and the impact of the role of the African Diaspora in the United States in improving United States-Africa trade relations and economic development progress in Africa.                                                    WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali, the permanent representative to the African Union in the United States, joins U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush, center, and His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, outside the House chamber a few minutes after Rush introduced H.R. 656, The African Investment and Diaspora Act of 2011.  Ali and Rasool are holding commemorative receipts that bear Rush’s signature as a memento to their having witnessed Rush’s re-introduction of this important trade legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140920000727/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=97763100-2ea5-4dee-ae0f-6b6134aa980e,Protecting the SNAP Program and the Social Safety Net,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"[WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate Floor regarding the importance of protecting the social safety net, which includes programs like SNAP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141101171115/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=df3a4b3e-21e4-434f-bbe1-d530e3dee037,Helping Hard-Working Families Make Ends Meet,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"[WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin spoke on the Senate Floor regarding the need to help hard-working families make ends meet by raising the minimum wage and protecting the social safety net.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301175724/http://rodneydavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/illinois-to-receive-27-million-for-traffic-safety,Illinois to Receive $2.7 Million for Traffic Safety,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Springfield, IL – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that the Illinois Department of Traffic Safety has been awarded six grants totaling $2,731,411.48 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The funds will support the state’s highway safety and data programs. Details of the grants are as follows: Impaired Driving Countermeasures Program Grant - $1,591,695.80 to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of alcohol. Motorcyclist Safety Grant - $50,212.85 to support motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs. State Traffic Safety Information Systems Grant (1 of 2) - $437,506.58 to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of traffic data State Traffic Safety Information Systems Grant (2 of 2) - $71,720.90 to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of traffic data. This award is a reallocation of the unawarded balance from the State Graduated Driver Licensing Laws program area using the proportional allocation process contained in MAP-21. Occupant Protection Grant (1 of 2) - $498,545.12 to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. Occupant Protection Grant (2 of 2) - $81,730.23 to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. This award is a reallocation of unawarded balances from the State Graduated Driver Licensing Laws program area.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140427175057/http://schneider.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schneider-highlights-on-the-job-training-success,Rep. Schneider Showcases On-the-Job Training Success,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Brad Schneider,S001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) visited Lake Bluff-based Duroweld to see firsthand the success of On-the-Job training programs and discuss how legislation he recently introduced will expand these programs so more small businesses can put people back to work.   Duroweld, a full service metal fabricator with nine employees, is currently using the On-the-Job training program to train an employee in advanced welding skills.  Last month, Schneider introduced the bipartisan LEARN Act, which expands the On-the-Job Training programs that have proven to be effective at helping to train and retrain Americans who are looking for work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141101171122/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=eaf0fbc0-db1a-4a88-bae8-76799d00e54b,Paying Tribute to DuQuoin Mayor John Rednour,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute on the Senate Floor to former Du Quoin Mayor John Rednour, who died on December 1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141101171127/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=01c5aa4f-2dde-4967-bd13-c42c64f28a61,Honoring Nelson Mandela on the Senate Floor,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) paid tribute to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela today on the Senate Floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063045/http://schock.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363785,Schock to lead Historic Delegation to Honor Life of President Nelson Mandela,2013-12-08,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Aaron Schock,S001179,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Representative Aaron Schock (IL-18) will lead a historic congressional delegation traveling to South Africa to commemorate and celebrate the life of President Nelson Mandela. The delegation will join other elected officials and the South African people as they honor the life of President Mandela. Upon being tapped to lead the delegation Schock said, “I have always had great respect for former president Mandela. The personal sacrifices he made in order to achieve what was right for the people of South Africa is something I carry with me every day. I am humbled to be leading so many of my colleagues in tribute to Nelson Mandela.” Mandela’s battle against racially charged apartheid rule in South Africa led to his 27 year confinement in prison. Upon release Mandela helped negotiate an end to white minority rule and unify the South African people, culminating with his election as President in 1994.   House Speaker John Boehner added, “Nelson Mandela was one of the most consequential and beloved figures of our time, and I am grateful that Rep. Schock is leading our congressional delegation to the memorial service to honor his life.” Mandela’s memorial services will take place on December 10th in Johannesburg, South Africa at FNB Stadium. The ceremony is expected to draw numerous world leaders and more than fill the 95,000 capacity stadium. “President Mandela’s commitment to improve the lives of those around him at the expense of his own freedoms demonstrates the best in mankind. It is impossible to imagine what his time in solitude was like, but to emerge and lead the efforts of reconciliation in his country is truly remarkable. His example of servant leadership- voluntarily leaving office after one term- set an example of democratic change for South Africans and the world over. Nelson Mandela's forgiveness, leadership, and class will always inspire me.” Said Schock.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301204641/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=584,Pontiac Daily Leader: Optimism rises on Farm Bill,2013-12-07,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Recent reports indicate that legislators in Washington, D.C. are inching closer towards the passage of comprehensive agriculture legislation. “We’re making great progress, across the board we’re trying to bring it all together,” Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow?(D-MI) said recently. “We are coming closer in every part of the bill.” The reauthorization of the Farm Bill continues to take much more time than many would like. Some programs have been extended, others are unfunded, unauthorized and unreformed – much to the dismay of agriculture producers across the nation. However, Rep. Adam Kinzinger – an Ottawa Republican – remains optimistic on the prospects for passage. It’s been a long process to get here, but I am hopeful that both sides will be able to come to agreement on a long-term bill,” said Kinzinger in a statement. “Illinois farmers need reliable farm policy that lets them plan ahead instead of guessing what will come from Washington year after year. It’s time we got this critical legislation done to give farmers across the state and the country the certainty they have long deserved.” Senate Democrats and House Republicans have battled for over a year on key sticking points including subsidies and food stamp and nutrition assistance programs, which has pushed federal support for farmers past several key deadlines. According to the USDA, passage of a comprehensive Farm Bill will be particularly impactful in rural areas of the country, where poverty is more widespread. Since 2009, rural development programs, which are often included in the  legislation, have financed 3,898 rural water and wastewater projects, helping create jobs and providing clean water for millions of Americans. While the approaches of both parties continue to differ, and details remain scarce, optimism on a rare piece of bipartisan legislation could be put forward before the end of the year. “We’re making great progress, across the board we’re trying to bring it all together,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “We made great progress. We have more progress to make. Let us keep working.”   Click here to view the full posting.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-works-to-alleviate-aircraft-noise-pollution-near-chicago,Quigley Works to Alleviate Aircraft Noise Pollution Near Chicago Airports,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,,,legacy,"New Silent Skies Act will help mitigate impact of increased O'Hare traffic WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced the introduction of the Silent Skies Act (H.R. 3650), legislation to reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of life for those who live near airports. It is part of Rep. Quigley's ongoing efforts to address neighborhood noise concerns over increased air traffic stemming the O'Hare Modernization Project. The Silent Skies Act will require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations by the end of 2015 requiring all commercial airplanes to meet Stage 4 noise standards, which are significantly lower decibel levels than those currently in use. Chicago's airports are vital economic engines of our community, but they and the airlines must do everything they can to be good neighbors, said Rep. Quigley. Introducing newer and quieter engines into airline fleets will make them less disruptive to families who live nearby and keep our vibrant neighborhoods livable. In 2006, the FAA issued regulations requiring all new commercial aircraft designs to meet Stage 4 noise standards but was silent on whether airlines would need to phase out older, louder airplanes or retrofit them with quieter engines. The Silent Skies Act will require the FAA to issue the new regulations to phase in the quieter engines at a rate of 25% of an airline's fleet every five years, so that all commercial airplanes meet these quieter standards by 2035 at the latest. In addition, the bill encourages research and development of quieter engine technologies through a new grant partnership program. Currently, there is no stream of federal funding dedicated specifically to the development of quieter engines. Chicago O'Hare Airport became a part of Illinois' 5th Congressional District in January of this year. Since then, Rep. Quigley has met continuously with neighborhood organizations and aviation officials to discuss solutions to the airport's increasing noise pollution. He recently called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to further examine ways to mitigate noise pollution resulting from the new runways that opened in October as part of the O'Hare Modernization Program. Rep. Quigley serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where hehas made Chicago-area infrastructure investment a top priority as a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063101/http://schock.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363643,Schock Authors Legislation to Provide Access to Lifesaving Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Aaron Schock,S001179,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Today Representative Aaron Schock (IL-18) introduced the Family Cord Blood Banking Act. Umbilical cord blood is unique in that it has a high concentration of rich stem cells that can then be used to combat various diseases which may develop throughout ones life.  The bipartisan legislation allows Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to be used to help offset the cost of storing ones cord blood. “Cord blood stem cells have shown tremendous value in treating disease. We have examples right here in Illinois of how the value of the stem cells derived from cord blood can be used to improve or save someone’s life. This common sense legislation makes it more affordable for families that want to save these cells for their children,” said Representative Aaron Schock. Stem cells from umbilical cord blood have been used to treat a wide range of diseases in both adults and children through more than 30,000 transplants worldwide over the last 25 years. In Springfield, Illinois umbilical cord blood stem cells were used to help provide a treatment for Apraxia, a yet uncured speech disorder where individuals can’t speak even though they know what they want to say. Grant Apostol from Springfield, was diagnosed with Apraxia at a young age. Thankfully the Apostol’s had banked their son’s cord blood after he was born. When he was 2 ½ years old, Grant had a portion of his cord blood stem cells infused into his blood stream. Not long after the infusion, Grant was able to speak in full sentences and ask questions that he had previously been unable to do. Today Grant is a healthy and active child who is progressing with his peers. The issue is not a new one for Schock, back in 2007 during his time in the Illinois General Assembly, Schock supported legislation to allow the Department of Public Health to work with medical providers to make sure pregnant women were informed about umbilical cord blood banking services. That legislation, which was signed into law in August 2007, gave pregnant mothers the ability to make an informed decision on whether or not to participate in public or private umbilical cord blood banking services. Then in 2009 as a Member of Congress, Schock authored a bipartisan letter to the then-IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman requesting that the IRS allow umbilical cord blood banking to be considered as a qualified medical expense allowing one to use health savings accounts. Specifically, the Family Cord Blood Banking Act recognizes umbilical cord blood as a qualified medical expense which can be paid for through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of non-controversial newborn stem cells that can be used to treat many forms of cancer, blood disorders, immune diseases, and brain injury, as well as diseases like cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The cost to store a child’s cord blood stem cells can be as much as $2,000 for collection and processing and up to $150 a year for storage. Allowing families to pay for these costs through health savings accounts allows more families to access these potentially life-saving stem cells.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301060431/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=e88f6ee5-2d72-41e8-8100-18cfb352b1df,School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Main Menu Home About Dick Durbin Illinois Info Center Constituent Services Issues and Legislation Legislative Agenda Press Office Multimedia Archives Illinois Investments In Your Community Today in the Senate Contact Dick Durbin Office Locations WASHINGTON, D.C.711 Hart Senate Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 9 am to 6 pm ET (202) 224-2152 - phone (202) 228-0400 - fax CHICAGO 230 S Dearborn St. Suite 3892 Chicago, IL 60604 8:30 am to 5 pm (312) 353-4952 - phone (312) 353-0150 - fax SPRINGFIELD 525 South 8th St. Springfield, IL 62703 8:30 am to 5 pm (217) 492-4062 - phone (217) 492-4382 - fax CARBONDALE 250 W. Cherry Street Suite 115-D Carbondale, IL 62901 8:30 am to 5 pm (618) 351-1122 - phone (618) 351-1124 - fax ROCK ISLAND 1504 Third Avenue Suite 227 Rock Island, IL 61201 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (309) 786-5173 - phone (309) 786-5404 - fax",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301174847/http://rodneydavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-davis-introduces-the-school-nutrition-fairness-act,Rep. Davis Introduces the School Nutrition Fairness Act,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Pana, IL – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today, at a press conference at Pana Jr. High School, introduced legislation that would require the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abide by the same nutritional standards imposed on our nation’s students. “Students, parents and educational leaders in my district and across the country have expressed concerns about meeting the new nutrition standards for school meals,” said Davis. “While these regulations were put in place with good intentions, they are making it harder for school districts to do their job, leading to increased costs, decreased participation and in some cases, hungry children.” The School Nutrition Fairness Act would force the White House to abide by the breakfast or lunch requirements currently imposed on students for any official meal and require USDA cafeterias and White House cafeterias to abide by these new standards as well. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) was created in 1946 to provide students, especially low-income students, with access to “nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches”.  During the 2012-13 school year, new nutritional standards, including set calorie ranges and weekly limits on grains and meat consumption, for the NSLP were implemented by the Administration. “Unfortunately, Washington is not getting the message,” said Davis. “In order to demonstrate to the Executive Branch the problems that these regulations are imposing on our school districts, I think the White House and USDA should have to abide by the same nutritional standards imposed on our students.” During a House Committee on Education & the Workforce hearing on June 27th, 2013, the General Accountability Office (GAO) testified that of the eight school districts they visited during the 2012-13 school year, five expressed that the new school lunch requirements were leaving some students hungry and most of the school districts reported increased costs in their school lunch program. Additionally, five of the eight districts indicated that the meat and grain maximums made it difficult to plan menus, and in order to achieve compliance some districts added foods that “do not improve the nutritional value of lunches”, such as ice cream, butter and cheese sauce. At the hearing, GAO shared two recommendations to help schools with menu planning and compliance with the new regulations. The first recommendation would permanently remove the weekly meat and grain maximums for school lunch and the second would give flexibility to schools in order to comply with the calorie ranges. To date, the USDA and the Administration have not acted on either one.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-new-law-protecting-school-children-with-allergies,Durbin Discusses New Law Protecting School Children with Allergies,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.13 Durbin Discusses New Law Protecting School Children with Allergies Senator's Legislation Expands Access to Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in Schools [FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS] Students with severe allergies will be safer at school following the enactment of legislation encouraging states across the nation to improve school access to epinephrine auto-injectors, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said today. The drug is used if students have life threatening anaphylactic reactions, which have become increasingly common. The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which Durbin introduced along with U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), was approved by the Senate in October and was signed by President Obama four weeks ago. For about 1 in every 13 American children, school lunchtime or a classmate's birthday party can risk exposure to foods that can cause a severe and life threatening reaction. Many children don't even know they have severe allergies until their first reaction, which can be severe and take place at school as easily as at home, said Durbin. This danger is avoidable. Congress voted to help ensure that schools across the country are prepared to help avoid such tragedies. I thank Senator Kirk for being my partner in this effort to ensure that we are taking every appropriate step to protect kids in their schools. Seven years ago, I met the Bunning family of Lake Forest - parents who have two children with severe food allergies, Kirk said. After our meeting, I made it my mission to pass legislation that would help the millions of kids across the US who have severe food allergies. The Senate's passage of our bill means that we are a step closer to easing the minds of parents who send their kids with allergies to school and encouraging safe administration of epinephrine. I am proud to work with Senator Durbin to pass this life-saving legislation, and I look forward to it being signed into law. Nearly six million children in the U.S. have food allergies roughly two in every classroom and this bill encourages greater safety in our schools, said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), which worked toward passage of the bill. We thank Sen. Durbin and Sen. Kirk for their steadfast support of this legislation and for recognizing the need to better protect students with food allergies. The law builds on an Illinois law passed in 2011 which allows school nurses to administer epinephrine to any student suffering from a severe allergic reaction. Durbin and Kirk's legislation allows all trained and authorized school personnel not just school nurses to administer the epinephrine and rewards states that require schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine. Most schools, particularly those in rural or low to middle income areas, do not retain full time nurses, sometimes sharing a single nurse across an entire school district. Although students with severe allergies are already allowed to self-administer epinephrine if they have a serious allergic reaction, a quarter of anaphylaxis cases at schools involve young people with no previous allergy who are unlikely to carry a personal epinephrine auto-injector. In 2001, a study found that 28 percent of school-aged children who died due to an allergic reaction, died at school where epinephrine was either not administered or was administered too late. Durbin's law rewards states that require schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors and train authorized school personnel to administer an epinephrine injection if a student experiences an anaphylactic reaction. It also contains a provision that requires those states to have adequate civil liability laws in place to protect authorized school employees who administer an epinephrine auto-injector to any student believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis. These states will be granted preference for asthma-related grants administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act is supported by the Food Allergy Research and Education, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/il-ia-members-of-congress-urge-committee-to-protect-provisions-promoting-public-private-partnerships-for-water-infrastructure,IL-IA Members of Congress Urge Committee to Protect Provisions Promoting Public-Private Partnerships for Water Infrastructure,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.13 IL-IA Members of Congress Urge Committee to Protect Provisions Promoting Public-Private Partnerships for Water Infrastructure Program Could Benefit Modernization of Locks and Dams on Mississippi and Illinois Rivers [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today joined U.S. Representatives Bill Enyart (D-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) today called for members of a House-Senate Conference Committee to protect provisions based on the Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act which would improve the nation's water infrastructure through public-private partnerships and help expedite projects including lock and dam modernization along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers while saving taxpayers money. The Conference Committee - which includes U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) who both support the provisions - is tasked with working out the differences between the Senate passed Water Resources Development Act of 2013 and the House passed Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013. The locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers were built in the 1930s. Industry has outgrown them and their structural integrity is rapidly deteriorating. With every passing day, the risk increases of a catastrophic failure that would choke the vital economic activity on the rivers. Under current project financing and delivery models, these improvements won't be finished until 2090, wrote the Illinois members. [The programs based on our legislation] could help reduce the estimated $60 billion Corps project backlog and greatly benefit nationally significant projects like the lock and dam modernization on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, authorized as part of the Navigation and Sustainability Program (NESP). In March 2013, Durbin, Kirk, Bustos and Davis introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act - later cosponsored by Enyart, Shimkus, Quigley, Braley and Loebsack - which would create a pilot program to explore agreements between the Army Corps of Engineers and private entities as alternatives to traditional financing, planning, design, and construction models. The pilot program would authorize a pilot program for 5 years that would identify up to 15 previously authorized navigation, flood damage reduction, and hurricane and storm damage reduction projects for participation. For the projects that are chosen for participation, the Army Corps of Engineers and private entities would enter into innovative new agreements to decentralize the planning, design, and construction processes in an effort to speed up project delivery while maintaining safety. Additionally, these agreements could bring more private investment in water infrastructure projects. Text of today's letter is below: Dear Chairmen Boxer and Shuster and Ranking Members Vitter and Rahall: We write as supporters of the Water Infrastructure Now Public Private Partnership Act (S. 566 and H.R. 1153), which would create a pilot program to decentralize the design, rehabilitation, and construction of major water infrastructure projects and open the door to greater private investment. Similar programs were included in both the Senate (Section 2025) and House (Section 117) versions of the Water Resources Development Act. Programs like Sections 2025 and 117 could help reduce the estimated $60 billion Corps project backlog and greatly benefit nationally significant projects like the lock and dam modernization on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, authorized as part of the Navigation and Sustainability Program (NESP). The locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers were built in the 1930s. Industry has outgrown them and their structural integrity is rapidly deteriorating. With every passing day, the risk increases of a catastrophic failure that would choke the vital economic activity on the rivers. Under current project financing and delivery models, these improvements won't be finished until 2090. There is great interest up and down the Mississippi from shippers, agricultural interests, the mining sector and others in programs included in Sections 2025 and 117. It is important to include the following priorities as the two versions of the program are reconciled: Maintaining eligibility for inland navigation projects; Maintaining eligibility for projects that have not received federal appropriations; Allowing an authorized major rehabilitation project to qualify in addition to an authorized construction project; Maintaining as much flexibility as possible for the non-federal entity to finance both the non-federal and federal portions of the project; and Ensuring that design of the project falls under the program as well as construction As the sponsors of H.R. 1153 and members of the Conference Committee Representatives Cheri Bustos and Rodney Davis have also advocated, we ask that you take these issues into consideration in the final conference report. Thank you. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-votes-to-protect-inventors-and-prevent-patent-abuses,Foster Votes To Protect Inventors and Prevent Patent Abuses,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) released the following statement on today’s votes on patent abuses: “Today I voted against patent abuse and to protect the rights of small business and inventors.  Abusive patents have been an increasing problem, placing an unsustainable burden on job creators and innovators. “To prevent this abuse I voted in favor of the Conyers/Watt Deceptive Patent Practices Reduction Act that would create transparency in patent ownership, preventing troll like entities from being able to hide behind shell companies anonymously.  It would also protect the victims of infringement suits and direct the Patent and Trade Office to prepare reports and educational materials on patent infringement abuses. “I voted against H.R. 3309, the so-called ‘Innovation Act’ because it is so broad it harms new inventors and hampers innovation.  The measure includes an overly onerous fee shifting mechanism that I believe will hurt small inventors.  As a ‘garage inventor’ myself, who turned an invention into a multi-million dollar company, I know firsthand how important patent rights are to small businesses and inventors.  As a nation, we want to encourage small startups, not block their growth.” “I am hopeful that the fee shifting provision as written will be taken out of the final bill after conference with the Senate and we will have another chance to consider this issue.” More information on the Conyers/Watt Deceptive Patent Practices Reduction Act, a substitute to H.R. 3309 is available here. Foster was joined by fellow physicist Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and inventors and patent holders Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) in voting against H.R. 3309. Foster is a scientist and businessman who started his own business at age 19.  The company Foster co-founded with his brother, Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc., now manufactures over half of the theater lighting equipment in the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/guti%C3%A9rrez-joins-letter-obama-calling-pause-deportations,GUTIÉRREZ JOINS LETTER TO PRESIDENT CALLING FOR PAUSE IN DEPORTATIONS,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Luis Gutiérrez,G000535,gutierrez.house.gov,,,legacy,"""If your child has received DACA, you should not be deported.  If you qualify for legalization under the Senate bill -- a bill the President and the rest of the country supports -- you should not be deported."" - Rep. Gutiérrez Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) joined Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and other Members of Congress (Reps. Schakowsky, Rangel, Holt, Titus, Doggett) in releasing a letter from Members of Congress to the President asking him to use his executive power under current law to dial back certain deportations.  The letter, signed by 29 Members, says: ""Our efforts in Congress will only be helped by the sensible and moral step of stopping deportations."" (Full text here). Rep. Gutiérrez said, ""Let us make sure the right hand of the Obama administration that is working with Republicans and Democrats to pass immigration reform is in sync with the left hand of the Obama Administration that is deporting people at record levels."" Rep. Gutiérrez specifically called for a cessation on deportations for the parents of young people who have received DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and those who would be eligible for legal status under the terms of the Senate bipartisan immigration bill (S. 744) passed in June of this year.  The Senate bill has been endorsed by the President. Rep. Gutiérrez is the Chair of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Immigration Subcommittee.  The following is the text of the Congressman's remarks (as prepared for delivery):   Press Conference Remarks December 5, 2013 I want to thank Raúl Grijalva for organizing this press conference and for correctly saying that we need to put more pressure on the White House to dial back the deportations.  Thank you. And I have already heard from reporters: 'Hey, Gutiérrez, does this mean immigration reform in Congress is dead?'  My answer is 'No.'  We must fight for immigration reform and fight to stop the deportation of those we want to legalize at the same time, which is what I have been doing for the past five years.  In March of 2009, I began seeking some form of administrative relief to scale back the deportations.  At the same time I was pushing Congressional Leadership and the President to make immigration reform the top priority. In early 2011, after we passed the DREAM Act in the House and after the DREAM Act was filibustered in the Senate, despite a majority vote, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus joined me in calling on President Obama to use his vast administrative powers to prioritize deportations of criminals and leave hardworking families and individuals alone.  I was arrested twice in front of the White House while making that point. In 2011 and again in 2012 and again in 2013, the President took important steps to prioritize the deportation of criminals, using deportations to advance the national interest, and setting the deportation of certain immigrants aside, especially the DREAMers and military families. Does he have the legal authority to do this?  There is really no debate.  Every significant legal expert -- including the former Republican Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who is a staunch opponent of legal and illegal immigration -- agrees that under current law the President can suspend deportations for certain individuals. No less than Robert Morgenthau, the respected former Manhattan District Attorney and legal expert, agrees.  In today's New York Times he has a letter to the editor that says, ""President Obama seriously understates his ability to mitigate the effect of immigration law while he confronts Republican intransigence in the House."" He goes on to say: ""The best way to challenge 'know nothings' on immigration policy is to 'do something.' The president should use his discretion, carry out a principled immigration policy and let the House Republicans come to him begging for compromise."" And we are pleading with President Obama to take this advice.  If your child has received DACA, you should not be deported.  If you qualify for legalization under the Senate bill -- a bill the President and the rest of the country supports -- you should not be deported. The U.S. is shooting ourselves in the foot at great cost, ripping apart American families, putting our foster care system under stress, and disqualifying the very people we are working to qualify for earning legal status.  Once we deport someone, it is very, very hard to get them back. So let us make sure the right hand of the Obama administration that is working with Republicans and Democrats to pass immigration reform is in sync with the left hand of the Obama Administration that is deporting people at record levels.   # # #   Letter to President Obama",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-the-passing-of-nelson-mandela,Quigley Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the death of civil rights leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela: The world has lost an icon for justice with the passing of Nelson Mandela, whose long walk to freedom leaves behind an even longer legacy of tolerance, equality and perseverance. Mr. Mandela's wisdom has influenced many in the Chicago area, including myself, and will continue to inspire a more loving and optimistic future for people around the world. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140223230607/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=ad5181e6-f597-4a0f-a42f-94c61c9c1cad,Macomb Transit Center,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Main Menu Home About Dick Durbin Illinois Info Center Constituent Services Issues and Legislation Legislative Agenda Press Office Multimedia Archives Illinois Investments In Your Community Today in the Senate Contact Dick Durbin Office Locations WASHINGTON, D.C.711 Hart Senate Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 9 am to 6 pm ET (202) 224-2152 - phone (202) 228-0400 - fax CHICAGO 230 S Dearborn St. Suite 3892 Chicago, IL 60604 8:30 am to 5 pm (312) 353-4952 - phone (312) 353-0150 - fax SPRINGFIELD 525 South 8th St. Springfield, IL 62703 8:30 am to 5 pm (217) 492-4062 - phone (217) 492-4382 - fax CARBONDALE 250 W. Cherry Street Suite 115-D Carbondale, IL 62901 8:30 am to 5 pm (618) 351-1122 - phone (618) 351-1124 - fax ROCK ISLAND 1504 Third Avenue Suite 227 Rock Island, IL 61201 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (309) 786-5173 - phone (309) 786-5404 - fax",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140727171507/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/video-congresswoman-cheri-bustos-gives-floor-speech-on-new-effort-to,Video: Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Gives Floor Speech On New Effort To Put Our Veterans Back To Work,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives introducing the Jobs for Heroes Act, a new effort Bustos is leading to put our veterans back to work by renewing and expanding two tax credits for businesses that prioritize hiring veterans and are set to expire at the end December if Congress doesn’t act.  More info on the Jobs for Heroes Act can be found HERE.     Bustos’ prepared remarks are below: I rise to talk about a piece of legislation I will be introducing today that would help put our brave veterans back to work in good-paying jobs in communities across our country. It is called the Jobs for Heroes Act. Good for vets. Good for the economy. It would extend and expand two tax credits for businesses that prioritize hiring veterans. Both of these tax credits are set to expire at the end of the month without Congressional action. The time to act is now. Last month, I traveled to all corners of my district to meet with local veterans to listen to their priorities and concerns.  Along with cutting down on the shamefully long VA claims backlog, making sure veterans have access to good-paying jobs came up everywhere I went. Legislation to help prioritize the hiring of veterans is especially crucial due to the high unemployment rate among young veterans.  Veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 have an unemployment rate of more than 20%, which is 5% higher than non-veterans of the same age range.  Shameful! I hope all members of Congress will join me in supporting my common sense bill to help put veterans back to work and to making sure those who serve always remain a priority. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919190025/http://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=bf368614-05db-4d1a-97ee-4cdf03d6b378,Community Colleges Career Training Bill,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Carl Sandburg Community College in Galesburg to discuss his legislation to enhance workforce training by incentivizing partnerships between community colleges and local businesses on Thursday, December 5. Durbin toured Sandburg's medical imaging and diesel labs, where students complete a curriculum developed in partnership with local businesses like the Galesburg VA Clinic and the BNSF Railroad.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-asks-metra-to-clarify-position-on-new-safety-system,Durbin Asks Metra to Clarify Position on New Safety System,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.13 Durbin Asks Metra to Clarify Position on New Safety System [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on the Metra Board of Directors to clarify their position on implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) - a communications-based system designed to prevent certain types of train accidents caused by human factors - and report back to the Illinois Congressional Delegation with recommendations. Meeting the federal deadline of implementing PTC will be challenging. The Federal Railroad Administration has offered suggestions to Congress on ways to continue making progress on PTC implementation without unconditional multi-year extensions of the current deadline. I have also worked diligently to make sure federal grant and financing opportunities, such as TIGER grants and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loans, can be used for PTC implementation, wrote Durbin. I believe commuters, workers and the Illinois congressional delegation can benefit from the Board clarifying Metra's position on PTC. The former Executive Director was firmly committed to meeting the federal deadline for PTC implementation. However, Metra has since made public statements supporting a multiple year extension of the deadline without conditions. The recent crash in New York is an opportunity for the new leadership at Metra to reconsider its position on PTC. Following a 2008 fatal train crash in California, Congress mandated - as part of the Amtrak and Rail Safety bill - that Amtrak, commuter rail carriers and Class I railroads must install PTC systems on tracks that carry passengers or toxic-by-inhalation materials by January 1, 2016. Calls for PTC have been renewed in the wake of last week's New York Metro North crash that was likely due to the driver missing several speed and signal warnings and hitting a sharp turn at excessive speed. According to investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board, PTC may have helped avoid this crash by automatically slowing the train down in that situation. Text of today's letter is below: December 5, 2013 John E. Partelow Acting Chairman Metra Board of Directors 547 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60661 Dear Acting Chairman Partelow and Metra Board Directors: I write to ask Metra to clarify its position on implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) by January 1, 2016. Congress mandated this safety technology be installed on rail lines with heavy passenger and hazardous material traffic by then, although some in the industry are now asking Congress to delay that implementation deadline. PTC would have prevented two derailments that occurred on Metra trains in 2003 and 2005. These two crashes resulted in two fatalities, almost 200 injuries and millions in legal costs to Metra. Several safety experts have also said last week's fatal rail accident in New York could have been avoided if PTC were fully installed along those tracks. Metra is moving beyond the serious management and financial challenges of the last few years. The Board now has newly appointed leadership, with more than half of the current Directors being named since the last Chairman resigned. The new Board has been busy revisiting past Metra practices and policies, and I believe commuters, workers and the Illinois congressional delegation can benefit from the Board clarifying Metra's position on PTC. The former Executive Director was firmly committed to meeting the federal deadline for PTC implementation. However, Metra has since made public statements supporting a multiple year extension of the deadline without conditions. The recent crash in New York is an opportunity for the new leadership at Metra to reconsider its position on PTC. Meeting the federal deadline of implementing PTC will be challenging. The Federal Railroad Administration has offered suggestions to Congress on ways to continue making progress on PTC implementation without unconditional multi-year extensions of the current deadline. I have also worked diligently to make sure federal grant and financing opportunities, such as TIGER grants and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loans, can be used for PTC implementation. More can be done to assist commuter railroads to implement PTC, and I stand ready to work with you to make sure more opportunities and resources are available to achieve the highest level of safety for Metra commuters and workers. The Metra Board is scheduled to meet again on Friday, December 13, 2013. I encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss your position on PTC implementation and report back to the Illinois Delegation with your recommendations for the future of PTC on Metra. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-visits-carl-sandburg-community-college-to-discuss-closing-skills-gap,"Durbin Visits Carl Sandburg Community College to Discuss Closing ""Skills Gap""",2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.13 Durbin Visits Carl Sandburg Community College to Discuss Closing ""Skills Gap"" Senator Discusses Bill To Increase Technical Training, Business Partnerships at Community Colleges [GALESBURG, IL] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Carl Sandburg Community College (CSCC) today to discuss legislation he introduced to help community colleges train workers for high-needs technical jobs, many of which are currently going unfilled due to a lack of qualified employees in the workforce. Durbin toured labs and met with students in CSCC's medical imaging, electrical, and diesel programs. He also talked with representatives from the BNSF Railroad, which has partnered with CSCC in its job training efforts. The college developed many of its programs after surveying local employers about the skills they feel employees most need, helping to close the skills-to-jobs mismatch that is often referred to as the nation's skills gap. When I travel around the state I often hear how many good jobs in growing fields like healthcare and engineering are going unfilled because employers cannot find workers with the right technical expertise, Durbin said. CSCC is working to bridge that gap by giving its students the skills they need to find work. As the largest and most affordable sector of the nation's higher education system, community colleges are uniquely positioned to educate America's next generation of workers. That's why I've introduced legislation giving community colleges the support they need to expand their good work and ensure that working families have the skills and information to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow. Durbin's legislation, which he and U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) introduced in July, will help create partnerships between two-year colleges and businesses to train two million Americans for jobs in high-demand industries such as health care, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and information technology. The Community College to Career Fund Act authorizes $8 billion to create a competitive grant program to fund those partnerships, focusing on job-training efforts like registered apprenticeships, on-the-job training opportunities and paid internships for low-income students that simultaneously grant credits for work-based learning. The bill contains incentives for these programs to help students find employment, setting aside additional money for programs with high job placement rates. It also makes grants available to states, so that they may work with businesses having trouble filling vacant positions, and to entrepreneurs seeking to start their own business. Our nation's economy is evolving at a rapid rate and in order to close the nation's skills gap our educational system needs to be as dynamic as our economy, Durbin said. This bill is a critical investment in our future. It will give workers a cost-effective opportunity to acquire skills necessary for a 21st century workforce and provide businesses with a pipeline of talent."" The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that as many as 600,000 current job openings stem from the skills gap. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-visits-macomb-transit-facility,Durbin Visits Macomb Transit Facility,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.13 Durbin Visits Macomb Transit Facility Senator Secured $5.6 Million in Federal Funding in Support of the Facility's Construction [MACOMB, IL] U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited the Macomb Transit Facility today to see firsthand how the new facility is functioning as a central hub for mass transit service in McDonough County. The facility was built from repurposed factory space with the help of a $12.8 million federal investment, including $5.6 million in earmarks secured by Durbin beginning in 2002. The Macomb Transit Facility is an example of the value of federal investment in transportation projects, Durbin said. Since the facility opened this spring, it has provided a central maintenance center for buses and vans and a training hub for their drivers, ensuring quality service for the hardworking families, seniors and students who depend on these vehicles to get around. The transit facility was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The facility houses the administrative offices, dispatch centers, driver training, bus and van storage, fueling station, a vehicle wash building and vehicle maintenance center for the McDonough County Public Transportation Program (MCPT), which includes Western Illinois University's Go West transit system. Vehicle maintenance for Hancock County Public Transportation is also performed at the facility. Building the facility involved the renovation of a former manufacturing facility on East Pierce Street in Macomb. A portion of the building was demolished and the remaining 80,000 square feet was renovated, incorporating ""green"" technology into the project including solar tracking skylights, high efficiency heating and cooling, reflective roof materials and well-insulated walls and ceilings. Of the project's total $14.9 million cost, $12.8 million was provided by the federal government, $2 million by the state and $57,000 by the local government. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0a02b8ac-bb94-4ddf-8d70-9463aaf2f2d7,Durbin Visits Macomb Transit Facility,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.13 Durbin Visits Macomb Transit Facility Senator Secured $5.6 Million in Federal Funding in Support of the Facility's Construction [MACOMB, IL] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited the Macomb Transit Facility today to see firsthand how the new facility is functioning as a central hub for mass transit service in McDonough County.  The facility was built from repurposed factory space with the help of a $12.8 million federal investment, including $5.6 million in earmarks secured by Durbin beginning in 2002.   “The Macomb Transit Facility is an example of the value of federal investment in transportation projects,” Durbin said.  “Since the facility opened this spring, it has provided a central maintenance center for buses and vans and a training hub for their drivers, ensuring quality service for the hardworking families, seniors and students who depend on these vehicles to get around.  The transit facility was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.”   The facility houses the administrative offices, dispatch centers, driver training, bus and van storage, fueling station, a vehicle wash building and vehicle maintenance center for the McDonough County Public Transportation Program (MCPT), which includes Western Illinois University's Go West transit system. Vehicle maintenance for Hancock County Public Transportation is also performed at the facility.   Building the facility involved the renovation of a former manufacturing facility on East Pierce Street in Macomb. A portion of the building was demolished and the remaining 80,000 square feet was renovated, incorporating ""green"" technology into the project including solar tracking skylights, high efficiency heating and cooling, reflective roof materials and well-insulated walls and ceilings.  Of the project’s total $14.9 million cost, $12.8 million was provided by the federal government, $2 million by the state and $57,000 by the local government. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a09802e4-5790-4f6e-9b55-e92ef2d67316,Durbin Asks Metra to Clarify Position on New Safety System,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.13 Durbin Asks Metra to Clarify Position on New Safety System [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on the Metra Board of Directors to clarify their position on implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) - a communications-based system designed to prevent certain types of train accidents caused by human factors - and report back to the Illinois Congressional Delegation with recommendations.   “Meeting the federal deadline of implementing PTC will be challenging.  The Federal Railroad Administration has offered suggestions to Congress on ways to continue making progress on PTC implementation without unconditional multi-year extensions of the current deadline.  I have also worked diligently to make sure federal grant and financing opportunities, such as TIGER grants and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loans, can be used for PTC implementation,” wrote Durbin.    “I believe commuters, workers and the Illinois congressional delegation can benefit from the Board clarifying Metra’s position on PTC.  The former Executive Director was “firmly committed” to meeting the federal deadline for PTC implementation.  However, Metra has since made public statements supporting a multiple year extension of the deadline without conditions.  The recent crash in New York is an opportunity for the new leadership at Metra to reconsider its position on PTC.”   Following a 2008 fatal train crash in California, Congress mandated - as part of the Amtrak and Rail Safety bill - that Amtrak, commuter rail carriers and Class I railroads must install PTC systems on tracks that carry passengers or toxic-by-inhalation materials by January 1, 2016.    Calls for PTC have been renewed in the wake of last week’s New York Metro North crash that was likely due to the driver missing several speed and signal warnings and hitting a sharp turn at excessive speed.  According to investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board, PTC may have helped avoid this crash by automatically slowing the train down in that situation.    Text of today’s letter is below:   December 5, 2013   John E. Partelow Acting Chairman Metra Board of Directors 547 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60661   Dear Acting Chairman Partelow and Metra Board Directors:   I write to ask Metra to clarify its position on implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) by January 1, 2016.  Congress mandated this safety technology be installed on rail lines with heavy passenger and hazardous material traffic by then, although some in the industry are now asking Congress to delay that implementation deadline.    PTC would have prevented two derailments that occurred on Metra trains in 2003 and 2005.  These two crashes resulted in two fatalities, almost 200 injuries and millions in legal costs to Metra.   Several safety experts have also said last week’s fatal rail accident in New York could have been avoided if PTC were fully installed along those tracks.   Metra is moving beyond the serious management and financial challenges of the last few years.  The Board now has newly appointed leadership, with more than half of the current Directors being named since the last Chairman resigned.  The new Board has been busy revisiting past Metra practices and policies, and I believe commuters, workers and the Illinois congressional delegation can benefit from the Board clarifying Metra’s position on PTC.   The former Executive Director was “firmly committed” to meeting the federal deadline for PTC implementation.  However, Metra has since made public statements supporting a multiple year extension of the deadline without conditions.  The recent crash in New York is an opportunity for the new leadership at Metra to reconsider its position on PTC.   Meeting the federal deadline of implementing PTC will be challenging.  The Federal Railroad Administration has offered suggestions to Congress on ways to continue making progress on PTC implementation without unconditional multi-year extensions of the current deadline.  I have also worked diligently to make sure federal grant and financing opportunities, such as TIGER grants and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loans, can be used for PTC implementation.  More can be done to assist commuter railroads to implement PTC, and I stand ready to work with you to make sure more opportunities and resources are available to achieve the highest level of safety for Metra commuters and workers.   The Metra Board is scheduled to meet again on Friday, December 13, 2013.  I encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss your position on PTC implementation and report back to the Illinois Delegation with your recommendations for the future of PTC on Metra.   Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gutierrez.house.gov/remarks-e-pluribus-unum-prizes-ceremony,Remarks at E Pluribus Unum Prizes Ceremony,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Luis Gutiérrez,G000535,gutierrez.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez Remarks at E Pluribus Unum Prizes Ceremony Hosted by the Migration Policy Institute Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC December 4, 2013 The annual E Pluribus Unum Prizes are given to promising projects in immigrant integration at a conference convened by the Migration Policy Institute (www.migrationpolicy.org) in Washington.  This year's event was held at the Mayflower Hotel on December 4, 2013 and Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) delivered the keynote address.  The following is the text, as prepared for delivery:             Thank you to Margie McHugh and the team at MPI for inviting me to be a part of today's ceremony.  And congratulations to all of the recipients.  Your recognition, and the injection of some much needed money, means you are leading the way.             The E-Pluribus-Unum awards program and the thinking behind it is something I strongly support.  And just the phrase E-Pluribus-Unum is evocative of the founding principles of our nation.  Out of many, one.  Like immigration and the integration of immigrants into our national fabric, it is a bedrock principle and a building block of our nation's history.             To borrow another phrase from our nation's history, I want to lay out a few assumptions that should guide our thinking today and our work over the next dozen months and the next dozen years.             ""We hold these truths to be self-evident,"" meaning we can all agree on it as a common starting point for the work ahead.              We hold these truths to be self-evident that eventually, over the course of a few generations, integration and assimilation problems mostly get resolved in this country.  We no longer complain on Columbus Day about unassimilated Italians or wish the Irish would integrate themselves in American society on St. Patrick's Day.             Whether it is cuisine, language, dress, values, or culture, America changes immigrants over time and to a certain extent, America and her culture and values are changed and refined by each new generation, including its immigrants.              We hold these truths to be self-evident that English is not in any danger.              The entire world is desperate to learn English and the United States is no exception.  The question is not the desire to learn English, but our capacity to meet this demand with classes and methods that facilitate English learning.             I grew up in a truly bilingual family.  My parents spoke Spanish to me and I spoke English to them and we mostly understood each other.  I had to learn Spanish later when my family moved back to Puerto Rico, which was a rude surprise to a 15 year-old Luis Gutierrez.             When my mom came to the U.S., she didn't even have a winter coat.  In Chicago!  But the Catholic Church was the welcome wagon in our neighborhood and she got her winter coat there.             Americans are very generous…in the end.              And very inclusive…after a while.              And love and eventually embrace every wave of new immigrants …after first being skeptical and holding them at arm's length.             And here is another truth: We hold these truths to be self-evident that almost all of the 11 million or more undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States will live in the United States for the rest of their lives.              Most have been here more than a decade.  Most live in families.  And their children are mostly citizens of the United States.             They are not a problem to be solved, but rather a reality to be embraced and dealt with in our work.              They are here.  Joe Arpaio and Mitt Romney, notwithstanding.  The undocumented are not going anywhere no matter how much some people want them to.  So you here in this room are absolutely right to be on the cutting edge of assimilating and integrating them into their society.             That said, we also hold these truths to be self-evident that there are incredible challenges to working with an undocumented population for policy makers and service providers -- either public or private.              But it is equally self-evident that many, if not most, of the issues presented by someone's undocumented status are cleared up when we grant them status.              Being afraid of deportation or being afraid that contacting the police or fire department or a doctor could lead to your deportation is a threshold issue that many service providers find difficult to overcome.              Imagine that every time your kid goes out on his bike, you worry that he could be injured…well that is true for every mom and dad in history.              But imagine that your real fear is not just that your kid gets hurt, but that your family is split up because your immigration status becomes an issue in your son's health care.              Signing up for nutrition programs for U.S. citizens can be scary.              Signing a kid up for a little league run by the county can be scary.              A parent-teacher conference or even your home phone ringing unexpectedly might cause a minor or a major panic.             Protecting someone from deportation does not solve all their problems, but it is hard for us to help that individual or family solve any of their problems until we do.             So the 11 million people and their families are staying.  The question before the country now is not whether they stay, but under what conditions they stay.  Whether or not we have an immigration reform bill will not impact whether most of those here end up staying.              But we can make that situation much better for the immigrants and for the communities in which immigrants are settling if we have a broad and generous immigration bill that enables and accelerates integration and assimilation.             Along with MPI and NCLR, my office is working to incorporate an integration component into whatever bill moves in the House.  This combined with the very fact that we are reestablishing legality and legitimacy to our entire immigration system mean that the next decades will be dynamic ones in the field of immigrant integration.             Now, let me throw out one additional self-evident truth: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all or almost all undocumented immigrants living in the United States will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.              Whether we allow that in legislation passed during this Congress or not, eventually everyone here that wants it and is not a convicted felon or other special case, will be allowed to apply for citizenship if they wait long enough.             There simply is no precedent in American history for a group of people not eventually being embraced.  Even the worst episodes of exclusion and hatred in America were overtaken by history, eventually.             But more importantly, the power is building every day.              I often talk about a man I met earlier this year who said to me:             Gutierrez, ""Find me my papers.  Don’t let my deportation widow my wife or orphan my children.  My children will remember who treated their parents badly and will punish them with their votes.  But right now, I need my papers.""             With or without immigration reform, an average of 880,000 Latino citizens will turn 18 and be eligible to vote each year, which works out to more than 2,000 per day.  That is a staggering figure and these are all citizens.             As an immigrant and ethnic community, the Asian-Pacific American community is growing faster than the Latino community and as my colleagues like to remind me, is starting to tilt even more heavily away from the Republicans and towards the Democrats.             There is a demographic tsunami coming at America and any politicians or political structures that try to too hard or too rigidly to stop it will be swept away.             I still have a lot of optimism that we will get immigration reform done during this Congress.  But this relies on politicians doing the right thing and understanding the political landscape in front of them, which is always a big ""if.""             Democrats have to put policy ahead of politics.  If we as a party go the route of what is best for us politically in the short run, there is very little incentive to resolve the immigration issue.  All the human suffering and exploitation and degradation aside, what Republicans have been doing on immigration is very good for the Democrats.  My Party has to resist the temptation to play politics and go for an all or nothing strategy.             And the Republicans have to break out of their nothing or nothing strategy.  The Democrats have put something on the table in the House, not an ideal bill, but a bill around which more than 190 Democrats and a couple of Republicans have signed on.             But so far, we really haven't seen anything form House Republicans.  We know what they are against, which they describe in different terms like ""amnesty"" or ""the Senate Bill"" or ""a bill with 800 pages"" or ""something Obama wants.""             But we have not seen any concrete, passable or workable proposals.              I am optimistic that we will in the early days of next year, get a bill.  I am always optimistic.             But I am also practical.  The man I referred to earlier didn't say 'get me my citizenship so I can vote.'  He didn't say 'give me a special path to citizenship so I can vote some day.'             He said get me my papers so I do not leave my wife and children behind if I get deported.  There will be plenty of time for his citizen-children and their children to vote.              He does not have the luxury of holding out for the perfect Democratic bill.              He wants me to ""find his papers"" now.             If we wanted the perfect Democratic Bill, we should have passed it when Democrats were in charge of the House and the Senate and the White House, but we didn't.             The Republicans insist on passing several bills, not one big one.  The President has said -- and I have said -- 'That's fine.  Do what you need to do.'              Some have suggested that the way you thread the needle for Republicans between the immigration reform the country wants, which includes a path to citizenship, and the Republican's number one priority, which is opposing what President Obama is for, is to offer a compromise that includes something less than citizenship.  I don't think this is a good idea because citizenship is important, but I don't think it is a big deal breaker either.              Go back to what I said earlier: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all or almost all undocumented immigrants living in the United States will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.  Whether we allow that in legislation passed this year or not.              Right now we have to stop the deportations that are breaking up families.             And if we do not get citizenship this year, we will be back next year and the year after that.             This is not baseball where we go play nine innings and we are done.             No.  The fight for justice has infinite innings and we have to be ready to suit up every morning in a clean uniform and go out there every day.             If we lose, we fight harder.  If we win, we fight harder.  We don't defend our victories, we expand them.              If we get any form of immigration reform, our work on integration is just beginning.  We have to get people signed up, we have to keep people from getting scammed, we must escort them through the process, which could take decades.             Do not give up on immigration reform.  Despite all the obituaries we read in the press, it is not dead yet.  It is not dead even of John Boehner says it is dead.  Number 1 because he may say it is alive next week and send reporters scrambling to rewrite their stories.  Second, this movement for immigration reform and integration is larger than the legislative calendar.             In the coming months, I predict you will see a bill or bills and you will see Democrats and Republicans working together.              When you see that, act.  Act quickly to embrace it.  It will not be perfect, and it may not even be pretty.  But we have a responsibility to move forward if the bills offer real solutions and don’t include poison pills we simply cannot swallow.             There will be Republicans saying whatever- it-is does too much and Democrats saying it does too little and they could kill any measure before it has even taken its first steps if we let them.             But there are men and women of intelligence and good will in both parties who want to get this done and we must be ready to support them.             Again, I want to thank the Migration Policy Institute for allowing me to speak and to congratulate the honorees in the E-Pluribus-Unum awards program.              And I ask you to stay tuned, because I will need your help.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210338/http://hultgren.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=586,House Passes Bill to Improve Small Business Access to Private Capital,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today voted with the House to pass the bipartisan H.R. 1105, Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act, a bill he co-sponsored which reduces costs for private equity firms, allowing for increased investment into small businesses. “Illinois has greatly benefitted from private capital as more than $200 billion has been invested into local companies and small businesses,” said Rep. Hultgren. “When backed by private capital, these businesses have grown jobs 3.5 times faster than others. Freeing up private equity firms to invest will get much-needed capital off the sidelines and directly into the hands of our job creators—Illinois’ small businesses. I was proud to co-sponsor this bill and urge the Senate to take it up quickly.” Rep. Hultgren gave a speech on the House floor in support: http://youtu.be/_0hNsUADx8c Earlier this week, Rep. Hultgren co-sponsored two important pieces of legislation aimed at relieving the heavy burdens placed on small businesses by the IRS, so that these businesses can start hiring again. The small business package includes H.R. 3169, the IRS Rulemaking Fairness Act of 2013, and H.R. 3479, the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140512004109/http://bustos.house.gov:80/press-and-media/press-releases/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-leads-new-effort-to-put-our-veterans-back,Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Leads New Effort To Put Our Veterans Back To Work,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, with input from her recent “Standing up for our Veterans” tour across Illinois’ 17th District, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) spearheaded a new effort to create jobs for our nation’s veterans.  The Jobs for Heroes Act, introduced by Bustos, would not only extend, but also expand two expiring federal business tax credits designed to spur veteran employment.  If Congress fails to act the federal tax credits will expire at the end of December. “Our brave veterans deserve our full support and that starts with making sure they have access to good-paying jobs when they return home,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  “The unemployment rate for our veterans remains far too high.  Democrats and Republicans should work together to renew and expand this job-creation tool that puts our veterans to work and provides our businesses with talented, skilled and dedicated workers.” After hearing firsthand from our veterans last month about a variety of concerns, Bustos was urged to tackle the high unemployment rate among young veterans.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 have an unemployment rate of 20.4%, which is 5% higher than non-veterans of the same age range.   “I’m leading this new effort to help connect veterans to jobs and economic opportunity in their communities,” Bustos continued. “It is common sense to not only extend these effective tax credits, but to provide additional incentives to businesses who are willing to be our partners in this effort.” The Jobs for Heroes Act would: Extend and expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to make the tax credit permanent and available to businesses, both small and large, that hire veterans, members of the National Guard, or Ready Reservists.  Currently, the tax credit it only available to businesses that hire certain veterans with economic or physical difficulties.   Extend and expand the Employer Wage Credit (EWC) to make the tax credit permanent and available to all businesses, both large and small.  Currently, this tax credit is only available to small businesses.  When National Guard members or Reservists are called up to active duty, their civilian jobs and salaries are placed on hiatus and they begin receiving military pay.  If their civilian salary was higher, the civilian employer might voluntarily provide differential pay to the individual to make up for this pay gap and in return, claim a tax credit of up to 20 percent of the difference.       This past month, Bustos traveled Illinois’ 17th District as part of her “Standing up for our Veterans” tour to meet with local veterans to listen to their priorities and concerns.  She also discussed her work to cut down on the growing VA claims backlog, put veterans to work in good-paying jobs, make sure education and job training programs remain affordable and accessible, and put an end to veterans’ homelessness.  Bustos kicked-off the tour in Pekin by holding a listening roundtable with local veterans, toured the Peoria Air National Guard Base, held veterans’ homelessness roundtables in Rockford and Peoria, conducted a “Cheri on Shift” at the Sterling VA Clinic, participated in the “Veterans History Project” by interviewing a WWII veteran in Galesburg, and spoke at several veterans recognition ceremonies throughout Veterans Day weekend.  During her tenure in Congress, Bustos has made our nation’s veterans a top priority and has relentlessly fought to protect the benefits they’ve earned and deserve.  In August, Bustos joined with Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to introduce a new bipartisan bill that would help put veterans back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels and rail lines.  The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act [H.R. 2906] continues Bustos’ fight on behalf of our veterans by helping to ensure that they play a critical role in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure by providing them with access to existing contracting preferences authorized for transportation projects.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gutierrez.house.gov/press-release/rep-guti%C3%A9rrez-house-judiciary-committee-bloviating-not-legislating,"REP. GUTIÉRREZ: HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IS ""BLOVIATING, NOT LEGISLATING""",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Luis Gutiérrez,G000535,gutierrez.house.gov,,,legacy,"""Here in the Judiciary Committee we are running out the clock on 2013 and trying to score cheap political points.""   Washington, DC – Today, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on ""The President’s Constitutional Duty to Faithfully Execute the Laws"" (live webcast), but has not acted in a substantive way to address immigration reform.  Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL), in his prepared opening statement, said that rather than attack the President and accuse him of not faithfully enforcing laws, the time of the Judiciary Committee would be better spent passing laws that are enforceable, especially when it comes to immigration.  As for the topic of the hearing, Congressman Gutiérrez said, ""When it comes to whether the President has broad discretion on whether to prosecute a violation of the law, there really is no debate.""  The following are the Congressman's remarks from the hearing as prepared for delivery.  Also appended is an op-ed on immigration reform, ""Immigration: You Cannot Do Nothing,"" which appeared in today's edition of The Hill newspaper.   REMARKS - JUDICIARY COMMITTEE December 3, 2013 [As Prepared for Delivery]               Once again we are bloviating and not legislating in this Committee.  We could be using this time to find common ground or even to have a strenuous and substantive debate on important public policy matters, but instead, we are offering empty assurances and shaping political messages for next fall.  Rather than worrying about whether the President we know you ""distrust,"" is enforcing our laws the way you would like him to, we could be making meaningful progress towards crafting and passing laws for the betterment of the American people.             For example, Speaker Boehner, Majority Whip McCarthy, and many other Republicans have said we do not have time to address immigration reform this year.  And yet, here in the Judiciary Committee we are running out the clock on 2013 and trying to score cheap political points.  Can anyone recall the last time we had a substantive immigration reform hearing?  It was a hearing in July about the plight of undocumented children who have no way of getting legal and was supposed to be a precursor to the introduction of the KIDS Act, a Republican version of the DREAM Act about which we have heard plenty of rumor but seen zero substance.             But the Majority want us to believe that we don't have time for immigration reform?  We had time to pass four partisan bills in the Judiciary Committee that will not go anywhere.  They were a rebuke to the Chairman of the Republican Party and anyone who analyzed the outcome of the last election and concluded that the Republicans should take a smarter, more enlightened approach to immigration reform.  A stance that is not only in tune with two-thirds of the American public, including Republican and Independent voters, but that will actually take our nation in the direction of law and order on immigration rather than more isolated talk about border security and E-Verify that will not solve our immigration problems.  Like I said, we have been bloviating and not legislating in this Committee.             When it comes to whether the President has broad discretion on whether to prosecute a violation of the law, there really is no debate.  The former Chairman of this Committee, an immigration hardliner who was responsible for passing some of our nation's most restrictive and harsh immigration laws, has made exactly this case.  He argued that in hardship cases, the President and his enforcement agents in the Executive Branch ought to spare certain individuals from deportation, even if by the letter of the law, they were deportable.  This is the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee just a few years ago, a Member who sits on this panel today who states that prosecutorial discretion was “well established” and “well grounded in case law.”             I argue that when it comes to prosecutorial discretion, the President has gone to great lengths to act cautiously and within the law, especially when it comes to immigration.  For five years I have been asking him to do more to dial back the deportations and for five years the President has resisted.  When he has acted to protect the spouses, children, and parents of military service members from deportation or undocumented youth who were brought here at an early age and raised in the United States, he has instituted each of those measures by examining the facts of each occurrence on a case by case basis, not in any blanket or haphazard way.  I know, because my staff and I have sat down with DREAMers and helped them assemble the evidence they need to meet the standards of the DACA program, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan the President announced in June 2012.             And for five years, as I have been calling on the President to exercise his discretionary latitude to spare families and individuals from deportation and separation, there have been Members on the other side who have threatened the President's powers if the idea is even whispered.              Let's be honest, please.  Today's hearing is a threat that any use of executive prosecutorial discretion will result in a full-frontal political assault.  Yet we are unwilling as a body to pass laws that will actually address the problems the President, perhaps after some resistance, feels compelled to address.             In two or three hours today and for the remaining five or six days on the legislative calendar this year, who could actually do more to stop destructive deportations that are harming our national interest.  The Judiciary Committee or the President?  Who could do more to establish real border security, workplace enforcement systems like E-Verify to protect American workers, and a visa system that reduces illegal immigration?  The Judiciary Committee or the President?              Instead, we will bloviate about taking powers away from a President willing to act when the need is so great and the wound has festered so long, while we as a Committee and a Congress will do nothing to address the problem and heal the festering wound ourselves.              Mr. Chairman, we can do better than this and we must.   * * *   THE HILL: Immigration: You Cannot Do Nothing Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL), December 3, 2013               Before Congress left town in November, two teenagers interrupted Speaker John Boehner’s breakfast.  As he ate, they asked what he is doing to ensure that they and their families will not be deported.  Then, the week of Thanksgiving, an undocumented student who has lived in the U.S. since age eleven interrupted President Obama‘s speech on immigration to ask when he would stop the deportations that are splitting up families.  These undocumented youth are American in every sense of the word -- including the confidence with which they speak their minds -- but they don't have papers.  Many politicians are learning what I have known for years: you cannot go anywhere without hearing about the devastation caused by two million deportations.              We harm ourselves every day when we deport 1,100 people.  We put U.S. citizen children in foster care or the care of others or we send them out of the country. A generation of kids has grown up with the threat of deportation of mom or dad.             It is unsustainable and creates a sense of urgency around the immigration issue that, unfortunately, does not seem to register here in Washington.             My friend Eliseo Medina and others embarked on a fast in November (www.Fast4Families.org) to impress the urgent need for an immigration reform vote in the House of Representatives.  They put their health on the line because a moral and just cause requires sacrifice when comfortable politicians seem content with inaction.  But the country cannot afford to let the immigration crisis fester.             Especially when the solution is so close at hand.  I have said for months that the votes exist in the House for fair and sensible immigration reform that legalizes the undocumented and keeps families together.  If the Speaker gives us a vote, we can fully implement E-Verify, protect our borders, reduce illegal immigration, strengthen legal immigration and heal our families.             But eyeing next November, Republicans -- and some Democrats -- have already done the math and so far, the do-nothing approach is winning.  So let me explain the political mathematics as I see them.             Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats will win any favor from the American people by doing nothing.  It is still true that two-thirds of the American people favor immigration reform that legalizes people and allows them to eventually apply for citizenship.             Still, many politicians are reluctant to vote 'yea' on any immigration reform bill because they worry such a vote will cost them in a primary or a general election.  They are wrong.  But OK; we don't need their votes.  Every Republican and Democrat who believes immigration reform will hurt their districts can vote ‘nay’ and we still have 218 votes for the reform this country needs and deserves.             Immigration aside, many Republicans feel they were sent to Washington to prevent the President from getting anything he wants.  Their political slogan can be summed up as ""Vote for us so we can stop POTUS.""  Despite votes from a third of the Senate Republicans, the authorship of key Republican leaders, and the support of business, evangelical, and conservative leaders across the country, immigration reform is seen as something the President wants and therefore something that must be prevented by House Republicans.             Fine.  We know you are against the President.  Tell us what you do want.  I think there is substantial room for compromise on immigration in the next few weeks and certainly the next few months.  If it helps you politically to define it as a series of incremental steps and a rejection of the Senate plan, so be it.  You can dress it up with enforcement measures, as long as it doesn't actually undermine public safety.  And you can call it the ""Anti-Obama Immigration Reform Act"" if that is what it takes.  But you cannot do nothing.             When I think about the urgency of immigration reform, I think about the young people who interrupted the President and the Speaker and the clock that is ticking on their lives.  I think of the Fast4Families fasters on the Mall and their sacrifice.  But most of all I think of a father who came up to me recently and said: ""Find my papers.  Don’t let my deportation widow my wife or orphan my children.  My children will remember who treated their parents badly and will punish them with their votes.  But right now, I need my papers.""             Politicians in both parties should think about that man and find a way to do what he asks.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-votes-to-uphold-ban-on-undetectable-firearms,Congresswoman Kelly Votes to Uphold Ban on Undetectable Firearms,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Kelly Votes to Uphold Ban on Undetectable Firearms   WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) voted today to uphold a federal ban on firearms that are undetectable by metal detectors to help protect the public from the threat of guns being smuggled into secure facilities.   H.R. 3626, the Extend Undetectable Firearms Act, extends for 10 years the ban on the manufacture, importation, sale, shipment, delivery, possession, transfer or receipt of firearms that are undetectable by metal detectors at security checkpoints. The bill passed with bipartisan support.   “When the public enters into buildings that are secured with metal detectors they rightfully expect to be protected from guns being introduced into that environment. This law makes it harder for would-be criminals to secretly bring guns into these buildings,” Rep. Kelly said. “I am pleased that my colleagues were able to come together in a bipartisan manner to pass this important piece of legislation. It is my hope that we can also come together in the future around other common sense gun laws to help keep our communities safer from the threat of gun violence.”   In addition to voting on H.R. 3626, Congresswoman Kelly has introduced three common sense gun bills this Congress:   ·         H.R. 2464, The Improving Gun Safety Standards Act, amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to include pistols, revolvers, and other firearms in the definition of “consumer product” in order to permit the issuance of safety standards for guns by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. ·         H.R. 2465, The Recognizing Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act, would require the U.S. Surgeon General to submit to Congress an annual report on the effects of gun violence on public health. ·         H.R. 2648, The Keeping Guns From High-Risk Individuals Act prohibits the sale or transfer of guns to “high risk” individuals, including those who have been convicted of violent crimes, crimes involving drugs or alcohol or domestic violence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-on-ukrainian-demonstration-violence,Quigley Statement on Ukrainian Demonstration Violence,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the Ukrainian government's use of violence in response to demonstrators in Kyiv: Ukrainian leaders must respect their citizens' rights to freedom of expression and assembly, which is a bedrock principle in any developing democracy. The unnecessary use of violence to silence peaceful voices undermines the country's democratic future, and the United States should continue to stand with the Ukrainian people in their desire for economic growth and a free republic. Rep. Quigley is a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. He has previously met with Ukrainian officials to address concerns voiced by the Ukrainian community in Illinois' 5th Congressional District and recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Ukrainian famine and genocide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140512012333/http://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-reminds-illinois-tornado-victims-to,Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Reminds Illinois Tornado Victims To Register For Disaster Assistance,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,IL,Cheri Bustos,B001286,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) reminded victims of the recent tornadoes in Illinois to register for disaster assistance with FEMA as soon as possible.    Illinoisans who want to register with FEMA for disaster assistance from the November 17th tornadoes can do so by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.  They can also register online by going to www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Constituents are encouraged to call Bustos’ Rock Island office at 309-786-3406, Peoria office at 309-966-1813, or Rockford office at 815-968-8011 if they need further assistance contacting FEMA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z