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Showing 650 posts from Richard J. Durbin.
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- RD
This week, @duckworth.senate.gov and I hosted our monthly constituent coffee. It is always a pleasure to hear from Illinoisans and give them an insight into Congress.
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- RD
Today, Republicans left town without funding Trump’s mass deportations, billionaire ballroom, or his January 6 slush fund. We will remain ready to challenge these horrendous wastes of taxpayer dollars when they return.
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- RD
I joined @hirono.senate.gov to call on the Education Department to strengthen oversight of predatory for-profit college programs that leave students with mountains of debt and degrees with little economic value. We must do more to protect our students.
- RD
Threats don’t respect international borders. The Trump Administration’s sweeping and self destructive foreign aid cuts have left the Democratic Republic of Congo and the U.S. struggling to contain an Ebola outbreak. An utterly predictable result from the chaos of DOGE.
link:https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/05/21/ebola-responders-say-aid-cuts-under-trump-left-them-unprepared-outbreak/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
- RD
The Trump-Blanche Justice Department announced last month it’s bringing back firing squads last month. A total step backwards. I just introduced a bill to ban the federal death penalty once and for all.
- RD
Violence and trauma touches all too many Americans. Today, I joined Alliance for HOPE to discuss federal initiatives that give survivors and their families the tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
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- RD
I welcome the change in Guatemala’s attorney general, and I hope that under new leadership, the Guatemalan government will finally drops any remaining charges against anti-corruption journalist José Rubén Zamora and anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra.
link:https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/guatemalas-president-names-gabriel-estuardo-garcia-new-attorney-general-2026-05-06/?taid=69fac62c16d544000169cc15&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter
- RD
The death penalty isn’t reserved for the worst of the worst. It’s only reserved for the poorest of the poor. It’s time to end the federal death penalty once and for all. I just introduced a bill to BAN it.
- RD
Russia, under the bloody leadership of Vladimir Putin, has committed terrible wartime atrocities—one of the most horrific being the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children. Lantratova’s appointment is a cynical slap in the face to Ukraine.
link:https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/putin-appoints-child-abduction-suspect-human-rights-chief-53p9cxk2v?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1779093343
- RD
I was honored to receive an award from Every 100th Heart for working to support patients with congenital heart conditions. Every 15 minutes in America, a baby is born with a heart defect. I have been proud to secure $82 million for the CDC’s research to better understand & treat these conditions.
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- RD
Americans are facing rising housing, utility, grocery, and health care prices. What are Congressional Republicans focused on this week? Funding President Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom.
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- RD
The Trump Administration just authorized the sale of flavored vapes across the country, even though these products addict children & expose them to harmful chemicals. I sent a letter to RFK Jr. demanding that he push back on this corrupt decision if he really is committed to his MAHA agenda.
link:https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-senator-durbin-urges-rfk-jr-resist-easing-vape-rules-2026-05-20/
- RD
I was able to visit with Barney last year during a trip to Boston. He was one of the brightest members I have ever had the pleasure of serving with. He will be missed.
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- RD
I am pleased to see the Senate finally step up to its constitutional duty and advance a resolution requiring Congress to approve further military action against Iran. Consumer prices are up, Iran’s regime hasn’t moderated, and service members are at risk. We need oversight of this war now.
link:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-19/us-senate-signals-intensifying-opposition-to-trump-s-war-in-iran?taid=6a0cdb0e5bba4e0001a523a3&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
- RD
Protect voting rights. Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
- RD
Over the weekend, Senate Democrats successfully challenged Republicans’ attempt to give $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to President Trump’s ballroom. This is a big win, and we’ll continue to fight against such a colossal waste of resources as they scramble to redraft.
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- RD
Sam represented the best of our city and our country. He came here as an immigrant, and through his hard work and hospitality made a name for himself and his family. Sam will be dearly missed.
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- RD
It’s up to Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.
- RD
Donald Trump’s weaponized Justice Department just settled with… Donald Trump. What’d he get? A slush fund of $1.776 billion dollars for himself, his allies, and violent insurrectionists. He’s out for himself—not you.
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- RD
My father died of lung cancer when I was 14. Today, I introduced the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act with @hirono.senate.gov to expand access to lifesaving lung cancer screenings and to spare others from suffering like my father did.
- RD
Keep speaking out. Public outcry works.
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- RD
If you can’t acknowledge what happened on January 6th, then what the hell good are you? These Trump U.S. Attorney nominees are terrible.
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- RD
Republicans just mass confirmed 49 Trump nominees with one vote—including a handful of U.S. Attorneys. They even confirmed scandal-ridden Darin Smith, who is facing serious misconduct allegations for tainting a grand jury, jeopardizing prosecutions of serious violent crimes.
- RD
Everyone deserves clean and safe drinking water, but the Trump Administration is seeking to reverse the rules that protect Americans from toxic forever chemicals. What happened to the MAHA agenda?
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- RD
Darin Smith violated defendants’ due process rights, and because of it, he jeopardized prosecutions of serious violent crimes. He’s wholly unqualified to be confirmed later today. Senate Republicans must answer for this.
quote:at://did:plc:x4kq5wkbme72y7yhjat4dkgq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mm5k5i5qxs2k
- RD
FDA must reverse its recent authorization of flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. We cannot allow President Trump and the tobacco lobby to unleash a new wave of addiction on the next generation of kids.
- RD
Darin Smith is wholly unqualified to be a U.S. Attorney. And he’s part of a partisan package of ~50 Trump nominees that Senate Republicans are pushing through today. He should NEVER be confirmed.
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- RD
When President Trump’s term is mercifully up, he can rest assured that statues of him will likely be erected, and forever enshrined, at the headquarters of the few who actually benefitted from his tenure: tobacco giants Reynolds American and Altria.
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- RD
It’s National Police Week. Chicago is mourning the loss of Officer John Bartholomew, who died in the line of duty last month. I just paid tribute to him and his family—and all officers who defend us every day.
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- RD
President Trump reducing U.S. troop rotations in NATO countries sends exactly the wrong message to Putin as he tries to get Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Moreover, Poland is one of the most pro-U.S. NATO allies on the front lines of the larger Russian threat.
link:https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-scraps-deployment-4000-troops-poland-2026-05-14/?taid=6a06cca5717bd400015f22f1&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter
- RD
Senate Republicans just moved forward with nearly 50 nominees without consent or agreement from Democrats. They’re rushing them through because they’re unqualified. Shameful.
- RD
The dam’s breaking for Big Tech. New Mexico and California juries ruled against them. Congress is supercharging its efforts to reel them in.
- RD
Senator Paul Simon was my mentor & someone who knew the value of understanding how the world works. I joined Senator Wicker to introduce the bipartisan Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act to create opportunities for American students of all backgrounds to see and experience the world.
- RD
Congress can do two things right now to hold Big Tech accountable. Repeal Section 230. Open the courtrooms for families. Put people first—not social media companies.
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- RD
There are corporations that bury caveats & fees in fine print, hoping Americans do not realize they are being scammed. The Trump Admin ended the guidance that let consumers know when they are entitled to relief from dishonest companies. I’m on the Senate floor to reverse this scammer handout.
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- RD
Today, I spoke with leaders of the Villages of Park Forest, Richton Park, and Matteson about the housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects that their communities need. Federal investment makes the difference in local projects, & I will continue to fight to bring funding home for Illinois.
- RD
Before I leave Congress, I have a dream. The Dream Act should become law. To the young people depending on this: I’m not going to give up on you. Don’t give up on me. Justice will prevail.
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- RD
With new routes and terminal investments, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport experienced significant passenger growth over the past year. Today, I met with leadership from the airport to discuss how federal investment can best support the Airport.
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- RD
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created to protect Americans from dishonest corporations. But Trump has done everything he can to destroy the agency to shield his billionaire allies from accountability. I’m joining @warren.senate.gov on the Senate floor to fight for working families.
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- RD
Working families are struggling more than ever to afford basic goods. They need a central bank that will fight for them, not the President & billionaires. I am not convinced that Warsh has the willingness to do what is best for the American people. For that reason, I voted no on his nomination.
- RD
Big Tobacco donated to President Trump with the expectation of favorable treatment. Boy, did Trump deliver. For the first time in history, FDA has approved flavored e-cigarettes, despite the known risk to kids, and allowed countless other illegal vapes to remain available to kids indefinitely.
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- RD
It’s undeniable that the climate crisis is bringing more severe flooding to Illinois. I joined @duckworth.senate.gov and @quigley.house.gov to introduce the Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act to support urban communities and governments preparing for flood risks.
- RD
Stephanie and Juan did everything they were asked to by our government. But that didn’t matter. The Trump Administration wrongfully targeted and detained Juan, impacting his entire family. Pass the Dream Act.
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- RD
Businesses are reporting “recession-level industry decline” because of President Trump’s Iran War, but Senate Republicans for the SEVENTH time blocked a resolution requiring Congress to approve further military action against Iran. Americans are paying the price for this reckless conflict.
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- RD
From Chicago to Carbondale, Illinois’ hotels bring visitors to our state and support our economy. Today, I met with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association to discuss how Congress can help with the issues facing Illinois hotels.
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- RD
The cruelty is the point. Dreamers and DACA recipients have lived here, married here, had kids here, and contributed here for years. I’ve spent 20+ years fighting for Dreamers. I will spend the rest of my time in the Senate continuing that fight.
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The Trump Administration is destroying livelihoods of humans who have known no other country besides America as their own. Shameful.
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- RD
Pass the Dream Act.
- RD
American leadership in medical research comes with the responsibility to never be satisfied while there are those suffering from sickness. I introduced the American Cures Act to provide steady funding for U.S. research agencies, allowing us to remain a leader in discovery & to give patients hope.
- RD
President Trump owns this increase. His war with Iran has skyrocketed oil and gas prices with no end in sight. Trump’s recklessness is costing Americans at the pump and at the supermarket.
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