Mr. President, if a person walks the Halls of the U.S. Capitol, there is a pretty good chance you will bump into a reporter. They are seemingly around every corner with their phones out ready to ask your opinion on a recent statement or the news of the day. Those of us who serve in this Chamber have become used to their presence, and their many, many questions. While we may bristle when they press us, we know that these journalists serve an indispensable purpose; they shine a light on the Senate, and they keep the American people informed about their government.
2026 MidtermsOpen SeatD+20$77K raised
Richard Durbin
Senator · Illinois · Democrat
Richard Durbin
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, for 25 years I have come to the Senate floor with a simple request--for Congress to protect children who know no other home than the United States of America. I first made this request after I heard from a constituent, a young high school graduate in Chicago and a brilliant, brilliant piano prodigy. She was brought to the United States when she was 2 years old. She didn't know how to fill out her college applications because of her undocumented status.
Mr. President, I have been through a lot of events on Capitol Hill in my life. There was one, last night, that was worth remembering. It was a gathering for a rally for medical research investment by Congress and the President for the good of all of our country and beyond, and there was one presentation which really had an impact. A former colleague of ours in the U.S. Senate, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, is fighting a heroic battle against cancer. He was diagnosed quite a few months ago with pancreatic cancer, and it spread throughout his body. I recall when it was first reported.
Biography
Richard Durbin began his career as a congressional aide and attorney, grounding his public service in practical problem-solving. Elected as U.S. Senator for Illinois in 1996, Durbin has prioritized immigration reform, access to health care, and consumer protection. He co-authored the DREAM Act, championing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth, and serves as Senate Majority Whip, shaping legislative strategy on key issues. Durbin’s leadership is marked by bipartisan collaboration and a commitment to representing the diverse needs of Illinois families.
Education
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center1969
- B.S. in Foreign Service and Economics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC1966
Professional History
U.S. Senator
1997–PresentSenator from Illinois. 5 terms.
U.S. Representative
1983–1997Represented Illinois's 20th congressional district for 7 terms.
Legal Counsel, Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee
1972–82Attorney (illinois Bar 1969)
1969Legal Counsel, Lieutenant governor Paul Simon
1969–72Parliamentarian, Illinois Senate
1969–82Adjunct Professor, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement11%
Health8%
Education6%
International Affairs6%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Richard Durbin's record in Congress.
Dream Act Advocacy
Authored and repeatedly introduced the DREAM Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Tobacco Regulation
Led efforts to grant the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Student Loan Reform
Championed the Federal Direct Loan Program, shifting student loans from private banks to direct federal lending to save taxpayer money.
Criminal Justice Reform
Co-authored the Fair Sentencing Act, reducing sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on the JudiciaryRanking Member
- Senate Committee on Appropriations
- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Sen. Richard Durbin FAQ
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