Mr. President, each of us serving in the Senate hopes to leave behind some sort of legacy. My own begins with the interns that have passed through my office. Over my four decades in Congress, I have had more than 3,000 interns work for me at one point or another, although my staff are convinced that the true number is even higher. These young people have covered me with glory, and it has been a great privilege to help them get their foot in the door of politics.
2026 MidtermsOpen SeatD+20$77K raised
Richard Durbin
Senator · Illinois · Democrat
Richard Durbin
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, a few years ago, I met a young woman who lives in the Chicago suburbs. She told me a story of her college career and what it led to. It was something I had never heard before. Her experience in trying to pursue a degree leading to law enforcement took her not to the normal, predictable academic sources, but to a new industry, which was opening up in our country--for-profit colleges and universities. Hers was a sad story.
Mr. President, I am nearing the end of my Senate term, and I am reflecting on some historic events which I have witnessed at this table, at this desk. One of the most historic I remember--and specifically the date--January 6, 2021. The reason why that day was important was that the votes all across America had been counted to see who was elected President in the 2020 election, and the process involved certification by the House and the Senate of the electoral votes that were to be counted. In the past, it has been almost a pro forma event, hardly noticed by anyone.
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
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