Madam President, before I start my remarks this afternoon, I would like to make note of two interesting events this weekend. I was asked to speak at a dinner in St. Louis right across the river from my hometown of East St. Louis, and it was known as a Harry Truman dinner. And I told a story about the former President from Independence, MO; that when he returned from Washington in 1953 to his home State of Missouri, he and his wife moved back into their home in Independence, and he reported to the press that when they arrived, he took the ``grips'' up to the attic.
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Richard Durbin
Senator · Illinois · Democrat
Richard Durbin
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from former special counsel Jack Smith, the man who investigated Donald Trump's criminal effort overturn the results of the 2020 election. Mr. Smith testified, under oath, about how the President pressured State election officials and Members of Congress to reject the results of the election, even though Trump had privately admitted that Joe Biden had won in 2020.
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.
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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