05.01.24

Durbin Meets With The Association Of American Universities’ President

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Barbara Snyder, President of the Association of American Universities (AAU), to discuss funding for scientific research and updating our immigration laws to attract and retain top talent while protecting U.S. workers, including in STEM roles.  AAU represents America’s 71 leading research universities, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, and Northwestern University.  During the meeting, they discussed Durbin’s American Innovation Act (AIA), legislation that would guarantee five percent real growth increases in funding for five key scientific research agencies, including: The National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE SC), DoD Science and Technology, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

“Where would we be in America today without research and innovation?  For years, I have said that the most important investment we can make in our future is in scientific research—especially within our universities,” said Durbin.  “During today’s meeting, I thanked President Snyder for the work she’s doing to ensure our research universities thrive across the country and Illinois.  We also discussed ways to fill gaps in the workforce—including through immigration reform.”

A photo of the meeting is available here.

As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin has continuously called for meaningful immigration reform to address our workforce shortage.  As we face a decreasing population and shortages of professionals, immigrants can help mitigate that gap.  Durbin introduced the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act in 2023 to help American businesses and universities attract and retain the world’s top talent. 

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