06.16.21

Durbin: Biden Is Reasserting America's Role As A Champion Of Democracy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s first foreign trip where he met with G-7 and NATO countries, as well as with Russian President Vladimir Putin today. Durbin said that America’s leadership and its example are critical in leading shared efforts to halt the COVID pandemic, tackle climate change, push back on rogue nations, and maintain global norms of behavior.

“Perhaps what was most important was that President Biden reasserted America's role as a leading champion of democracy, security and international norms. I hope this spells an end – and I believe it does – of the unimaginable events that occurred in the previous administration. Coddling a foreign dictator such as Putin, dismissing our closest allies, and threatening the critical North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” Durbin said.

“I’ve often said a great deal of America's influence around the world comes from the power of its ideals and values, critical and precious assets we must nurture and never take for granted… So let me take this moment to commend the President and his team for a timely, critical, important visit with international allies and adversaries in recent days. It won't solve all the problems we face, but we can be proud of this example of American leadership, generosity, and decency,” Durbin concluded.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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