01.06.15

Durbin Honored To Represent Illinsans In Fourth Term As U.S. Senator

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement after being sworn in to his fourth term as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois.  Durbin was escorted to his swearing in on the Senate floor by U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and former U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI). 

“I am honored that the people of Illinois have given me the opportunity to continue representing their interests in Washington.  During my time in the Senate, I have worked to create good-paying jobs, promote Illinois businesses and ensure that our state is receiving its fair share of federal funding,” said Durbin.

“As the reins of power in the Senate change hands today for the first time in eight years, my focus on protecting these investments has sharpened.   We can, and we must, come together and work across the aisle in order to meet America’s biggest challenges.  As a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, I will make certain that when negotiations are taking place and decisions are being made Illinoisans will have a seat at the table and a voice in the halls of power.”

Durbin will also continue his role as the lead Democrat in the day-to-day action of the Senate. As the Assistant Democratic Leader - also known as the Democratic Whip - he is responsible for counting votes and monitoring legislation for the caucus on the Senate floor.  Durbin has been elected to the position of Assistant Democratic Leader by his Democratic colleagues every two years since 2004.  He is only the fifth Illinois Senator in history to serve as a Senate leader.

Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, is the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois, the state’s senior senator, and the convener of Illinois’ bipartisan congressional delegation. Elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, 1996, and re-elected in 2002, 2008 and 2014, Durbin fills the seat left vacant by the retirement of his long-time friend and mentor, U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

As a U.S. Senator, Durbin makes approximately 50 round trips a year between Washington and Illinois. He is married to Loretta Schaefer Durbin. Their family consists of three children--Christine (deceased), Paul and Jennifer--as well as three grandchildren, Alex, Ona and Floyd. The Senator and Loretta reside in Springfield.