Durbin Pays Tribute To Vice President Harris For Her Service To The Nation
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris for her service to our nation as the Biden-Harris administration comes to a close.
“On January 20, 2021, little girls worldwide watched in awe as the daughter of a mother from India and a father from Jamaica placed her hand on the bible of the late civil rights icon and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and she took the oath to serve in one of the highest offices in the land,” Durbin said. “At that moment, history was made—Kamala Harris became the first woman in American history to serve as Vice President of the United States.”
Durbin continued, “During a time when America faced a pandemic, there was hope, and many saw the promise of what could be in Vice President Harris. I sat there, one of the lucky witnesses to see that historic moment on that cold winter day. I couldn’t help but smile and think of my former Senate colleague from California who served with me on the Senate Judiciary Committee.”
Durbin then spoke about the time he spent with then-Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“I have served on that Committee for more than two decades and have had the honor to work with many brilliant colleagues on both sides of the table. But then-Senator Harris was exceptional, bringing a keen perspective and vast knowledge of the issues,” Durbin said. “During hearings, I always counted on her for intelligent, discerning questions, honed over her years as a prosecutor, effectively reaching the heart of each matter at hand.”
Durbin went on to recount the historic achievements of the Biden-Harris administration over the past four years, including the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and theInflation Reduction Act, as well as Vice President Harris’ role as a prominent advocate for reproductive freedoms after the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe v. Wade in 2022.
“Four years ago, she left the Senate as President Biden’s Vice President and had a tall order on her hands: to bring this country back from a life-altering pandemic and reenergize the American economy. With our democracy and the nation’s soul at stake on the ballot during the 2020 election, Vice President Harris and President Biden ushered in a new era, embodying their campaign slogan, ‘Our best days still lie ahead.’ Under their leadership, America has made significant progress,” Durbin said.
Finally, Durbin thanked the Vice President for her strength and resolve during the 2024 presidential campaign.
“For as long as I have known her, she has always been a fighter. So, I didn’t hesitate when she called asking for my support when she ran for President,” Durbin said. “I didn’t hesitate to say yes.”
Durbin continued, “Now I know the election outcome was not what we wanted or fought for. But believe me when I say she made a difference in the history of this nation. And I could not be prouder of her strength and resolve during the campaign. At her recent address at Howard University, Vice President Harris said something that will stay with me. She said, ‘The light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.’”
Durbin concluded, “Madam Vice President, you have been and always will be the light of America’s promise. You have given voice to the voiceless, made those who felt invisible feel seen, and fought for those unable to fight for themselves. It has been a true honor to work and serve with her over these years. I thank her for her service to this country. We are all the better for it.”
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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