Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Military and Veterans
Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Bill Expanding Student Loan Refinancing For Service Members
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced the Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act, legislation that would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to allow service members to consolidate or refinance student loan debt they had when they entered the military and continue to benefit from the six percent interest rate cap to which they are entitled through the SCRA. A provision in the SCRA protects service me… Continue Reading
06.26.24
Durbin Issues Statement On President Biden's Pardon Of LGBTQ+ Service Members Who Wrongfully Received Dishonorable Discharges For Their Identity
CHICAGO – On the ninth anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodeges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on President Biden’s pardon for military service members who were convicted under a now-repealed military law because of their sexual orientation: “On the anniversary of Obergefell, President Biden has taken another step forward in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+… Continue Reading
05.16.24
Durbin Talks Military Readiness With Chief of U.S. Air Force Reserves
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today met with Lt. Gen. John Healy, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, to discuss military readiness. Durbin also received an update about Scott Air Force Base’s 932nd Airlift Wing, which Durbin protected from divestment and for which he secured nearly $60 million for aircraft upgrades in recent fiscal years. The 932nd Airlift Wing trains, equips, and employs C-40C aircra… Continue Reading
03.12.24
Durbin Joins Senate Democrats On The Floor To Call For Passage Of Veterans Families Health Services Act, Protection For IVF
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined his Democratic colleagues in speaking in support of the Veterans Families Health Services Act, which Durbin cosponsored, ahead of U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) request to pass the bill by unanimous consent. Despite the importance of providing accessible health care to female veterans and claims that Republicans support IVF, U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) objected to the passage of the bill. Durbin began his remarks… Continue Reading
02.27.24
Durbin Talks Military Readiness with U.S. Transportation Command
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today spoke by phone with the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost. TRANSCOM, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, is tasked with providing air, land, and sea transportation around the world for the Department of Defense (DOD). During their call, Durbin and General Van Ovost discussed military logistical operations and … Continue Reading
05.03.23
Durbin Leads Colleagues In Penning Letter To Departments Of Education, Defense, And Veterans Affairs Warning Against Predatory For-Profit College University Of Phoenix
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough warning the agency leaders about the predatory for-profit college University of Phoenix's (Phoenix) latest tactics to recruit students using misleadi… Continue Reading
03.08.23
Durbin Meets With Illinois Veterans With Wounded Warrior Project
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today met with Illinois veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization that focuses on supporting post-9/11 veterans, caregivers, and families of veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury during their service. During their meeting, Durbin and the veterans discussed the importance of adequately staffing VA medical centers with mental health profession… Continue Reading
02.02.23
In Amicus Brief, Durbin And Colleagues Call On Seventh Circuit To Reject 3M’s Attempt To Use Bankruptcy To Evade Accountability To Military Veterans
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a group of Senate and House Democratic colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in a bankruptcy case before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, in support of 231,000 military veterans who are seeking restitution from 3M and its subsidiary Aearo Technologies for allegedly manufacturing defective earplugs. The company and its subsidiary attempted a complex maneuver similar to the infamous "Tex… Continue Reading
09.30.22
Durbin, Marshall Introduce Amendment to NDAA to Address High Swipe Fees Affecting Our Veterans
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) introduced two amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to address excessively high credit and debit card swipe fees that burden American consumers, small businesses, and veterans. Their first amendment would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Treasury Department to issue a report about a current law, 10 USC 1065, that requires some veteran populations including P… Continue Reading
08.03.22
Durbin Statement On Senate Passage Of Honoring Our PACT Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act, legislation that will expand eligibility for health care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure in the line of duty: "When Americans sign up to serve our country in the military, we promise that we will not leave them behind. The Senate honored our veterans' service today with the passage of the PACT Act, which will give new hope… Continue Reading
06.08.22
President Biden Signs Durbin, D. Davis, Underwood Bill Restoring Education Benefits To Veterans Into Law
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, President Joe Biden signed the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-IL-7), and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), into law. The legislation will help more than 300 Illinois veterans who were scammed out of their benefits by the unaccredited, for-profit Future Tech Career Institute (FTCI) in Chicago. "During the pand… Continue Reading
05.24.22
Durbin, D. Davis, Underwood Urge VA To Quickly Implement Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration And Recovery Act Once Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) today sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough requesting an update about how the VA plans to implement the Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act after it is signed into law by President Biden. The legislation, led by Durbin, Davis, and Underwood, will help more than 300 Illinois veterans wh… Continue Reading
05.12.22
Durbin Talks Military Modernization With U.S. Air Force Secretary
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III about the Air Force's priorities for Fiscal Year 2023 and military modernization efforts. On the call, Durbin received an update about recent upgrades to satellite communications equipment on C-40 planes based in Illinois. Durbin urged against efforts to divest from the 932nd Airlift Wing's C-40 plans at Scott Air… Continue Reading
04.27.22
Durbin Questions Secretary Of State Antony Blinken On Situation In Ukraine At Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), today at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the U.S. Department of State's Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget request. Durbin, Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, began his questioning asking about Ukraine's needs following Putin's unjustified and unprovoked war. "Are we falling short for what they need [Ukraine]? Are we doing eno… Continue Reading
04.26.22
In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Calls For Improved Safety Kits For Army Humvees
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor about upgrading safety features of the Army's Humvees and improving training to address the troubling number of military tactical vehicle accidents. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted research into anti-lock brake and electronic stability safety kits, known as ABS/ESC, as well as other upgrades, to help prevent accidents. While u… Continue Reading
03.16.22
Durbin Speaks With U.S. Transportation Command, Discusses Military Readiness
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke by phone with the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost about military readiness priorities including air refueling; sealift recapitalization; strategic airlift; and global command, control, and integration. During their call, Durbin recognized General Ovost's support for the work of units across Illinois, including at Scott Air Force Base and Peoria Air National Guard Base. "T… Continue Reading
12.16.21
Durbin, Cornyn, Portman, Shaheen, Members Introduce Bipartisan Resolution To Support Ukraine Against Russia Military Invasion
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today led a bipartisan group of 10 Senators in introducing a resolution expressing support for an independent and democratic Ukraine-one that is secure against further Russian military aggression. The resolution comes as Russian forces build up on the Ukrainia… Continue Reading
10.18.21
Durbin Honors Life And Legacy Of Colin Powell
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to Secretary of State Colin Powell, who passed away at the age of 84 today. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted how Powell served his nation as a U.S. Army General, a National Security Advisor, the first Black Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the first Black Secretary of State. Durbin also spoke about Powell's upbringing as the son of Jamaican immigrants and his support for the Dream Act. "Bu… Continue Reading
09.27.21
Durbin, Leahy Urge President Biden To End Lethal Force Outside Of War Zones, Revise Nation's Counterterrorism Policies
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today sent a letter to President Biden urging the administration to revise our nation's policy regarding use of lethal force. Over the course of the past three administrations, Durbin and Leahy have raised questions about the legal bases and consequences of lethal strikes. As the Biden administration is reported… Continue Reading
08.26.21
Durbin Statement On Bombing Attacks in Afghanistan
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today regarding the attacks outside the Kabul airport and the Baron Hotel in Afghanistan: "Today's heinous attacks in Kabul targeted American citizens, service members, diplomats, and vulnerable Afghans trying to flee for their safety. My heart is with families and loved ones of the service members and other innocent people who have been injured or killed in these acts of terror. "Once the airport and s… Continue Reading