Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Rural and Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Delivers Opening Statement At Immigrant Farmworkers Judiciary Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified today during the "Immigrant Farmworkers are Essential to Feeding America" Judiciary Committee hearing, the first-ever appearance by an Agriculture Secretary before the full Senate Judiciary Committee. During his opening statement, Vilsack discussed the important role immigrant farmworkers have in the food and agriculture industry and the overall economy. He also voiced support for passage of the bipartisan, House-passed Farm Workforce … Continue Reading
July 21, 2021
Durbin Delivers Opening Statement At Hearing On Need For Path To Citizenship For Immigrant Farmworkers
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled "Immigrant Farmworkers are Essential to Feeding America." The hearing will examine the essential contributions of immigrant farmworkers to our food supply and highlight the need for the Senate to take up legislation to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented farmworkers. Key quotes: "During this … Continue Reading
June 25, 2021
Durbin, Duckworth Announce Nearly $60 Million In Federal Funding For Illinois Rural Communities
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $59,193,800 in federal loans and grants for rural communities in Illinois. The funding, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, will go to ten communities in Illinois to rebuild and modernize essential services. "These loans and grants will help rural communities throughout Illinois expand economic opportunities and … Continue Reading
May 25, 2021
Durbin Introduces New Bill To Expand Lincoln Home Historical Site
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, new legislation that would expand the boundary of the Lincoln Home National Historic site to include a replica 1844 Lincoln cottage and the Elijah Iles home. The bill would also require the National Park Service to increase the height of the road in front of the Lincoln home and at the intersection of 8th and Jackson to provide greater accessibility … Continue Reading
April 27, 2021
Durbin Introduces Bill To Expand Protections For Puppies
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with 11 of his Senate colleagues, today introduced the Puppy Protection Act, which would create stronger standards for veterinary care, housing, and breeding for dogs. The legislation would ensure that dogs within breeders' care have suitable and safe enclosures, access to outdoor areas, and regularly interact with other dogs and humans. "As many Americans welcomed a dog into their family during the pandemic, we must ensure that … Continue Reading
April 26, 2021
Durbin, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Boost Agricultural Research Funding
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), both members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, today introduced legislation that would require a five percent annual funding increase each year for the next ten years for research activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With federal agriculture research investments on the decline, the America Grows Act would restore the United States' commitment to publically funded … Continue Reading
April 13, 2021
Durbin, Duckworth, Bustos, Rush Urge USDA To Finalize Conservation Program Agreement For Illinois
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) and Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), both members of the House Agriculture Committee, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to finalize the long-awaited Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) agreement for Illinois. CREP is one of USDA's flagship conservation programs, … Continue Reading
March 16, 2021
Durbin Meets with Illinois Corn Growers
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, today met virtually with the Illinois Corn Growers Association to discuss agriculture priorities in Illinois, including strengthening the future marketplace for biofuels, federal funds for modernizing Illinois' locks and dams, and the ongoing conservation practices and future opportunities for farmers in addressing climate change. "I had an informative meeting … Continue Reading
March 15, 2021
Durbin Announces Agriculture Subcommittee Assignments for the 117th Congress
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that he will be a member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade; the Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy; and the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security. As a member of these three subcommittees, Durbin will focus on a variety of issues that directly impact Illinois agriculture, the rural economy, and farmers. "I am … Continue Reading
March 09, 2021
Durbin Meets With Illinois Farm Bureau
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, today met virtually with the Illinois Farm Bureau to discuss agriculture priorities in Illinois, including the role of agriculture in climate policy, the importance of immigrant workers to the farm economy, support for biofuels, and pandemic-related financial assistance. "It was great to meet with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau today and hear how I can … Continue Reading
March 02, 2021
Durbin Meets with IL Soybean Growers
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, today met virtually with the Illinois Soybean Association to discuss agriculture priorities in Illinois, including biodiesel markets, lock and dam upgrades, the role of agriculture in climate policy, and expanding international markets for soybeans. "Illinois leads the nation in soybean production, and we must strengthen that leadership by restoring and opening new … Continue Reading
January 13, 2021
Durbin Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Tom Vilsack, Biden Nominee for Secretary of Agriculture
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Tom Vilsack, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for Secretary of Agriculture. During their Zoom call, Durbin and Vilsack discussed Illinois agriculture priorities and how the Department can assist farmers after years of uncertainty during the Trump Administration. Durbin spoke about the importance of expanding markets and trade for farmers instead of President Trump's government aid and lost exports, ending favoritism of cotton over … Continue Reading
January 05, 2021
Durbin Urges Illinois Rural EMS Agencies to Apply for New SIREN Grant Program Funds
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the start of the grant application process for a federal grant program that supports rural fire and emergency medical services (EMS). The funding, created through Durbin's Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act, supports EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment-for everything from naloxone and first aid kits, to power stretchers or new ambulances. Durbin's … Continue Reading
September 17, 2020
Durbin Meets With Illinois Pork Producers Association
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today spoke by phone with Illinois Pork Producers Executive Director Jennifer Tirey and President Dale Weitekamp about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on pork producers and federal support for farmers during this crisis, including the USDA Coronavirus Assistance Program. In May, Durbin joined a bipartisan letter calling for additional USDA funding in the next COVID-19 relief … Continue Reading
September 16, 2020
Durbin Speaks With Growth Energy
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today spoke with members of Growth Energy about the harmful impact Trump Administration policies and the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the ethanol industry, which is projected to cause more than $3 billion in economic damage for biofuel producers. During the call, Durbin criticized the Trump Administration's approval of 85 small refinery waivers during the past several years … Continue Reading
September 15, 2020
Durbin Speaks With Illinois Farmers Union
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today spoke by phone with members of the Illinois Farmers Union about COVID-19 relief for farmers, support for ethanol producers, broadband, and strengthening trade markets. "Today I heard from members of the Illinois Farmers Union who shared their concerns about financial difficulties they continue to face from the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the decisions by the Trump … Continue Reading
September 15, 2020
Durbin Statement On EPA Decision To Deny Small Refinery Exemptions Under Renewable Fuel Standard
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today issued the following statement after an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to deny small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): "For years, President Trump has crippled American biofuels by allowing a record number of waivers for oil companies. His decisions have dragged Illinois farm income down, damaged an important corn market, and … Continue Reading
September 14, 2020
Durbin Statement On GAO Report Confirming USDA Mishandled Payments To Illinois Farmers For Trade Damages
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), both members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, to announce a new report from the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), which found the Trump Administration's payments to farmers harmed by the President's trade policies ultimately favored southern cotton growers who were less harmed compared to Illinois farmers and crops. The report is the … Continue Reading
September 04, 2020
Durbin Joins Central Illinois Young Farmers To Discuss Food Supply Protection During COVID-19 Pandemic
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined a conference call with members of the National Young Farmers Coalition Central Illinois Chapter to discuss their experiences as young farmers working during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they've supported food access in their communities. Durbin is an original cosponsor of the Food Supply Protection Act, a bill that would help strengthen the food supply chain, protect workers, reduce food waste, and support both farmers and families … Continue Reading
September 01, 2020
Durbin Joins Illinois Stewardship Alliance To Discuss Relief For Local Farmers During COVID-19 Pandemic
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined a conference call with members of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance to discuss issues faced by small and local farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Durbin highlighted his support for increasing financial assistance that is tailored to local farmers who sell directly to consumers, schools, institutions, food hubs, regional distribution centers, retail markets, farmers markets, and restaurants. Congress provided $16 billion within the … Continue Reading