Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Foreign Policy
Durbin, Grassley Meet With Lithuanian Delegation To Discuss Russian Aggression Toward Baltic States
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, yesterday met with members of the Lithuanian Parliament and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audra Plepyte to discuss President Biden's newly announced decision to move 3,000 troops to Germany, Poland, and Romania to deter Russian aggression aimed at Ukraine and the region. The Senators heard from the Lithuanian Parliament members about recent Russian … Continue Reading
02.02.22
Durbin: The U.S. Reaffirms Support For Ukraine's Freedom To Chart Its Own Future
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reiterated that the United States stands with Ukraine and the surrounding countries against increasing Russian aggression. During his speech, Durbin reflected on the contributions of Ukrainian-Americans such as Sgt. Michael Strank, a Marine who fought in WWII and one of the Iwo Jima flag raisers. Durbin also condemned Russian leader Vladimir Putin's actions, including ongoing belligerence against NAT… Continue Reading
02.02.22
Durbin: One Way To Help The NATO Alliance Is To Pass An Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called on Senate Republicans to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget to strengthen our alliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As Russian aggression toward Ukraine and others in the region continues to escalate, Durbin reiterated that it is essential to support NATO and surrounding Baltic democracies. "There is one guiding principle tha… Continue Reading
01.31.22
Durbin, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Resolution To Celebrate 100 Years Of Diplomatic Relations Between United States And Baltic States
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, led 17 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations with the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) amid increasing Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. "This year… Continue Reading
01.10.22
Durbin: Putin Must End Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor against Russia's ongoing aggression and massive military build-up on Ukraine's border. During his speech, Durbin noted President Biden's swift condemnation of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's actions. Durbin also called on his colleagues to support legislation to be introduced by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which would impose crippling sanctions if Rus… Continue Reading
12.16.21
In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Speaks In Support Of Lithuania's Defense Of Democracy, Calls Out Lukashenko As "Europe's Last Dictator"
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, took to the Senate floor today to express his support for Lithuania as the nation faces repeated threats of Russian aggression and Chinese economic intimidation. In his remarks, Durbin touched on Lithuania's history of resilience and strong voice for democracy and called for a continuation of the long-standing U.S.-Baltic friendship. "For half a century, millions lived under the t… Continue Reading
11.18.21
Durbin, Risch, Leahy, Members Introduce Bipartisan Resolution To Support Upcoming Presidential Election In The Gambia
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Ranking Member James Risch (R-ID), and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT), along with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), SFRC Africa Subcommittee Ranking Member, and John Boozman (R-AR), today introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for a free, fair, and peaceful December 4, 2021, presidential election in The Gambia. The upcoming election will be … Continue Reading
11.17.21
Durbin Meets With Mexican Senators To Discuss U.S.-Mexico Relationship
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with five Mexican Senators who represent the five largest parties in Mexico. During today's meeting, they discussed U.S.-Mexico relations, migration in the region, the need for immigration reform in the U.S., the flow of illegal weapons primarily from the United States to Mexico, and the Mexican Senate's interest in reactivating the U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group between the uppe… Continue Reading
10.29.21
Durbin, Menendez, Kaine Meet with Venezuela Interim President Juan Guaidó
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Chair Tim Kaine (D-VA) met virtually with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó to discuss the ongoing political stalemate in Venezuela and the humanitarian crisis that has forced more than five million refugees and migrants to flee their homes under discredited President Nicolás Maduro's regi… Continue Reading
10.29.21
Durbin Files NDAA Amendments To Hold Egypt Accountable For Disappearances Of Family Members Of Illinois Resident
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) filed amendments to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would hold Egypt accountable for the harassment and detention of Americans and their family members. Durbin has advocated for the release of three family members of Aly Hussin Mahdy, who is a lawful U.S. asylee and Illinois resident, who saw his father, uncle, and cousin jailed after he urged peaceful protests in front of Egyptian embassies. Durbin's amendments… Continue Reading
10.08.21
Durbin Meets With Venezuelan Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), met with Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López to discuss the ongoing political stalemate in Venezuela and the humanitarian crisis that has forced more than five million refugees and migrants to flee their homes under President Nicolás Maduro's regime. During their conversation, the Senators received an update on… Continue Reading
09.28.21
Durbin Meets With Philippines Foreign Minister And Ambassador
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met virtually with Philippines Foreign Minister Teodor Locsin and Philippines Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez to discuss U.S.-Philippines cooperation and the ongoing detention of Filipina Senator Leila de Lima. Durbin raised several human rights concerns under Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, including extrajudicial drug-related killings, harassment of journalists such as Maria Ressa, and jailing of opposing voices such as de L… Continue Reading
09.28.21
Durbin Discusses Disappearances Of Family Members Of Illinois Resident With Egyptian Ambassador
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), today spoke by phone with Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S. Motaz Zahran about reports of harassment, forced disappearances, and human rights violations in Egypt. During their conversation, Durbin followed up on a letter he and Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Booker sent earlier this year to Zahran, advocating for the release of three family members of Aly Hussin Mahdy… Continue Reading
09.23.21
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Latest Slate Of Nominations & Legislation
WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the following nominations: Toby J. Heytens, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; Patricia Tolliver Giles, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael S. Nachmanoff, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia; Sarala Vidya Nagala, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut; Omar Antonio Williams, to be United States District Judg… Continue Reading
09.14.21
Durbin Meets With Lithuanian Delegation, Discusses U.S. Support For Baltic States
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and visiting Lithuanian delegates including former Ambassador to the U.S. and current member of the Seimas MP Žygimantas Pavilionis, current member of the Seimas MP Emanuelis Zingeris, and Ambassador Audra Plepyt?. The Lithuanian delegation shared a letter from Viktorija ?milyt?-Nielsen, the current Speaker of the Se… Continue Reading
08.26.21
Durbin Urges Biden Administration To Take Advantage of Parole To Expedite Evacuation Of Afghans
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and 27 Senators this week in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to expedite efforts to evacuate Afghans at risk as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, the Senators specifically pushed for the Administration to explore the use of parole to speed up entry for Afghan… Continue Reading
08.24.21
Durbin Meets With Afghan Community Members & Resettlement Leaders
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met virtually with Afghan American community members and resettlement leaders to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Durbin committed to continuing to advocate for at-risk Afghans - both those being evacuated out of Afghanistan and those seeking refuge in the United States. Durbin was joined by Sima Quraishi, Executive Director of the Muslim Women's Resource Center (MWRC) in Chicago. "It was my pleas… Continue Reading
08.20.21
Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Rahm Emanuel To Serve As Ambassador To Japan
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today regarding the Biden Administration's intent to nominate Rahm Emanuel as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan: "Rahm Emanuel has a lifetime of public service preparing him to speak for America. Japan is an important strategic partner in Asia, particularly in light of our continued challenges from China. I will do all I can to help Rahm become America's voice in Japan." -30-… Continue Reading
08.16.21
Durbin Statement On Afghanistan
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today regarding the situation in Afghanistan: "President Biden understands history when it comes to Afghanistan. He made the difficult decision to not hand over this longest of American wars to a fifth president. And had he walked away from the withdraw agreement originally negotiated by President Trump, Taliban attacks on U.S. forces would have restarted and required yet another surge in U.S. troops. … Continue Reading
08.06.21
Durbin, Bipartisan Senators Launch Free Belarus Caucus
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today to announce the formation of the Free Belarus Caucus, which will advocate for democracy and free and fair elections in the former Soviet Republic that has been rocked by increasing political repression after decades of rule by current President Alexander Lukashenka. The caucus also includes U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Edwa… Continue Reading