Political Quotes

Dick Durbin

The Public Record

Richard Durbin, commonly known as Dick Durbin, is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from Illinois since 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held various leadership roles, including Senate Majority Whip. Durbin has been a prominent advocate for issues such as healthcare reform, immigration policy, and gun control. He has also played a significant role in negotiations on budget and appropriations matters in the Senate.

Quotes by year · 1994202615,280 total · peak 2011 (1230)
1994: 15 quotes1995: 48 quotes1996: 43 quotes1997: 85 quotes1998: 79 quotes1999: 85 quotes2000: 17 quotes2001: 174 quotes2002: 137 quotes2003: 403 quotes2004: 47 quotes2005: 9 quotes2006: 47 quotes2007: 111 quotes2008: 123 quotes2009: 587 quotes2010: 839 quotes2011: 1,230 quotes2012: 1,121 quotes2013: 1,221 quotes2014: 930 quotes2015: 732 quotes2016: 496 quotes2017: 675 quotes2018: 602 quotes2019: 651 quotes2020: 508 quotes2021: 700 quotes2022: 721 quotes2023: 1,221 quotes2024: 502 quotes2025: 467 quotes2026: 654 quotes

Most widely reported

by number of sources
  1. he 'will continue to serve the interests of Donald Trump, not the American people'15 sources2026iowacapitaldispatch.com
  2. I would like to ask the Senator from Hawaii a question through the Chair. When the Senator is referring to the number of children who are currently forcibly separated from their parents by our government, is the Senator referring to the 2,551 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who were reported by this administration as of this past Monday?11 sources2018govinfo.gov
  3. If the Senator will further yield for a question, it would seem, since two of these three amendments are emanating from the State of Arizona, there is a free-for-all in Arizona to think of more extreme ways to respond to what they consider to be a political situation there, from the passage of the legislation--and I concur with the analysis of the Senator from New Jersey of it--and now $2 rac{1}{4} billion dollars to be sent down for other--I am sorry, that includes the Cornyn amendment, the Senator from Texas. It is $200 million for Senator Kyl--let's say $450 million between Senators McCain and Kyl, money to be sent into this Arizona situation. I wonder if we shouldn't declare a time out in Arizona for at least some thoughtful reflection about what works and what doesn't. It seems there is no end to ideas that are being propounded down there to respond to situations real and imagined. These amendments are clear evidence.6 sources2010govinfo.gov
  4. let me say at the outset that the Senator from Arizona, although we are of opposite political faith, has been my friend and colleague for a long time--since we first were elected together in a class in the House of Representatives. Our friendship and relationship has had its peaks and valleys. I hope we are at a peak at this moment. I will concede, before I say a word about his amendment, that I have no question in my mind, nor should anyone, about the commitment of the Senator from Arizona to the men and women who show extraordinary courage in battling for the United States of America in our military. The Senator's own personal life is a testament to his dedication to the U.S. military. I know he has brought that dedication to his service as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee and in bringing this authorization bill to the floor. Secondly, I don't question his commitment to medical research either. As he said, when we reach a certain stage in life, we may value it more because we realize our own vulnerabilities and the vulnerabilities of those we love. So what I am about to say is not a reflection of his commitment to the military nor his commitment to basic medical research, but I do question this amendment, which Senator McCain has said he will not offer but has filed, and I have been prepared for several days now to debate. Here is the question: Should we have within the Department of Defense a medical research capacity?…5 sources2015govinfo.gov
  5. I have listened carefully to the remarks of my friend and colleague, Senator Sanders of Vermont. I read his published article in the Guardian newspaper yesterday, and it paralleled many of the things which he said on the floor today. We have a very positive starting point between us. I think my record on voting to go to war may be identical to his, if not very close. Neither of us wants war--that is the last resort--and it is frightfully predictable that there will be innocent people killed, even in the best of times and in the best of military force. Secondly, I couldn't agree with the Senator more that we should be promoting all that we can in terms of diplomacy at this moment. The other night, I had the opportunity to be in a meeting with some Senators and with the new Chancellor of Germany, Chancellor Scholz. He was on his way, soon, to Moscow; President Macron of France has been there; and others are going. I encourage that communication, that dialogue, as much as possible. I think it is hopeful that these efforts can lead to a peaceful resolution in the controversy that we are now facing in Ukraine. The third point, which I agree with, is that it is certainly in the interest of the United States, for our values, to make it clear that we want to protect and defend--at least not in a military fashion but, let me say, in a general fashion--the notion of sovereignty when it comes to Ukraine.…4 sources2022govinfo.gov
  6. For 150 years, the Chicago Cubs have been the heart of our great city. For 150 years, they have brought millions of fans together from across the world to all chant ‘Go, Cubs, Go!’4 sources2026duckworth.senate.gov
Aug 26, 2026

Yesterday’s Supreme Court order is a temporary procedural win for President Trump as he attempts to pursue these lawless goals—but it doesn’t change the reality that the Constitution empowers states to run our elections, and the rule of…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 26, 2026

I want to recognize the incredible partnership that made this possible: Stone Community Development Corporation, Lurie Children’s, Thresholds, and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 26, 2026

I can’t wait to see all the good that happens here.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 26, 2026

The President is dead set on attacking Americans’ right to vote and undermining our democracy by making baseless claims about ‘rigged’ elections, demanding unreasonable voter registration requirements, restricting mail-in voting, and…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 26, 2026

Together, you’ve created a space where residents can access pediatric care, behavioral health services, housing and employment support, and much more.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 25, 2026

Students need to be careful. You can’t go wrong starting with City Colleges and community colleges in your community… I beg my young students in Illinois to start there, and counselors to do their job and discourage kids from getting…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 24, 2026

“The highest court in the land shouldn’t have the lowest ethical standards. Public trust in the Supreme Court remains near historic lows, and every story of a luxury gift or questionable failure to recuse contributes to it. The American…

murphy.senate.gov
Aug 24, 2026

The lawmakers also emphasized that the Trump Administration’s definition of medical frailty far exceeds what is outlined in the law itself and creates additional onerous barriers for both patients and states.

duckworth.senate.gov
Aug 22, 2026

Today’s announcement means that we can see that growth sooner rather than later.

duckworth.senate.gov
Aug 21, 2026

Timely access to blood can be the difference between life and death, especially in a medical emergency.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 21, 2026

Today’s news is devastating for the 2,500 skilled union workers impacted by the closure of the Tyson plant in Joslin, especially at a time when American families are struggling with the rising cost of living.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 21, 2026

In the coming weeks, we remain committed to supporting our union members during this transition and working with Tyson to ensure that they have access to resources that support their return to work.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 21, 2026

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis in the U.S. last month for just the second time ever, which has impacted patients’ ability to be treated for illnesses or undergo surgery.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 20, 2026

Sadly, for our nation, Todd Blanche is not that person.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 20, 2026

For all of these reasons, ATF should withdraw this rule.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 19, 2026

I have threatened some of these for-profit schools as a way of getting them to drop the loans that they were enforcing on these students, because I know what happens in the end.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 19, 2026

We always work closely with the leaders in local government regardless of their party affiliation.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

It was the largest class action settlement against the federal government in the history of our nation.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

Congress has neither authorized nor appropriated funding for the 'East Wing Modernization Project,' nor has Congress been provided any planning details or justifications that would allow for informed consideration of the White House’s…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

That’s why we’ve had an ongoing battle here in Washington for years against the for-profit college and university industry.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

I’m glad these borrowers, after years and years of waiting, will finally get the relief they’re entitled to.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

Simply put, no president has the authority to unilaterally demolish and remodel the country’s White House in such a significant manner without congressional approval.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

The Trump administration has not provided transparency into the use of federal funds for the East Wing project, and they have limited congressional oversight, meaningful public input, and adherence to established federal processes.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 17, 2026

Nominations hearings, like this one today, are an essential part of the Senate’s role in providing advice and consent on presidential nominees. This constitutional duty is a critical check on the Executive Branch. And it has never been…

durbin.senate.gov

Politicians like Dick Durbin