Political Quotes

On the recordOctober 15, 2007
This isn't a matter of the State of Illinois health insurance plan; it is a matter of our State or the State of North Dakota taking the Federal funds and buying private health insurance, which is something these families currently cannot afford. It strikes me as reasonable for us to give them a helping hand. It is not socialism, whatever that definition may be. It is not a big-government plan. The President argued that he thought it was unfair to the health insurance industry. I don't understand that. If these 15 million children have not had health insurance for years, that industry has had plenty of chances to sell it. The fact is, it is too expensive for these families.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the need for federal funds to help families afford health insurance for children.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

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 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 22, 2026

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

duckworth.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

Other voices in this conversation