Richard M. Durbin

Richard Durbin, Wellcome-Sanger, Cambridge, UK (2698443141)

Richard M. Durbin is a prominent American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Illinois. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has held his Senate seat since 1997. Durbin is also the Senate Majority Whip, a position he has held since 2021, and previously from 2007 to 2015.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Richard Joseph Durbin was born on November 21, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended Assumption High School in East St. Louis and later graduated from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1969.

Early Career[edit | edit source]

Before entering politics, Durbin worked as an attorney in Springfield, Illinois. He served as legal counsel to Illinois Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon from 1969 to 1972. Durbin also worked as an adjunct professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for five years.

U.S. House of Representatives[edit | edit source]

Durbin was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1982, representing Illinois's 20th congressional district. He served seven terms in the House, from 1983 to 1997. During his tenure, he was known for his work on health care and agriculture issues.

U.S. Senate[edit | edit source]

In 1996, Durbin ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Paul Simon. He won the election and has been re-elected in subsequent elections. As a senator, Durbin has been a strong advocate for health care reform, immigration reform, and consumer protection.

Committee Assignments[edit | edit source]

Durbin serves on several key Senate committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Rules Committee. He is also the chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety.

Political Positions[edit | edit source]

Durbin is known for his progressive stance on various issues. He has been a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, comprehensive immigration reform, and measures to combat climate change. He has also been an advocate for gun control legislation and criminal justice reform.