Richard J. Durbin
Senator for Illinois · Democratic · United States
“But the fact of the matter is, there is scarcely a peep when Senator Curtis, a Republican Member of the Senate, made what is a perfectly reasonable suggestion--that Congress look into any possibility of corruption and self-dealing when a member of the President's family receives such a lavish gift from a Russian oligarch.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“He proceeded to also tell how he had turned down many opportunities for payment, salaries, fees, rewards that were available to former Presidents even in the early 1950s.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the continuing resolution we passed earlier this year to prevent the White House from doing exactly what they have done. Not surprisingly, Republicans in the Senate and the House refused to stand for the law for fear that they would anger their President.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Still, Republicans on the committee have made no effort to obtain a copy of volume 2 of Jack Smith's report, which details the findings from the criminal investigation into President Trump's alleged mishandling of classified materials. You remember the classified information that was found near the bathroom in Mar-a-Lago? I remember it.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Think about that for a second. Here are this President and his family, who are making billions of dollars--if you include the family-- from investments that directly relate to his office.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, before I start my remarks this afternoon, I would like to make note of two interesting events this weekend. I was asked to speak at a dinner in St. Louis right across the river from my hometown of East St. Louis, and it was known as a Harry Truman dinner.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
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“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following law clerks to the Senate Judiciary Committee be granted floor privileges until December 1, 2026: Megan Griffin, Melissa ``Mel'' Harris, Andrew Lee, Hannah O'Koon, and David Pelikan.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“I announce that the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Warner) is necessarily absent.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Still, Republicans on the committee have made no effort to obtain a copy of volume 2 of Jack Smith's report, which details the findings from the criminal investigation into President Trump's alleged mishandling of classified materials. You remember the classified information that was found near the bathroom in Mar-a-Lago? I remember it. If this hearing is really about getting answers, we will finally get our chance--Jack Smith will get his chance to tell his side of the story under oath. Despite these impediments, I am glad my Republican colleagues will finally address these concerns directly. It is about time and, in fact, it is well past time for this committee, the Judiciary Committee, to move on and stop spreading political rumors and get down to the truth. I yield the floor.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“At the time, Judiciary Committee Democrats--of which I am proud to say I am the ranking member--sent a letter urging the chairman of the Judiciary Committee to stop complaining about Jack Smith and bring him before the committee under oath. Stop making speeches and ask the man, who you believe to be responsible for wrongdoing, questions that he has to answer truthfully. He had agreed to do that a year ago. Yet they would rather give a speech than actually hear a man under oath defend his position. We made this request again in February of 2026. Well, soon, in just a few days, Jack Smith will appear under oath before the Judiciary Committee. The chairman had declined to bring him before, claiming they needed more time--more time--to gather information.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“This culminated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, where President Trump's supporters tried to violently prevent the constitutional certification of the 2020 election. I was here, right here at my desk when this happened, when the mob started coming into this Chamber, and we filed out that door with police protection to avoid this effort to overturn the 2020 election. These MAGA Trump loyalists were trying to defy the Constitution, and they haven't quit to this day. Instead of condemning this egregious criminal conduct on January 6, my Republican colleagues are spreading baseless conspiracy theories and attacking career prosecutors and FBI agents, claiming the so-called deep state is out to get Donald Trump--the deep state.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“I have heard this so many times, I can understand what was going on in the Soviet Union when the communists were in control. If they had an item in history that was embarrassing in the history of their country, they would simply change the history textbooks. Well, we have the same thing going on when it comes to the 2020 election. This President, who cannot bring himself to even consider the possibility--the possibility--that he lost an election, continues to hammer away at the Big Lie, but he lost by 7 million votes. Joe Biden won the 2020 election. This President has pressured State officials, his own Vice President, the Justice Department, and Members of Congress to overturn the results of the election.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Over the past 20 months, Republicans have continuously bent the knee, kissed the ring, and handed Donald Trump more power and authority on a silver platter. Now the question is whether they will finally find their collective backbone and do something about this illegal Executive maneuver. Special Counsel Jack Smith Madam President, tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is going to hear from Special Counsel Jack Smith. This is a historic event, and let me tell you why. Jack Smith is a nonpartisan career prosecutor appointed to investigate President Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election as well as his effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. In 2020, President Trump spent months spreading the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the continuing resolution we passed earlier this year to prevent the White House from doing exactly what they have done. Not surprisingly, Republicans in the Senate and the House refused to stand for the law for fear that they would anger their President. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express some concern now about the items that have been cut by the administration, but where were they this summer when they had a chance to fix it? For Donald Trump, billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead. Money for schools? Cut. Vanity projects like the Trump golden arch are priorities, but medical research is cut. Taxpayer-funded political ads of the wartime President looking very resolute are a must. Medical care for children? Cut.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Now more and more, Republican Members of Congress, who have not stood up in Washington to assert the responsibility and right of Congress to declare war, are going back home, campaigning for reelection, and saying they got it wrong; war is a mistake. Where have they been for 8 months while we have been having these votes on the floor as to whether Congress approves of the war of Iran? Democrats, but for one or two, consistently voted against this war. The Republicans now, in the closing days before the midterm election, have found religion on the subject. Rescissions Madam President, on Friday night, the Trump administration announced the President has unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds Congress had approved for spending on a bipartisan basis.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Every day you fill up your gas tank, a trucker fills up their diesel tank, a farmer goes out in the field--and we are harvesting now in Illinois--and sees the cost of diesel fuel, every day, you remember this is a creation of the President of the United States for a war that was unnecessary, illegal, and didn't follow the Constitution at its outset. No end in sight. The President has reported over 40 times that we have Iran on the ropes, that they can't wait to negotiate a settlement, and it never happens. This is affecting U.S. families and businesses, but it is affecting countries all over the world, this unnecessary and illegal war, as far as I am concerned.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“But I can just imagine what families and individuals are facing as they go to the gasoline pumps every day and witness these dramatic increases in gasoline and energy prices under the Trump administration. Why is this the case? Well, it is the case because we are in the eighth month of the first year of President Trump's war in Iran. Do you remember when he came to the American people and said he was going to invade Iran? Of course you don't. He didn't do that. He just did that. He ignored the Constitution, which gives Congress the power to declare war, and went forward and invaded and attacked Iran. We have lost--I believe 18 is the last count of brave American service men and women who have died as a result of that conflict. There is no end in sight.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“We can both testify under oath as to our personal experiences. That was Hunter Biden's response. What was Donald Trump, Jr.'s response? Crickets. Crickets. I wish I knew the Russian word for ``crickets.'' Not a word. Nothing to suggest anything happened that was wrong. We know better. We know exactly what happened, what was wrong. I thought of the President one other time this week. I have a Ford F- 150 truck--it is an older truck--in the driveway of my home in Springfield, and I took it into the gas station to fill up. I am sure that most Americans had the same feeling I had at that moment: For God's sake, what is happening to gasoline prices? I believe I paid $4.59 a gallon for the lowest octane gas for my old truck.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“But the fact of the matter is, there is scarcely a peep when Senator Curtis, a Republican Member of the Senate, made what is a perfectly reasonable suggestion--that Congress look into any possibility of corruption and self-dealing when a member of the President's family receives such a lavish gift from a Russian oligarch. I might add so that the record is clear that Senator Curtis said he wanted Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, to also face the same questions as to whether he used his connection with his father to make any money or to receive any gifts during the Biden Presidency. What was the reaction of Hunter Biden? He said: ``Bring it on.'' I have had two sworn depositions before Congress on the subject. I am happy and content with my answers, and I will do it again if necessary. And I will sit right next to Donald Trump, Jr.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“As my colleague Senator John Curtis, Republican of Utah, said when he heard of this: You expect a toaster for a wedding gift; you don't expect a Russian oligarch to pay for the reception. But that is what happened. I might add, Senator Curtis--and I praise him for this--said: Why wouldn't the Senate Judiciary Committee be looking into this? I have the same question. I approached the chairman of the committee and other members of the committee and said: You know, if such a thing had happened with Hunter Biden, for goodness' sake, you would have had much more than a hearing; you would have had a subpoena and depositions and God knows what.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Think about that for a second. Here are this President and his family, who are making billions of dollars--if you include the family-- from investments that directly relate to his office. The most recent one that was reported was just 2 weeks ago when Donald Trump, Jr., had his wedding reception on some island somewhere, and it leaked to the press that the entire festivity reception was paid for by a Russian oligarch who is close to Vladimir Putin. Surely, Senator Durbin, you are making this up. No, I am not. We are virtually at war with Putin and Russia for their invasion of Ukraine, and the son of the President of the United States gets married, goes to a private island for a lavish reception, and it is paid for by a Russian oligarch. That picture is so wrong from the start.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“He proceeded to also tell how he had turned down many opportunities for payment, salaries, fees, rewards that were available to former Presidents even in the early 1950s. And he said at the time that as far as he was concerned, although it was perfectly legal to do the things he was asked to do--to serve on boards, for example, or be chairman of various undertakings, or even to play the piano on television, and he was offered money for that--he just didn't think it was appropriate. In his words, it reflected poorly on the prestige and integrity of the Office of the President, the prestige and integrity of the Office of the President. Doesn't that sound quaint these days, when we have a President who, in his first year of his second Presidential term, made $1.4 billion from his investments, particularly with the cryptocurrency bunch?”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, before I start my remarks this afternoon, I would like to make note of two interesting events this weekend. I was asked to speak at a dinner in St. Louis right across the river from my hometown of East St. Louis, and it was known as a Harry Truman dinner. And I told a story about the former President from Independence, MO; that when he returned from Washington in 1953 to his home State of Missouri, he and his wife moved back into their home in Independence, and he reported to the press that when they arrived, he took the ``grips'' up to the attic. For those who don't know the term ``grips,'' it was the word that was used to describe luggage. So former President Harry Truman was reporting that he was back home again now, and his life would be much the same.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“A study by the Government Accountability Office found that COVID-19 contributed to 25 percent of maternal deaths in 2020 and 2021. (9) The findings described in paragraphs (1) through (8) are of major concern to researchers, academics, members of the business community, and providers across the obstetric continuum represented by organizations such as-- (A) the American College of Nurse-Midwives; (B) the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; (C) the American Medical Association; (D) the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; (E) the Black Mamas Matter Alliance; (F) the Black Women's Health Imperative; (G) the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative; (H) EverThrive Illinois; (I) the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative; (J) the March of Dimes; (K) the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives; (L) RH Impact: The Collaborative for Equity and Justice; (M) the National Partnership for Women & Families; (N) the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association; (O) the Preeclampsia Foundation; (P) the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine; (Q) the What To Expect Project; (R) Tufts University School of Medicine Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice; (S) the Shades of Blue Project; (T) the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance; (U) the Tulane University Mary Amelia Center for Women's Health Equity Research; (V) In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda; and (W) Physicians for Reproductive Health.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows S. 5515 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“I announce that the Senator from Maryland (Ms. Alsobrooks) is necessarily absent.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“Stand up for Karen, stand up for her students, and stand up for what is right. I may be leaving this Senate in a few months, but I am not leaving this fight. I yield the floor.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“That is whom this administration and Republicans are failing: a teacher--a teacher--who is committed to instilling strong values and work ethic into her students and whose heart was broken when she could not. To my Republican colleagues, I ask you, if you went out looking for the worst of the worst, would you choose Karen? If you wanted to remove from the United States rapists, murders, terrorists, child predators, would you identify Karen as one of those people? Of course not. Karen put it best when she said: Behind every pending application number there is a person, a family, a story and this is mine. There is still time to help Dreamers in the final months of the 119th Congress. To all my Republican colleagues, please join me and Senator Murkowski in standing up for these young people who epitomize the meaning of the American dream.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Over the years, the DREAM Act has passed the Senate and it has passed the House, but never at the same time so that we couldn't send it to the President's desk to have it signed into law. As I near the end of my time in the Senate, Congress continues to fail these young people who are American in every sense of the word, not just to me but to the vast majority of the country. The American people have heard about the DREAM Act for many years. Eighty-one percent of the American people support citizenship for Dreamers--81 percent--including 56 percent of Republicans. Despite its overwhelming popularity, the DREAM Act is still stuck in Congress. And so, instead of celebrating legislation, establishing a legal pathway for these Dreamers, I come to the floor today to highlight my 153rd Dreamer story.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Together, Senator Hatch and I introduced the DREAM Act. Now, isn't that how Congress is supposed to work? Two senators of opposing parties, who didn't agree on much, came together to work on legislation to provide a pathway to legal status for these young people brought to the United States as children. These young people came to be known as Dreamers. Since I first introduced the DREAM Act, I have come to the Senate floor over 150 times to share the stories of these Dreamers, who, today, are doctors, nurses, business owners, educators, parents, and so many other professions. I have pushed for this legislation to make them legal in the eyes of the law, to be included in bipartisan efforts like the 2013 Gang of 8 immigration bill which passed the Senate with 68 votes.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, for 25 years I have come to the Senate floor with a simple request--for Congress to protect children who know no other home than the United States of America. I first made this request after I heard from a constituent, a young high school graduate in Chicago and a brilliant, brilliant piano prodigy. She was brought to the United States when she was 2 years old. She didn't know how to fill out her college applications because of her undocumented status. I couldn't believe, when we looked up the law, that our Nation had no path to citizenship for a young person like her so I introduced a bill to change it. Shortly afterward, I received a call from my colleague Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. He said that he was working on similar legislation. I asked him if we could join forces, and we did.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“I announce that the Senator from Delaware (Mr. Coons), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Gallego), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Kim), the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Murphy), the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Schatz), and the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Whitehouse) are necessarily absent.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“I announce that the Senator from Delaware (Mr. Coons), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Gallego), the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Murphy), and the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Whitehouse) are necessarily absent.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“It is important that this Senate function to uphold the ethical standards of our government, and this is a classic example at the highest levels of our government. I yield the floor.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“But there has been no such effort made by the Trump family to explain the largess of gifts being given to members of his family, not to mention the $1.4 billion which he was given--the President was given--in income in his first year of the second term. These are legitimate questions about corruption. There was a time when both parties would agree that it was unacceptable for this to happen, regardless of whether the origin was Democrat or Republican. That still applies. Senator Curtis is right. I stand by his request of the Senate Judiciary Committee to respond to this request for deposition and investigation. We may not be able to finish it this year, but shame on us if we won't even consider the issue, as timely as it is.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“I know some will argue that we only have a few months left in this year. But let me tell you something: We are not overworking ourselves during those few months. We have enough resources and staff and talent, on a bipartisan basis, to call Donald Trump, Jr., before the committee for a deposition to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony. Now, in fairness, Senator Curtis also asked the same of Hunter Biden. To be fair to Hunter Biden, who has already responded to say he is willing to appear wherever we wish, he has already been subject to a sworn deposition at length and has answered the questions that were propounded to him.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“He sent a letter raising a question as to whether there has been a violation of ethical standards at the highest level of our government. Now, John showed real courage in doing this. As a Republican, to say anything critical of the Trump administration is a risk. But he has been a brave man, and he is a man of principle. What he called on is for Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and myself, as ranking Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to have an investigation and a hearing of Donald Trump, Jr.'s recent wedding, where he received lavish gifts from a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin. This sort of thing cannot be allowed to happen without some response from Congress, and Senator Curtis is right: The Senate Judiciary Committee is the place to start.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“President Trump has a chance to secure the release of these detainees, who have already suffered so much, and I hope he will separately make the request to Xi during his visit. Such a move by Xi would be a most welcome gesture, particularly since there is no reason to fear these people. They have done nothing but exercise peaceful freedom of religion and expression. And to those still detained and their heartbroken families, I want to remind them that they are not forgotten. Wedding of Donald Trump, Jr. Finally, today I received a letter from my colleague from Utah John Curtis, a Republican from Utah. He is from Provo. He is formerly the mayor. We have gone together on trips. Our families know one another, and I like John. Our politics notwithstanding, there are many things we agree on.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Not long after, and with the assistance of President Trump, Pastor Ezra Jin was released after 266 days in a Chinese prison for the crime of operating a church. I had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jin and his daughter Grace, who was tireless in her effort to plead her father's case. She came to the Capitol after his release for a moving discussion and meeting. The pastor reminded us that at least eight of his congregants remain in prison. I welcome President Xi's release of Pastor Jin and call on him to similarly release these remaining congregants, as well as the following mentioned in our Senate resolution. They are up here, four of them: Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Ekpar Asat. They are all noted on this poster.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Certainly, our nations have many areas of shared concern, including the dangers of AI research, North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change and energy supplies, global economic stability, and reduced tensions in and around the South Pacific. And we undoubtedly have points of continued disagreement on issues such as the future of Taiwan, Chinese harassment of allies, the war in Ukraine, economic espionage, and stemming fentanyl precursors from being exported by China, and of course, basic political freedoms and human rights. Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution I led with Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, calling for the release of several notable political prisoners being held in China.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“China Mr. President, tomorrow Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Washington and meet with President Trump. The meeting between the leaders of our two countries is important and timely. Both nations have a great deal to discuss, including in areas of shared concern and disagreement. I met regularly with the Chinese Ambassador during my time in the Senate, and while we often--often--disagree, I welcome our continued engagements as constructive and helpful in avoiding conflict between the two great powers.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Trump has broken countless promises made during his campaign for President. Chastising CNN won't lower the price of diesel fuel; punishing POLITICO won't end the Iranian war; and maligning MS NOW won't save the President's free-falling approval ratings. Yet, the President seems determined to double down on his assault on the First Amendment. Yesterday, the White House announced the creation of Trump TV, a news channel designed to spread propaganda from the Trump White House. I would have thought the creation of a state-run media platform to serve as the President's megaphone would have generated some sort of response, some sort of outcry from my Republican colleagues who condemn communism and authoritarianism, but they are afraid to say a word lest this press operation and President Trump turn on them.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, if a person walks the Halls of the U.S. Capitol, there is a pretty good chance you will bump into a reporter. They are seemingly around every corner with their phones out ready to ask your opinion on a recent statement or the news of the day. Those of us who serve in this Chamber have become used to their presence, and their many, many questions. While we may bristle when they press us, we know that these journalists serve an indispensable purpose; they shine a light on the Senate, and they keep the American people informed about their government. The work these reporters perform is a great service to our Nation, one that deserves our thanks. Yet, you won't hear that kind of gratitude coming out of the Trump White House.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“I announce that the Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs. Shaheen) and the Senator from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), are necessarily absent.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“I oppose her nomination and ask my colleagues to join me.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, today, the Senate will vote to confirm Kasdin Mitchell to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Ms. Mitchell's record demonstrates that she prioritizes corporate interests over people. In private practice, she has represented Big Tech companies and industrial polluters. She also represented the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association in the 2022 Supreme Court case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which led to gun safety laws across the country being struck down. Ms. Mitchell previously litigated against reproductive rights, and she argued for gutting the Voting Rights Act in a brief she submitted in Shelby County v. Holder. In addition to her professional record, she has strong ties to the Federalist Society and other rightwing organizations.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“Once again, as I have done hundreds of times--literally thousands of times--I will entrust my safety, my future, and my survival to a competent aircrew, as well as the air traffic controllers of America. It is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. They work 6-day weeks. Unfortunately, there have been proposals that they should not receive the pay raise that was promised. In April, Congress authorized a 2.8-percent pay increase for our Nation's air traffic controllers. It should be a priority. Instead, they have only received 1 percent of the 2.8 percent. This wasn't a mere oversight. It was intentional, and the administration admitted it. In a recent interview, the FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford was asked what was delaying this payment to the air traffic controllers.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“This latest decision is another foolish gesture on their part, which should be stopped in its tracks. For years, this investment and research at NIH have been worthwhile. This proposal to transfer one-third of the Agency's budget on infectious diseases is a mistake. DOD is increasing its investments in medical research, and that is a good thing, I have been a supporter of that myself, when I chaired the subcommittee of appropriations on defense spending. But we need to be committed all the way when it comes to funding NIH. Federal Aviation Administration Mr. President, I want to talk about the treatment of air traffic controllers by this administration. Later this afternoon, I will take an airplane ride from Washington to Chicago. I think it is likely to happen today, if the Senate schedule allows it.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“You see, what the announcement failed to mention was that this so-called agreement at the Department of Defense and NIH, which costs as much as $2 billion, is being paid for by virtually eliminating the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Let's be honest about this. A move to siphon funds away from the Nation's premier medical research Agency, which struggles with lifesaving research, to further bankroll the Pentagon, the most heavily funded Agency in our government--what is wrong with this picture? By implementing this agreement, the Trump administration will, once again, undermine the NIH, when they should be boosting it, supporting it, on a bipartisan basis. Since day one, the Trump administration has been hellbent on cutting NIH funding.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“The administration, in the first two budgets of the second Trump administration, has asked for dramatic cuts in medical research. You didn't hear me wrong. They have asked for dramatic cuts in medical research. And you say to yourself: Why? Why in the world would we take a step backward when it comes to medical research? Our former Senator Ben Sasse is living proof--living proof--that ``research leading to cures'' works. It is the right investment. Ask any family who is facing a terrible disease if research is important to them, and you know the answer already. So now comes a proposal from the Trump administration, not only on the budget to cut the NIH, but the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health have supposedly reached a 10-year agreement--these two Agencies.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“So Roy Blunt and I, a Republican and a Democrat, reached out to enlist people to gather support in our cause, 5 percent real growth each year. Among those who were contacted was Patty Murray, who has been committed to medical research throughout her Senate career, as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who is now chairperson of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and many others. It was a bipartisan effort, and it was successful. Over the last 10 years, we have increased the spending for medical research at NIH from $30 billion a year to $49 billion a year. That substantial 60 percent increase was what Dr. Collins was asking for. Now, we have challenges that we have to face.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“He is a legend. He served under Presidents of both political parties, headed up the NIH, and was really part of the solution and cures of so many things in front of us. And I asked him, when I visited 12 years ago: What can I do, as a Member of the Senate, to help medical research in America? And he said: Senator, if you can just give us 5 percent growth each year on a consistent basis, my researchers will have confidence that they can stick with their research and maybe find that cure. But when you go up and down with the research money, it is almost impossible to get that level of confidence. That inspired me to come back to Capitol Hill to meet with then- Republican Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, who chaired the subcommittee that funds NIH, and I told him that story about Dr. Collins.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗
“It is a situation where I don't care if the researcher, scientist, or doctor is a Democrat or a Republican or even votes. I want to know if they are doing worthwhile research that can lead to cures, can save lives. Most every one of us has been in the circumstance where some terrible diagnosis comes out affecting someone in your family or someone you love. One of the first questions you ask, of course: Is there anything we can do? Is there a drug? Is there a surgery? Is there a procedure? Hoping beyond hope that there will be good news and at least the promise, the possibility of the one you love being spared--medical research does that. When I had a chance, about 12 years ago, to go to the National Institutes of Health, which is the premier medical research agency in the world--in the world--I met with Dr. Francis Collins.”
Senate17 September 2026Source ↗