Press Releases
After Norfolk Southern Derailment, Duckworth Questions Rail Safety in Illinois Amid Merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today pushed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy for answers about the safety and other impacts Illinoisans will see as a result of the recently-approved Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern rail merger, which the Senator vehemently opposed. In the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, Chair Homendy acknowledged that longer freight trains, as well as high tonnage, can pose … Continue Reading
March 22, 2023
Duckworth Joins Warren, Senate Colleagues to Call on the Fed to Strengthen Rules for Banks with Assets Over $100B
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and ten of their Senate colleagues in a letter to Federal Reserve (Fed) Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr, calling on him to exercise the Fed's authority to apply stronger regulation and supervision to banks with assets totaling $100 to $250 billion. "The fall of both SVB and Signature, the near-crash of First Republic, and the struggles of other regional banks shed new light on the … Continue Reading
March 22, 2023
Duckworth, Booker, Grijalva, Lee Introduce the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Today, on World Water Day, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—co-chairs and co-founders of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus—as well as Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-07) and U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) re-introduced the newly named A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, the most comprehensive environmental justice legislation in history. The bill … Continue Reading
March 22, 2023
Duckworth Secures Support from Military Leadership for Her Efforts to Expand and Bolster DoD Recruitment, Addresses Additional Recruiting Challenges Facing Military
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - During a full committee hearing today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed how the military can expand and improve recruitment efforts as well as how increasing diversity among the ranks improves our national security. During her remarks, Duckworth advocated for and secured support from the Under Secretary of the Army, the Under Secretary of the Navy and the Acting Under Secretary for the Air … Continue Reading
March 21, 2023
Ahead of the FAA Reauthorization, Duckworth Meets with TSA Administrator on Aviation Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation today met with Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) David Pekoske to discuss their legislative priorities ahead of this fiscal year's Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) reauthorization. Specifically, Duckworth highlighted some of her top priorities for the reauthorization, including safety, workforce development and improving travel … Continue Reading
March 21, 2023
Durbin, Duckworth Applaud Nomination of Jeremy Daniel to Serve as District Court Judge for The Northern District Of Illinois
[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after the White House announced its intent to nominate Jeremy Daniel to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: "We are pleased that President Biden is nominating Jeremy Daniel to fill a judicial vacancy for the Northern District of Illinois. He was highly … Continue Reading
March 20, 2023
Duckworth Joins Reed, Larson in Push for ACTION to Increase Service Opportunities Act & Helping Students Reduce Their Debt
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT-01) reintroduced the America's Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act to help expand and promote opportunities for national service. This bicameral legislation would enhance access to national and community service opportunities, lower student debt, create a more engaged citizenry and address national priorities in education, … Continue Reading
March 20, 2023
Durbin, Duckworth Send Two Finalists for U.S. Attorney or The Northern District of Illinois to The White House
[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today recommended two individuals for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois to President Joe Biden for consideration. The two finalists are, in alphabetical order: Sergio Acosta and April Perry. "We appreciate the opportunity to provide assistance and input in filling this important position, and we look forward to … Continue Reading
March 18, 2023
Duckworth Meets with Scott Air Force Base Leadership
[COLLINSVILLE, IL] - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with and received a briefing from Scott Air Force Base Installation Commander and Commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing Colonel Chris Robinson on the base's current initiatives and state of its infrastructure. Duckworth, who emphasized her support for the base's missions, was also joined by 375th Air Mobility Wing Vice Commander Colonel Rob Lowe during the meeting. Photos from the discussion are available … Continue Reading
March 18, 2023
Duckworth Discusses Illinois Aviation Priorities with Regional Airport Leaders
[COLLINSVILLE, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, today hosted a roundtable discussion with Illinois regional airport leaders to discuss this year's upcoming FAA Reauthorization and the critical priorities for Illinois's regional airports. As Subcommittee Chair, Duckworth will be one of the lead negotiators on the bill. In today's meeting, she highlighted some of her top priorities for the … Continue Reading
March 17, 2023
Duckworth Meets with Madison County Mass Transit Leadership
[PONTOON BEACH, IL] - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with Madison County Mass Transit leadership to discuss how she and the officials can work together to ensure that the region can continue to deliver efficient, climate-friendly and ADA-accessible service to southern Illinoisans. During the meeting, Duckworth highlighted her work in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help create good-paying local jobs, help municipalities purchase new buses and railcars, address repair … Continue Reading
March 17, 2023
In Belleville, Duckworth Celebrates Women in Law
[BELLEVILLE, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined the Federal Bar Association Southern District of Illinois Chapter for their Women in Law Symposium, where she participated in a moderated discussion with Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois, the Honorable Nancy Rosenstengel. During the conversation, Duckworth emphasized how it better serves our nation to value women and underrepresented voices in the judiciary branch and every form and level … Continue Reading
March 17, 2023
Duckworth Welcomes Newly-Naturalized Citizens in Belleville
[BELLEVILLE, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today welcomed 60 residents from 34 different countries for the first time as United States citizens in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois Naturalization Ceremony. In her remarks to the new Americans, Duckworth highlighted the importance of diversity in strengthening our nation and her love for our country. Photos from today's ceremony are available here. "For everyone here today, whether your journey started in … Continue Reading
March 17, 2023
Sen. Duckworth Statement in Support of Phil Washington’s Nomination to Lead FAA
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation and former combat pilot, released the following statement regarding her strong support for Phil Washington, President Biden's nominee for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator: "As Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, and as a former Blackhawk helicopter pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Iraqi … Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
Duckworth Honors Disability Rights Hero Judy Heumann on Senate Floor
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) went to the Senate floor to honor the life and legacy of disability rights advocate and friend Judith Heumann. Senator Duckworth highlighted how Judy Heumann's unwavering leadership and advocacy for the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act transformed the lives of millions of Americans living with disabilities-including her own. Video of the Senator's remarks can be found here. Key quotes: She was … Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
Duckworth Chairs Commerce Committee Hearing on Strengthening the Aviation Workforce
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation-the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-chaired today's full committee hearing to examine the challenges facing the aviation workforce and identify solutions for improving the recruitment and retainment of workers in the aviation industry. … Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
Duckworth Discusses How Her Law Will Help Improve Chicago’s Drinking and Wastewater Infrastructure with Environmental Leaders
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), author of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is helping provide communities across the country with over $15 billion in resources to get the lead out of drinking water, met with Chicago environmental justice advocates to discuss water infrastructure in the city, specifically lead pipes. Duckworth and the group shared how historically, working Chicagoans … Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
Duckworth Joins Klobuchar, Braun in Reintroducing Bipartisan Legislation to Help Americans Save and Pay for Skills Training and Credentialing Programs
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN) in reintroducing the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to allow Americans to use '529' education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing and certification programs. Current law only permits workers and families to use '529' accounts to pay for college, university and vocational school expenses. "The bipartisan Freedom to Invest … Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
Duckworth Joins Warren, King, Senate Colleagues to Urge IRS and Treasury to Use New IRS Funding to Protect Taxpayer Rights and Increase Tax Enforcement on High-Income Individuals and Large Corporations
[WASHINGTON, D.C.]-U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME) and 19 other Senators in a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel and U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, expressing strong support for Secretary Yellen's directive to the IRS not to raise audit rates for small businesses or households making under $400,000 annually and that new enforcement funds provided in the Inflation Reduction … Continue Reading
March 15, 2023
Duckworth, Durbin, Krishnamoorthi, Ramirez Statement on Surface Transportation Board’s Decision to Approve Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Merger
[WASHINGTON, D.C.]-U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08) and Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Surface Transportation Board's (STB) decision to allow Canadian Pacific (CP) to acquire Kansas City Southern (KCS): "We are deeply disappointed that the Surface Transportation Board has sided with corporations over our constituents in the Chicago … Continue Reading
