Press Releases
Duckworth, Calling for Passage of Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Highlights Provisions to Vaccinate More Americans and Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Rescue Plan would boost vaccinations and testing, ensure access to health coverage, promote health equity and invest in behavioral health [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this afternoon joined a press call where she discussed the urgent need to pass the American Rescue Plan and address the major public health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) also participated in the press call. Key quotes: "As … Continue Reading
March 02, 2021
Duckworth Meets with Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nominee
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (CST), virtually met with Polly Trottenberg, President Biden's nominee to be the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). During their meeting, Duckworth and Trottenberg discussed Amtrak accessibility and on-time performance and the upcoming infrastructure package, as well as her TIFIA for Airports Act. "Polly Trottenberg and I had great … Continue Reading
March 02, 2021
Duckworth Highlights Need for Environmental Justice at Cahokia Heights Roundtable
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined state and local leaders to discuss the ongoing environmental justice issues in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, with residents. Duckworth, chair and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus and member of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, today also sent a letter of support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to support Cahokia Sewer Water … Continue Reading
March 01, 2021
Duckworth Votes to Confirm Dr. Miguel Cardona as Education Secretary
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today voted to confirm Dr. Miguel Cardona as United States Secretary of Education. Dr. Cardona was confirmed with a 64-33 vote to lead the Department of Education under President Biden and will be the first English-learner to serve in this role. "As a long-time public school educator, Dr. Miguel Cardona has the experience, understanding and empathy we need to lead the Department of Education right now. As COVID-19 continues to widen … Continue Reading
March 01, 2021
Duckworth Asks DNI Haines to Release Intelligence Community’s Review of Alleged Russian Bounties
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, today wrote to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines urging her to issue a declassified public assessment or report on the Intelligence Community's (IC) review of the publicly-reported allegation that Russia offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces … Continue Reading
March 01, 2021
Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Create National Heritage Area in Chicago’s Bronzeville Community
[WASHINGTON D.C.] - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a bill that would create a National Park Service (NPS) National Heritage Area in the greater Bronzeville community of Chicago. The Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Act would create a National Heritage Area from 18th Street to the North, 71st Street to the South, Lake Michigan to the East, and Canal Street to the West-approximately five miles south of downtown. This area would … Continue Reading
February 27, 2021
Duckworth Tours Cook County Health COVID-19 Vaccination Site at Triton College
[RIVER GROVE, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today toured Cook County Health's COVID-19 vaccination site at Triton College and met with Cook County officials to discuss how federal and local entities can support each other equitably and efficiently vaccinating Illinoisans. Duckworth was joined by several local officials including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha Jr. Photos of today's visit are available here. "It's great to see … Continue Reading
February 27, 2021
Duckworth Statement in Response to Biden Administration Strike on Iran-Linked Targets in Syria
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Biden administration launched a targeted airstrike in Syria:“Let’s be clear: any attack from Iran-backed militias—or any adversary—on U.S. citizens and our coalition partners is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. President Biden should take action when necessary to defend and protect our troops and I’m looking forward to learning more details about this strike at … Continue Reading
February 26, 2021
Duckworth, Durbin Applaud Announcement of Mass Community Vaccination Center in Chicago
[WASHINGTON D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded an announcement that the Biden Administration will dramatically increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations in Illinois by launching a community vaccination center (CVC) Federal Pilot Site in Chicago on March 10. The site, which will be located at the United Center, will have the capacity for 6,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day. "This new mass community vaccination center is … Continue Reading
February 25, 2021
Duckworth, Maloney & Blumenthal Re-introduce Bill to Create Compensation Fund for Essential Workers
Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act would create a new program for all essential workers and personnel who have been injured or impacted by COVID-19 [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12) today re-introduced the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. Modeled after the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), the new fund created by this legislation would provide compensation for injuries to any … Continue Reading
February 25, 2021
Duckworth, McEachin Urge Biden to Continue Taking Bold Action for Environmental Justice
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, and U.S. Representative Donald McEachin (D-VA-04), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the U.S. House of Representatives United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force, today wrote to President Biden to commend his commitment to prioritizing environmental justice and request additional executive actions be taken to help communities impacted by environmental … Continue Reading
February 25, 2021
Duckworth, Casey & Hassan Call for GAO Review of Child Care Accessibility for Parents and Children with Disabilities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions' Subcommittee on Children and Families, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) member Subcommittee on Children and Families, today requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study on the barriers parents and children with disabilities face in accessing child care, including the physical facilities and the services provided, from … Continue Reading
February 25, 2021
Duckworth Votes to Confirm Granholm as Energy Secretary
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after voting to confirm Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy under President Joe Biden. Granholm was confirmed with a 64-35 vote today. "Secretary Granholm is an experienced leader who is prepared to help our country navigate the challenges of the climate crisis and build an economy that works for all Americans. Investing in and developing clean energy is not only critical in … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
In Oval Office Meeting, Duckworth Discusses U.S. Global Supply Chain with President Biden
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, today spoke with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office about global supply chain issues. Duckworth and the President, joined by other Members of Congress, discussed product shortages and the subsequent impact on U.S. global … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
At EPW Hearing, Duckworth Highlights Her Build Back Better Infrastructure Investment Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - During the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's first hearing on developing an infrastructure bill, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the senior-most Democrat on EPW's Fisheries, Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, stressed the importance of water infrastructure and roadway congestion reduction in any comprehensive transportation and infrastructure package. A video of Duckworth's remarks during the hearing is available here. "To truly build back … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
Duckworth, Durbin Introduce MOMMA Act To Reduce Maternal And Infant Mortality Rates
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the bicameral Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act. The legislation seeks to reduce America's rising maternal and infant mortality rate, especially for moms and babies of color who are significantly more likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy. On average, maternal mortality claims the lives of about 700 American moms each year-an additional 70,000 women suffer … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
Duckworth Discusses Agricultural Priorities with Illinois Soybean Association Board
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today held a virtual call with members of the Illinois Soybean Association Board to discuss her Illinois and legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Duckworth discussed the importance of biofuels, addressing climate change, and improving transportation, infrastructure and trade. "The strength of America's farmers is a reflection of our strength as a nation," Duckworth said. "I enjoyed meeting with the Illinois Soy Board today to … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
Duckworth Joins Warren and Colleagues in Urging the Biden Administration to Establish an Office of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Wellbeing within the Domestic Policy Council
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and five of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris supporting the establishment of an Office of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Wellbeing (OSRHW) within the Domestic Policy Council at the White House that would develop, establish and coordinate a federal government effort to secure reproductive justice for all. "We are deeply … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
Duckworth Applauds Biden Administration’s New USPS Board Appointments, Reiterates Call for Accountability for All Board Members Who Permitted DeJoy’s Disastrous Decisions
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Biden Administration announced it would appoint three new members to fill the vacancies on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors: "I commend President Biden for selecting three qualified, independent individuals to serve on the USPS Board of Governors. This is a positive first step toward restoring some balance and integrity at the Board of Governors. Yet, in order to … Continue Reading
February 24, 2021
Duckworth, USMC Commandant Berger Discuss Combatting Sexual Assault & Rise of Extremism in Marines
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, virtually met yesterday with General David Berger, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), to discuss actions that can be taken to reinforce USMC values across the Corps, prevent sexual assault and combat the rise of white supremacy and other extremist ideologies among servicemembers. "General … Continue Reading
