Durbin’s run at Judiciary Committee focused on immigration, judges

Sen. Richard J. Durbin, who is retiring, has been a key figure on the Judiciary Committee, where the Illinois Democrat played a leading role in immigration and criminal justice matters and guided President Joe Biden’s judicial nominations through the confirmation process. He served on the Judiciary Committee for more than twenty years and briefly chaired it in 2021. During his tenure, Durbin emphasized addressing gun violence, enhancing online safety for children, and advocating for other important issues. Despite his retirement, he remains the top Democrat on the panel in the current Congress.

Throughout his career, Durbin was instrumental in shaping Democratic immigration policy, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council. With Durbin stepping down, new leaders will need to step up in the Senate to continue the debate on immigration.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, is considered a strong candidate to succeed Durbin on the Judiciary Committee. Durbin has been a champion for young undocumented immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” and co-sponsored the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) with the late Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah.

Durbin also played a crucial role in drafting comprehensive immigration legislation as part of the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” in 2013. The bill aimed to offer a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and provide legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Although the Senate approved the legislation, it did not progress in the Republican-controlled House.

As the head of the Judiciary Committee during the Biden administration, Durbin oversaw the confirmation of numerous judicial nominees and supported efforts to diversify the federal judiciary. He also led the committee in advancing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Durbin has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, including efforts to reduce mandatory minimum sentences and address sentencing disparities. He also pushed for legislation to regulate social media platforms, particularly concerning child safety and combating harmful content.

Rachel Rossi, a former counsel for Durbin, praised the senator for his dedication to pursuing justice and making a positive impact through his work in Congress.