Open Congress : Comments on Sen. Richard J. Durbin [D, IL]

New comment by sokaro

2010-03-17T21:11:38Z

If you haven't noticed here Anjou... The Senate is 59 democrats, 40 republicans, and 1 independent. If the democratic majority of the congress can't get it done then I suggest that we boot the lot of them out and elect people that can get the job done.

New comment by sharibear

2010-07-07T17:17:28Z

This extention on unemployment has to be passed. I'am an American and have been unemployed since dec 2009.I look for work almost everyday with no luck at all!This is the first time in my 42 yrs of life that I havent had a job.An American born and raised in here, who needs your help! I have finished my 28 weeks of unemployment, and have no teir 1 or extention to help me with my bills.THIS BILL ON JULY 12TH NEEDS TO BE PASSED IMMEDIATELY!Or I go on the street to live. Vote yes! I thank you for your attention on this matter.

New comment by pelmof

2010-06-29T04:36:41Z

Dear Senator Durbin, S.3520 needs to be passed immediately. There are 15 million Americans who are "unemployed through no fault of their own," and who are also frantically attempting to find new jobs that do not exist. The majority of these 15 million have a family dependent upon their income, so that increases the number to possibly 30 or even 45 million Americans who are in imminent danger of losing everything. When this happens, the financial and moral ramifications for this country will be dire indeed. I'll say it again-- S.3520 needs to be passed immediately! Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. FYI: I'm in the process of sending this message to every senator, and I'm a resident of Chicago.

New comment by irishguy3m

2009-12-06T11:43:03Z

Please! Give the USDA the power to stand up to the people that provide something as fundamental as our food. Refuse to let money impact the scales of justice and re-introduce a bill that, I think, most people would say is common sense. I am so glad someone said it.

New comment by Anonymous

2008-03-19T06:13:39Z

help the homeless get food and cute abercrombie clothes to wear on the streets of Illinois. seriously ive never even heard of you which means you're not doing anything. Sincerly, Pissed off.

New comment by klassylady25

2010-07-12T09:36:09Z

Your argument on healthcare is the same argument that the whole Democratic party spouts. And now you're saying that a viable solution was never give. You mean they were never accepts. I watched the pony and cart show. You crammed the bill down our throats. You're in charge. And Donald Berwick is a scary SOB. You're very out of touch. Get off your bottom and out of your island. Put down your written speech and talk about things opening and honestly. (viewing you on cspan - July 12, 10.)

New comment by purplelilac3084

2010-08-26T06:17:25Z

This is a disgrace that the president and senate are on vacation! the economy is falling apart due to the socialist bills they have passed! after spending ALL that money, the jobs have never been created. They want to end the Bush tax cuts, so small businesses will be taxed! That is going to create even more unemployment! I have been going crazy to find a job, I am even enrolled in 5 Temporary Agencies, but of course, they are hit just as bad as I am. The health care bill will tax them, the bush tax cuts will end, the financial bill will hurt them, so where are we going to get jobs from? The President has said he don't care if he is a one term president, as long as he gets his agenda! Please fire these senators in November!

New comment by DOUGLASFIELD

2010-02-03T11:35:21Z

SENATOR, NOW THAT THE PEOPLES U.S.CONGRESS HAS DOCUMENTED OUR UNJUST AMERICAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM,HAVE YOU HEARD IF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT KNOWS WHERE AND WHEN WE CAN ALL WATCH THESE POSSIBLE WRONGFUL EXECUTIONS TAKE PLACE ? TROY DAVIS & MUMIA ABU ~JAMAL ~ ARE HAVING PRAYERS FOR JUSTICE SAID FOR THEM WORLD~WIDE ..WE CAN ALL ONLY HOPE AND PRAY THAT EVERYONE IN OUR U.S.CONGRESS THAT KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS HOW UNJUST OUR U.S JUDICIAL SYSTEM CAN BE WITH OUR POORER AMERICANS,BECOMES ACTIVE IN MAKING SURE THAT TROY DAVIS OF GEORGIA AND MUMIA ABU~JAMAL OF PENNSYLVANIA RECEIVE FAIR AND JUST TRIALS BEFORE ANY POSSIBLE WRONGFUL EXECUTIONS TAKE PLACE. LAWYERS FOR POOR AMERICANS IS A WWW VOLUNTEEER LOBBY THAT SINGS OUT FOR OUR MIDDLE~CLASS AND WORKING POOR AMERICANS. WE CAN BE FOUND WITH ANY SEARCH ENGINE BY OUR NAME OR TELEPHONE NUMBER.(424-247-2013) * MANY MORE IN OUR U.S. CONGRESS ARE NOW FINDNG OUT THE TRUTH OTHER THEN SENATOR WEBB AND THOSE OTHERS IN THE NOW... IN CONGRESS

New comment by AnnaSchaefer

2010-09-01T23:57:11Z

The College Debt Swap Act needs to get passed. These students are drowning in debt. With the College Debt Swap Act, we would get the same benefits as the Federal Student Loans have. We are not asking for a bailout. We want to repay our loans, but need a better structure in repayment that is allowed for the federal loans. This will allow these people to regain their buying power. We want to buy a home, raise a family and start new businesses, but with large debt due to the unforgiving interest rates and other fees these private lenders are allowed to saddle us with, we will never have our buying power. So how will the economy ever be strong with the majority of young, educated people at the mercy of these lenders? Please hear our pleas.

New comment by Anonymous

2010-02-23T14:24:22Z

http://www.infowars.com/iran-to-reveal-evidence-of-jundallah-ties-with-u-s/

New comment by Anjou99999

2010-02-26T12:00:17Z

Thank you for your valiant effort last night to extend Unemployment Benefits. You do seem to be aware of the fact that people who are unemployed ( particularly long-term) have no safety net of savings,health care,retirement benefits to fall back on and are feeding our children check to check. Obviously, the Republican Senate and Congress has no interest in bi-partisan politics,and is only motivatated by ambition and political tactics. Enough kowtowing to them,stop wasting time on the vain hope of bi-partisanship,and get things done without them.That is what we want to see on C-Span, and the only way it seems that anything will get done in Washington.

New comment by purplelilac3084

2010-03-06T07:24:57Z

This man is a disgrace to our congress. I watch CSPAN and he spends money like it is free! Our country is going to be bankrupt, and they just don't care that our children and grandchildren will be paying for our corrupt government, who has an agenda of taking away capitalism...You know, our FREEDOM! The healthcare bill is a disgrace and will make insurance costs go UP. The intelligent person knows that only TORT reform will lower premiums. The Democrats will not put this in the bill because the malpractice lawyers donate to them for their campaigns! CORRUPT is the word. The federal government does not have the RIGHT to make us buy anything! They are violating our constitutional right! I don't know about you, but I am on uneployment and cannot afford any money for insurance, but the government doesn't care, and will make me. I was a democrat, but switched because I was ashamed to be one. Please vote out the senators, so we will have a chance of freedom!

New comment by WbGoerg

2010-06-13T11:09:55Z

When are yall going to do something for the veterans and other people who are out of work, instead of just lining your own pockets and taking care of the corporations? Elections are coming up and I might not be able to pay my bills, but I can still vote.

New comment by FreedomGal09

2010-06-16T04:30:25Z

Vote yes for S. 941 BATFE Reform. This bill corrects some misinterpretations by the BATFE which have resulted in problems in the past. This bill currently has wide bipartisan support so I am requesting you support it also.

New comment by Anonymous

2008-01-15T07:32:35Z

From: Caren.Bryant Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:19 AM To: 'Correspondence_Reply@durbin.senate.gov' Subject: RE: Message From Senator Durbin Importance: High My contact w/you, Senator Durbin, was less about the health plans and more about getting diabetes education given by certified diabetes educators reimbursed by insurance providers along with Medicare and Public Aid. We have millions of people who need education to stop the progress to Type 2 Diabetes, but it isn’t covered by many, if any insurance or government programs. Further, reimbursement to nurses who work as diabetes educators is not reimbursable unless that nurse is working under physically present guidance of a physician. Certification means we are trained to provide the appropriate education to people at risk and who have diabetes. We want to be proactive about the disease process. We want to hold off the complications poor management brings about. Complications, also known as chronic diseases and conditions, drain our insurance dollars. Having affordable health coverage is a big deal. But, being able to use the health coverage to its fullest advantage for the insured is a bigger deal and should be the goal. Thank you for your time, Caren Endocrinology--Courtesy, Care, Commitment--Our Formula for Excellence Caren K. Bryant, RN, BSN Endocrinology Department 217-383-3490 602 W. University Ave. Urbana, IL 61801-2594 ________________________________________ From: Correspondence_Reply@durbin.senate.gov [mailto:Correspondence_Reply@durbin.senate.gov] Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 10:29 AM To: Caren.Bryant Subject: Message From Senator Durbin January 15, 2008 Ms. Caren Bryant 1023 Saint Andrews Cir Rantoul, IL 61866 Dear Ms. Bryant: Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to association health plans. I share your interest in this issue. Throughout Illinois, whether I am talking to employers or employees, I hear concerns about the affordability of health insurance. I proposed legislation in 1997, and again in 1999, to make health insurance premiums fully tax deductible for the self-employed. My legislation was fully implemented in 2003. I am also working to expand health insurance options and affordability for small businesses and their employees. For the last several years, Senator Lincoln of Arkansas and I have been working for passage of the Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act, which would expand the range of options available to small businesses and consumers in the health care marketplace by giving non-government employees the kind of flexibility and choice that members of Congress and federal government workers currently enjoy. The measure is based on the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which provides a choice of health plans, the savings that come with group purchasing, comprehensive benefits, and open enrollment periods. Under our bill, the self-employed and employees of small businesses would be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan similar to those offered to members of Congress. Small businesses willing to contribute a fair share of the cost of their employees' health insurance would be able to offer coverage to their employees through this program with tax credits to help them afford the cost for low-paid employees. Earlier this year, Senator Vitter from Louisiana and Senator Thune from South Dakota proposed an amendment to the Fair Minimum Wage bill (H.R. 2) which would have created association health plans (AHPs). I am pleased that this amendment was not brought to a vote. While I am not opposed to the idea of small businesses joining together through their associations to offer affordable health insurance to their employees, proposals in previous Congresses to create AHPs have had serious flaws. It is important that all Americans have access to affordable health care. I will continue to keep your concerns in mind as I work to provide insurance options to the self-employed, small businesses, and their employees. Thank you again for your message. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator RJD/ns P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.

New comment by ahummert

2009-06-10T04:20:34Z

Please vote Aye on the Federal Reserve Transparency Act (H.R. 1207)!

New comment by Homebuilt7

2010-06-26T04:42:05Z

Senator Durbin, we all know you are not a very bright bulb in the world of reality but a "carp czar"? How about you taking the position of "worthless government job" czar huh? http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/06/durbin-asks-obama-to-appoint-carp-czar.html

New comment by DOUGLASFIELD

2010-04-26T11:26:30Z

DEAR SENATOR, ~ SHOULD POORER AMERICANS HAVE FAITH THAT OUR U.S. SUPREME COURT IS WELL AWARE THAT AMERICAN PESTIGE INTERNATIONALLY IS VERY MUCH BASED ON HOW WELL WE TREAT OUR OWN CITIZENS~ *** U.S. SUPREME COURT TO THE RESCUE OF MIDDLE~CLASS AND WORKING POOR AMERICANS OR IS THIS JUST ANOTHER BAD DREAM THAT REAL JUSTICE WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO NOT BE AFFORDED US LITTLE PEOPLE HERE IN THE WEALTHIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD ?? ** MIDDLE~CLASS AND WORKING POOR RELIGIOUS AMERICANS REST OUR CASE AGAINST GOVERNOR RICK PERRY OF TEXAS & SATAN ~ YOUR U.S. SUPREME COURT HONOR'S !!! ** CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN OTHER THEN SATAN HOW TEXAS GOVERNOR RICK PERRY ON ONE HAND PARDONS FORMER TEXAS INMATE TIMOTHY COLE WHO WAS WRONGFULLY EXECUTED WITHOUT BEING ALLOWED TO EXONERATE HIMSELF USING DNA TESTING IN TEXAS , AND WITHIN THE SAME MONTH THIS SAME GOVERNOR RICK PERRY OF TEXAS DENIES YET ANOTHER DNA TEST PRIOR ANOTHER POSSIBLE WRONGFUL EXECUTION OF HANK SKINNER ???

New comment by cjxxi

2009-03-30T20:29:12Z

Thank you Sen Durbin, you are the best!

New comment by Anonymous

2008-01-27T15:43:45Z

Dear Fellow Americans: >NOTE< IF you agree with this effort, forward this email. BUT if you do NOT agree, just smile and delete. This is NO attempt to influence your vote and NO.... I have NOT been approached or solicited or asked or paid or anything....to "launch this letter". I am reminded that when Americans fail to speak out against what they perceive as bad politics and bad policies, we ALL loose. I have always been a taxpaying and voting citizen. My first vote was for John F. Kennedy. I have felt great disdain for African Americans who vigorously support the Republican Party. When the Clinton's were being attacked by Ken Star and were subjected to the dirty tactics of a smear campaign by the Republican Party, even 'tho personal misbehavior invited that, I wrote letters of support to the Clinton's and, on their behalf, to numerous politicians, media pesons and to church leaders across this nation. In my opinion, this 2008 Presidential political contest is NOT so much about race or/and gender, as it is about POWER. But it MUST also be won ethically and fairly. As it appears to me, BOTH the Clinton's are making a strong case to validate the belief that the abused, once gaining power, may become the abuser. Speaking for myself only, I am grateful that when there was a call for the bus boycott in Montgomery, AL, that NOT one African American Minister called for support of continued segregated busses. Every "chance" to support a candidate is NOT the same thing as an opportunity to promote the GOOD of the people. To express my concern about their actions, I have personally contacted certain community leaders via web addresses, who have been motivated or/ and felt obligated to step forward with unnecessary and untimely "ENDORSEMENTS" or/and divisive debasing comments.OH! What would Adam Clayton Powell think now? ~~~ PLEASE help God BLESS America~~~ It IS our responsibility to step IN here. The media, while we NEED them for information, IS also fanning the flames of a fire that has the potential to become big and dangerous. I hope to have as many people as possible call the Clinton Headquarters; numbers listed below. I have called.YOU tell them: 1. Tell any one who answers the phone that you want to see an end to the negative campaigning 2. That you are a private citizen who does NOT like the personal attacks and distortion of the record 3. That you WILL withdraw support and WILL campaign against ANY candidate who initiates and maliciously perpetrates "personal" and cheap attacks 4. That we Americans want POSITIVE campaigning on THE ISSUES from a leader who seeks to unify, NOT just win .............OR....... say whatever YOU choose, but DO call to say something that may help foster a more civil campaign I have sent this email to HUNRDEDS OF PEOPLE on hundreds of sites including Nat'l Democratic Party, THE CLINTON'S.....library etc et al, COLLEGES, URBAN LEAGUE, NAACP...... talk radio hosts, popular news media......... and HUNDREDS of other people have sent it out also. Pass on AND make YOUR calls NOW. IF people started calling me THE Queen of England, I would likely wonder why, but in NO case would I believe myself to be unequivocally entitled to the socio-political advantages of that office. Maybe someone should tell Bill. He was "NICKNAMED" the first Black President. He wasn't REALLY him. Thanks, Janet OHIO THE NUMBERS FOR YOU TO CALL 4420 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 703-469-2008 Fax: 703-962-8600 Arizona 602-279-8030 | Arkansas 501-244-0200 | California - North 415-255-7431 | California - South 213-908-0190 | Colorado 303-296-1708 | Georgia 404-541-9595 | Iowa 515-282-5307 | Minnesota 612-374-0156 | Missouri 314-961-2008 | Nevada 702-664-1040 | New Hampshire 603-782-4640 | New Jersey 609-695-0600 | New York 212-213-3717 | South Carolina 803-667-3112 |