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Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

United States · Official source

Records

11,330 records where Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 1233 (119th)referred

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2025

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 This bill addresses issues relating to non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, including exempting certain such individuals from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. To be exempt from the annual numerical limitations on immigrant visas, the individual must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have an offer) to perform work directly related to the degree and earn higher than the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. The bill also allows an individual seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa for an advanced STEM degree to obtain the nonimmigrant visa even if the individual seeks lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an individual may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the individual actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that visa.) Under this bill, to be approved for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree, the applicant must apply for the visa before beginning the advanced degree program. The bill also requires an individual who is inside the United States and applying for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree to undergo the same vetting (e.g., verifying academic credentials and undergoing background checks) as an individual applying from outside the United States.

Bill· SS. 1241 (119th)referred

Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2025

Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025   This bill imposes penalties on certain persons (individuals and entities) if the President determines that the Russian government or a person acting at Russia's direction is involved with (1) refusing to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine; (2) violating a negotiated peace agreement; (3) initiating another invasion of Ukraine; or (4) overthrowing, dismantling, or seeking to subvert the Ukrainian government.   If the President makes such a determination, the bill requires certain actions including the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on specified persons such as the Russian president, certain Russian military commanders, and any foreign person that knowingly provides defense items to the Russian armed forces; the President must increase the rate of duty on all goods and services imported from Russia into the United States to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services; the President must increase the rate of duty on all goods and services imported into the United States from countries that knowingly engage in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services; the Department of the Treasury must impose property-blocking sanctions on any financial institution organized under Russian law and owned wholly or partly by Russia, and any financial institution that engages in transactions with those entities; and the Department of Commerce must prohibit the export, reexport, or in-country transfer to or in Russia of any U.S.-produced energy or energy product.

Bill· SS. 1211 (119th)referred

AID Youth Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2025

Assisting In Developing Youth Employment Act or the AID Youth Employment Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants, on a competitive basis, to assist states, local governments, Indian tribes, and community-based organizations in providing subsidized summer and year-round employment opportunities to certain youth who are not younger than 14 or older than 24, including individuals who are subject to the justice system, homeless, pregnant, or parenting. Specifically, grants must be used to support employment for eligible individuals and may be used to provide wages, provide associated support services (e.g., case management or child care), and develop data management systems to assist such programs. The bill also requires Labor to establish performance measures and annually review the performance of each grant recipient.   

Bill· SS. 1172 (119th)referred

Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2025

Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to unfreeze funding for agreements and contracts and prohibits USDA from closing certain offices and service centers without notifying Congress in advance. Specifically, USDA must (1) unfreeze funding for, and implement, all agreements and contracts entered into by USDA prior to the bill's enactment; and (2) pay all related past due amounts owed by USDA as rapidly as possible. Further, the bill prohibits USDA from canceling a signed agreement or contract with a farmer or an entity providing assistance to farmers (unless the farmer or entity is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract). Finally, the bill prohibits USDA from closing Farm Service Agency county offices, Natural Resources Conservation Service field offices, or Rural Development Service Centers without providing written notice and a justification to Congress at least 60 days before the closure.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 43 (119th)referred

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

Bill· SS. 1133 (119th)open

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2025

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 This bill establishes a framework to allow federal court proceedings—in district courts, in circuit courts, and at the Supreme Court—to be photographed, recorded, broadcast, or televised. Specifically, it authorizes the presiding judge to permit media coverage of court proceedings, subject to requirements and limitations.

Bill· SS. 1146 (119th)open

Cameras in the Courtroom Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2025

Cameras in the Courtroom Act This bill requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless it decides by majority vote that allowing such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of any of the parties before the Court.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 143 (119th)passed

A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2025

This resolution designates May 29, 2025, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Bill· SS. 1115 (119th)referred

Paycheck Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2025

Bill· SS. 1096 (119th)open

Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2025

Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act This bill prohibits parties from entering into any agreement that resolves or settles a patent claim related to the sale of a drug or biological product and that has anticompetitive effects. Such an agreement is presumed to have anticompetitive effects if the filer of a generic drug or biosimilar application receives anything of value and agrees to limit or forego research, development, manufacturing, marketing, or sales of the generic drug or biosimilar. An agreement is exempt if the only consideration granted to the generic manufacturer is (1) the right to market and secure final approval for its product prior to the expiration of any statutory exclusivity, (2) a payment for reasonable litigation expenses, or (3) a covenant not to sue on any claim that the generic drug or biosimilar infringes a U.S. patent. An agreement is also exempt if the agreement's pro-competitive benefits outweigh the anticompetitive effects. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Violators are subject to penalties including the forfeiture of the 180-day marketing exclusivity period for a generic drug. Additionally, when a generic or biosimilar drug manufacturer enters into an agreement with another drug manufacturer related to the manufacturing, marketing, or sale of a drug, the manufacturers must certify that the material they have given the FTC and the Department of Justice concerning the agreement contains the complete agreement and any related agreements, including descriptions of any oral agreements or representations.

Bill· SS. 1095 (119th)open

Stop STALLING Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2025

Stop Significant and Time-wasting Abuse Limiting Legitimate Innovation of New Generics Act or the Stop STALLING Act This bill makes it an unfair method of competition to submit an objectively baseless petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an attempt to interfere with a competitor's application for market approval of a drug. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to sue an individual or entity that submits such a petition to the FDA. A party found liable in such a lawsuit is subject to civil penalties, such as a fine of up to $50,000 for each day that the FDA spent reviewing the baseless petition.

Bill· SS. 1097 (119th)open

Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2025

Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 This bill establishes the Interagency Task Force on Patents to support coordination and communication between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on activities relating to patents for human drugs and biological products. The task force's duties shall include sharing information about (1) the processes of each agency, including how each agency evaluates applications (e.g., patent applications at the USPTO and new drug applications at the FDA); and (2) new approvals of patents, human drugs, biological products, and new technologies. The task force must also establish a process that requires (1) the USPTO to request from the FDA information relating to certain patent applications to help patent examiners carry out their duties, (2) the FDA to provide such information to the USPTO, and (3) the USPTO to assist the FDA in its ministerial role of listing patents.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 133 (119th)referred

A resolution expressing support for the local public K-12 schools of the United States and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Education.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2025

This resolution supports federal investment in public K-12 schools, affirms that the Department of Education (ED) plays a vital role in the public education system, and states that public education funding should not be diverted (e.g., through the use of vouchers) to privately run K-12 schools.  The resolution also condemns any executive or legislative action to (1) dismantle or relocate ED or any of its major offices; or (2) reduce federal funding for public education, block federal grants for education, or transfer funding burdens for education to state and local governments.

Bill· SS. 1040 (119th)open

Drug Competition Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

Drug Competition Enhancement Act This bill prohibits product hopping by drug manufacturers and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition. Generally, product hopping describes a situation where, when the patents on a reference drug (or biological product) expire, the manufacturer switches to a follow-on product that is covered by a later-expiring patent. Under this bill, a follow-on product is a modified version of the reference drug that has an indication (what the drug is used for) that is identical or substantively similar to an indication of the reference drug. The bill establishes a presumption that product hopping has occurred when a reference drug manufacturer, after receiving notice that the Food and Drug Administration has received an application to market a competing generic (or biosimilar) version, takes certain actions such as withdrawing the reference drug from the market and selling a follow-on product. A drug manufacturer may rebut these presumptions by demonstrating that its conduct was not intended to limit competition. The bill makes product hopping an unfair method of competition and provides for enforcement by the FTC. If the FTC has reason to believe a manufacturer has violated or is about to violate this prohibition on product hopping, the FTC may institute an administrative proceeding or bring suit in federal court to stop the manufacturer’s action and seek equitable remedies, including disgorgement of unjust profits or paying restitution to those harmed. 

Bill· SS. 1025 (119th)referred

FCC Legal Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

FCC Legal Enforcement Act This bill authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to pursue certain unpaid fines related to unauthorized telemarketing calls. Under current law, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits certain telemarketing calls made without the recipient’s consent and using automatic dialing technology or artificial or prerecorded voice messages. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has authority to pursue unpaid fines for TCPA violations. Under the bill, if DOJ does not pursue an unpaid fine related to a TCPA violation within a specified period, the FCC may do so. The bill directs the FCC to prioritize the collection of unpaid fines over $25 million.

Bill· SS. 1041 (119th)open

Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act This bill limits in certain instances the number of patents that the manufacturer of a biologic drug can assert in a lawsuit against a company seeking to sell a biosimilar version of that drug. (A biologic drug is produced through natural processes or isolated from natural sources. A biosimilar version is substantially similar to the original biologic, which is the reference product, and is often marketed as a less expensive alternative.) The bill's provisions apply to an existing framework that gives the biosimilar manufacturer an abbreviated path to Food and Drug Administration approval to sell the biosimilar. Specifically, if the biosimilar manufacturer completes certain actions under the framework, such as sharing certain information about its product with the reference product manufacturer, the bill limits the number of certain patents that the reference product manufacturer may assert in a lawsuit, such as patents that were filed more than four years after the reference product received market approval. The limit shall not apply to patents claiming certain methods for using the biologic drug. The court in which the infringement lawsuit is filed may increase the limit if justice so requires or if there is good cause for the increase.

Bill· SS. 1060 (119th)referred

AMERICA Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act or the AMERICA Act This bill limits certain large digital advertising companies from owning multiple types of advertising exchanges or brokerages and imposes certain duties with respect to the interests of the customers of such brokerages. Advertising exchanges and brokerages generally facilitate advertisers and publishers in buying and selling advertising inventory through an automated bidding process. Specifically, companies with more than $20 billion in annual digital advertising revenue are prohibited from owning more than one type of service within the digital advertising marketplace. For example, a company, such as Google, may not own a digital advertising exchange and provide software that assists publishers of online advertisements in selling advertising space on their websites. Additionally, companies with more than $5 billion in annual digital advertising revenue that provide brokerage services to buyers or sellers of digital advertisements must act in the best interest of their brokerage customers. The bill also establishes transparency and privacy requirements for such brokerages. The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Department of Justice, state attorneys general, and private right of action. 

Bill· SS. 978 (119th)referred

HELPER Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2025

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2025 or the HELPER Act of 2025 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment. Instead, the mortgage is subject to a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.

Bill· SS. 986 (119th)referred

Safe Schools Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2025

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, disability, religion, or sex. Sex includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics (including intersex traits). Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

Bill· SS. 994 (119th)referred

PROTECT Students Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2025

Preventing Risky Operations from Threatening the Education and Career Trajectories of Students Act of 2025 or the PROTECT Students Act of 2025 This bill sets forth provisions to address financial predatory practices in higher education, including by establishing additional protections for students and student loan borrowers. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for Department of Education (ED) regulations related to gainful employment, borrower defense to repayment, and closed school discharges. For example, ED's 2023 gainful employment regulations specify that ED considers a career education program to be preparing students for gainful employment if it meets specified debt-to-earnings or earnings premium measures. Additionally, the bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from taking specified actions, such as (1) restricting students' ability to pursue claims against IHEs in court, and (2) withholding official transcripts because of a balance owed by the student. The bill requires IHEs to spend at least 30% of their tuition and fee revenue on instruction. The bill also includes additional oversight measures, such as providing statutory authority for an enforcement unit within ED's Office of Federal Student Aid to assess complaints against IHEs, third-party servicers, and student loan servicers;  establishing the For-Profit Education Oversight Coordination Committee within the executive branch; and requiring ED to establish and operate a system that tracks complaints or reports of suspicious activity by IHEs, third-party servicers, and student loan servicers. The bill makes funding available to ED for the administrative costs of operating student aid programs.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 122 (119th)referred

A resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the lives of the people and communities of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

This resolution encourages (1) the people of the United States to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service; and (2) all individuals to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors.

Bill· SS. 889 (119th)referred

Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 This bill establishes grants to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws at the state and local levels, extends federal firearms restrictions to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders, and expands related data collection. Extreme risk protection order laws, or red flag laws, generally allow certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers or family members) to petition a court for a temporary order that prohibits an at-risk individual from purchasing and possessing firearms. Among its provisions, the bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to help states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities implement extreme risk protection order laws; extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders; and requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to compile records from federal, tribal, and state courts and other agencies that identify individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders.

Bill· SS. 905 (119th)referred

Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a five-year pilot program to give preference to any procurement action or solicitation with a non-public partner that uses a government-owned and operated arsenal of the Department of the Army in any type of contractual agreement with the government. Under the program, DOD must add 20% to the price of the bid of non-public partners that do not use a government-owned arsenal. DOD must also give preference to non-public partners that utilize the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence of the Army and ensure not less than 25% of the activities under the partnership are performed by DOD employees.